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Easy King Cake Recipe

Easy King Cake Recipe
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This Easy King Cake Recipe is a festive and colorful treat featuring a soft, fluffy dough swirled with sweet cinnamon filling and topped with the iconic vibrant Mardi Gras colored sugar glaze. Perfect for celebrations, it is simple to make with pantry staples and customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup lukewarm milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Cinnamon Filling

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Glaze and Decoration

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Food coloring: purple, green, and gold
  • Colored sugar for sprinkling
  • Optional: Mini plastic baby or figurine (wrapped in plastic)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm and dissolve the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar in it. Let it bloom for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until dough begins to form, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
  2. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until smooth and spreadable. If desired, mix in chopped nuts for added texture.
  3. Roll and Fill the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, covering every inch. Optionally sprinkle chopped nuts. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log starting from a long edge.
  4. Shape the Cake: Join the ends of the rolled dough to form a ring; pinch them together to seal. Transfer the ring to a greased baking sheet or cake pan. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed and fluffy.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
  6. Add the Traditional Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, a splash of milk, and a few drops of each food coloring to create purple, green, and gold glazes. Drizzle the glazes over the cooled cake alternating colors. Sprinkle colored sugar on top for the signature festive look.

Notes

  • Use lukewarm milk to properly activate the yeast for the best rise.
  • Allow the dough to fully double in size between rises for a light and fluffy texture.
  • Seal the rolled dough tightly to prevent filling leaks during baking.
  • Cool the cake completely before applying glaze to prevent melting and run-off.
  • If including the baby figurine, wrap it well in plastic and insert only after baking and cooling for safety.
  • Store leftover cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days; freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat slices gently in microwave or low oven to refresh texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras, cinnamon swirl cake, festive cake, holiday dessert, cinnamon roll cake, traditional King Cake

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/easy-king-cake-recipe/