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My King Cake

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My King Cake is a festive, colorful dessert with rich, buttery dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and a vibrant icing. Traditionally enjoyed during Mardi Gras, it also has a hidden baby for good luck, making it perfect for special occasions or Mardi Gras celebrations.

Ingredients

  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold sprinkles (or colored sugar)
  • 1 small plastic baby (or a coin wrapped in foil, or another small token)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, eggs, and the remaining sugar. Add the yeast mixture and vanilla extract. Stir in 3 cups of flour and cinnamon (if using). Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let it rise in an oiled bowl, covered, for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. In the meantime, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter for the filling. Set aside.
  5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down, roll it into a rectangle (1/4-inch thick), and spread the cinnamon filling on top.
  6. Roll the dough into a log, pinch the edges, and form it into a ring. Let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool slightly.
  8. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cake and top with colorful sprinkles.
  9. If using a plastic baby or token, insert it into the bottom of the cake once it has cooled slightly. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

The tradition of the baby inside the King Cake adds a fun twist—whoever finds the baby is said to have good luck for the year ahead!You can use fruit preserves or cream cheese for a different filling variation.If you’re using store-bought dough, you can skip the first step of making dough and instead focus on filling and baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/my-king-cake/