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Mardi Gras King Cake

A festive and colorful cake filled with cinnamon, perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras and sharing with loved ones.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) Quick Rise yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk (120 to 130 degrees) Ensure the milk is warm for yeast activation.
  • 1/4 cup sugar Used for dissolving in milk.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 units eggs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, cut into 12 pieces)
Filling Ingredients
  • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Icing Ingredients
  • 1 cup powdered or confectioners sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Decoration
  • 1/8 cup dark green sugar For decoration.
  • 1/8 cup purple sugar For decoration.
  • 1/8 cup yellow or gold sugar For decoration.
  • 1 unit miniature plastic baby Traditionally hidden inside the cake.

Method
 

Preparation of Dough
  1. Mix 2 1/2 cups of flour and yeast in a mixing bowl on low for about 30 seconds.
  2. Heat milk, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved and the milk is between 120 to 130 degrees.
  3. Pour in the heated liquids and mix until combined. Add eggs one at a time.
  4. Switch to a dough hook, add the remaining flour gradually, and mix until a soft dough forms.
  5. Add softened butter pieces and knead until fully absorbed.
  6. Knead for eight minutes on low until the dough clears the sides of the bowl.
  7. Knead by hand, form a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Filling and Shaping
  1. Combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling and mix with butter.
  2. Roll the dough into a 10x20 inch rectangle, spread the filling on one half, fold the dough, and braid it into three strips.
  3. Shape it into a ring and let it rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake until golden (20-35 minutes).
  2. Let cool, then press the miniature baby into the cake.
Icing
  1. For icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spoon over the cake and sprinkle with colored sugar.

Notes

Store leftover King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and place in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Adjust fillings or toppings to taste.