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Mardi Gras King Cake

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Celebrate Mardi Gras with this traditional King Cake featuring a sweet, cinnamon-infused dough decorated in festive royal purple, green, and gold sugar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Colored sanding sugar (purple, green, and gold) for decoration
  • 1 small plastic baby figurine (optional)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
  3. Add the activated yeast to the milk mixture and stir.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
  6. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  7. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar and softened butter.
  10. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, spread the filling evenly over the dough.
  11. Roll the dough tightly into a log and form it into a ring shape, pinching edges to seal.
  12. Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Insert the small plastic baby figurine under the dough if desired.
  13. Let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
  14. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  15. Mix powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze, and drizzle over the cooled cake.
  16. Decorate the top with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar in stripes.

Notes

For best flavor, serve the King Cake fresh the day it’s baked; you can also add cream cheese filling for a richer taste.

Find it online: https://busymomsimplenutrition.com/mardi-gras-king-cake-delicious-tradition/