King Cake
User Reviews
5
King Cake
Description
The King Cake recipe begins with a soft yeast dough made from whole milk, yeast, eggs, honey, butter, kosher salt, and all-purpose flour. After the dough rises until doubled and collapses, it is rolled out into a thin rectangular shape. A mixture of cream cheese, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon is spread over the dough before it is rolled up lengthwise and shaped into a ring.
The cream cheese filling adds moisture and a sweet spice note alongside the tender, slightly sweet yeast dough which is enriched with honey and butter. Once baked and cooled, the cake is glazed with a vanilla sugar icing and decorated with sanding sugar in traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold, and green.
This King Cake works well for gatherings or as a special breakfast or dessert, and the rich dough contrasts nicely with the creamy cinnamon filling. Using a thermometer for the liquid ensures proper yeast activation and dough consistency, while adding flour carefully prevents stickiness without drying the dough.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup milk whole
- 1 yeast package
- 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 egg large
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour unbleached
Cream Cheese Filling
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 1/4 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons water or milk
- sanding sugar purple, gold and green
Instructions
Dough
- Scald the milk. Add to standing mixer. The butter should cool the milk enough to activate the yeast, but If you're not sure, test the temperature using a thermometer. It should be between 105 and 110 degrees F. Add butter, honey, salt and yeast. Add eggs and mix until blended.
- Add the flour slowly, until dough comes together in a ball.
- Place dough in a large bowl and cover. Allow to rest at room temperature until dough rises and collapses, approximately 2 hours.
- Dough is ready to use at this point, but can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15 for easier rolling.
Filling
- Meanwhile, make the filling. In a mixer combine cream cheese, sugars, vanilla and cinnamon until combined.
Finishing the King Cake
- On a lightly floured board, roll dough into a long, thin rectangle approximately 12" x 18".
- Spread filling up to 1" from sides of dough. Roll dough lengthwise away from you.
- Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Tucking ends under to form an oval. Cover loosely with a clean cloth and let rise in a warm spot until double, about 45 minutes.
- Bake at 375 degrees F. for 35-40 minutes, or until deep golden brown. The bottom of the bread will sound hollow when tapped.
Glaze
- For glaze, combine confectioner's sugar, vanilla and water until thick drizzle consistency.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Tuck a small plastic baby into the underside of the cake. Drizzle or spread glaze over the top and sprinkle with alternating bands of colored sugar.
Notes
- Use a thermometer to keep liquid temperature between 105-110°F for activating yeast effectively.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add extra flour 1 tablespoon at a time until manageable.
- The dough should be shiny and smooth after mixing, indicating proper development.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 304 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1slice | |
| Calories | 304kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 53mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 474mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 95mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin A | 429IU | 9% |
| Calcium | 55mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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