Description
King Cake is a traditional pastry associated with the celebration of Mardi Gras, featuring a rich, sweet dough and colorful icing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Colored sugar (purple, green, and gold)
- 1 small plastic baby (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle and shape it into a ring.
- Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the cake cool before decorating with icing and colored sugar.
Notes
- Traditionally, a small plastic baby is hidden inside the cake.
- Whoever finds the baby is expected to host the next King Cake party.
- Feel free to customize the icing flavors and colors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg