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King Cake

This delightful King Cake combines the warmth of cinnamon and citrus, perfect for celebrations or cozy breakfasts, making it a versatile addition to your seasonal baking repertoire.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F/43°C) Use dairy-free milk for a lighter, healthy option.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled Swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free twist.
  • 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Substitute half with bread flour for extra chew.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 each zest of 1 orange For brightness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar For filling.
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup softened butter For filling.
Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice For glaze.
  • optional various colored sugars (purple, green, gold) or sprinkles For traditional toppings.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm the milk until it feels warm to the wrist. Stir in a teaspoon of sugar and the yeast. Let it bloom for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, orange zest, and vanilla. Add the foamy yeast mixture and stir until combined.
  3. Gradually add 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn onto a floured surface and knead, adding up to 1 cup more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 6 to 8 minutes).
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Filling Preparation
  1. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter into a paste.
Shaping the Cake
  1. Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle roughly 12 by 18 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly, leaving a small border.
  2. Roll the dough tightly into a log along the long side. Pinch the seam to seal.
  3. Coil into a ring and tuck the ends underneath, or braid three ropes for a different look. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Cover and let rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) as it nears the end of the rise.
  2. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches about 190°F (88°C).
  3. Cool for 10 minutes, then whisk powdered sugar and orange juice to a pourable glaze.
  4. Drizzle generously and finish with colored sugars or sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Store King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. You can also customize the filling and add nuts or fruit for variation.