Mardi Gras is all about celebration, and nothing captures the spirit of this festive season like a delicious King Cake! This sweet, cinnamon-filled brioche cake is a New Orleans tradition, often decorated in vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar. Here’s how you can make your own at home and bring a taste of Carnival to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Optional: 1/2 cup cream cheese for a richer filling
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until well combined.
(Optional) If using cream cheese, mix it separately and spread a thin layer over the dough before adding the cinnamon mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle (about 10x20 inches).
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough into a log, starting from the long edge, then shape it into a ring.
Pinch the ends together to seal the cake and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
Let the cake cool completely before decorating.
Step 5: Decorate the Cake
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar to create the traditional Mardi Gras look.
(Optional) Hide a small plastic baby under the cake before serving—the person who finds it is responsible for hosting next year’s party!
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