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–+ servings

Classic King Cake

A festive and colorful cake traditionally served during Mardi Gras, filled with cinnamon and adorned with icing and sprinkles.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup milk warm
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 oz active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Filling
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
Icing
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
  • 1 cup colored sugar purple, green, and gold

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add melted butter, eggs, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling
  1. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon until well combined.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
  3. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly from the long side.
  4. Shape the rolled dough into a ring and pinch the ends to seal.
  5. Place on a baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Decorate the Cake
  1. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create the icing.
  2. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake and sprinkle with colored sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Traditionally, a small plastic baby is hidden inside the cake. The person who finds it is expected to host the next celebration.

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