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Mardi Gras King Cake

Celebrate Mardi Gras with these delicious king cake recipes, perfect for any gathering or festive occasion.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, New Orleans
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast About 2 1/4 teaspoons
  • 1 cup milk Warm, about 110°F
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Melted
  • 3 large eggs Beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Filling & Topping Ingredients
  • 8 ounces cream cheese Softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup colorful sprinkles For decoration
  • 1 cup colored icing For drizzling
  • 1 small figurine For traditional hiding

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
  3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Knead until smooth.
  4. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Roll out the dough and spread the softened cream cheese mixture over it. Sprinkle with additional sugar if desired.
  3. Roll the dough into a log and shape it into a ring. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Decorating
  1. Once cooled, drizzle the colored icing over the cake.
  2. Sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top and hide the figurine inside the cake.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Feel free to customize decorations with different icing colors.