Description
This King Cake is a delightful treat with irresistible flavors and a simple preparation. Its combination of rich spices and sweet icing makes it perfect for gatherings and special occasions, sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
- ¼ cup water (60 ml)
- ⅓ cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar divided (70 grams)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 grams)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled (85 grams)
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 4 ½ to 5 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled (565 to 625 grams)
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar (100 grams)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled (57 grams; ½ stick)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water (15 ml)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120 grams)
- 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons whole milk (30 ml)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Tiny plastic baby
- Green, purple, and gold/yellow sanding sugar
Instructions
- Heat milk and water in the microwave until it reaches 110°F to 115°F and pour it into a mixing bowl. Stir in 1 teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let it set until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add remaining ⅓ cup sugar, melted butter, room temperature eggs, 2 cups of flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the bowl. Mix by hand or with a dough hook.
- Incorporate 2 more cups of flour until fully mixed. If the dough is sticky, gradually add up to ½ cup more flour. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the filling by mixing brown sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Set aside.
- Deflate the dough and roll it into a 12×20 inch rectangle. Cut the dough in half lengthwise to form two long strips.
- Spread melted butter on each strip and top with cinnamon sugar evenly, avoiding the edges.
- Roll each strip tightly into a rope and pinch seams closed. Braid the ropes together and form into a circle, placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let the dough rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour in a warm spot.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- After rising, prepare an egg wash by whisking an egg with water. Brush this wash over the top of the cake.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool completely after removing from oven.
- For icing, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.
- If using a plastic baby, cut a small hole in the cake to insert the baby and cover it with a piece of cake.
- Drizzle icing over the cooled cake and immediately sprinkle with sanding sugar while icing is wet.
- Let the icing set for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Make sure the milk and water are at the right temperature for activating the yeast.
Using room temperature eggs will help the dough mix more evenly.
Feel free to customize the colors of the sanding sugar for a unique touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg