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King Cake

This King Cake is a warm, festive pastry that combines buttery dough with orange-scented glaze for a delightful treat perfect for special occasions like Mardi Gras or holiday brunches.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Festive
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F/43°C) Swap for almond milk for a lighter taste.
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading) Substitute half whole wheat for a heartier option.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Filling
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Glaze Ingredients
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3–4 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
Toppings
  • as desired Festive sugars or colored sanding sugar Purple, green, and gold if desired for a traditional Mardi Gras look.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm the milk until it is pleasantly warm to the touch (110°F/43°C). Stir in the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth.
  3. Add the foamy yeast mixture to the butter-egg mix. Gradually stir in flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is elastic and slightly tacky.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch the dough down and turn it out. Roll into a rectangle about 12x18 inches.
  7. If using filling, spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar, and roll tightly from the long edge, sealing the seam.
  8. Shape the roll into a ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pinching ends to seal.
  9. Cover and let rise another 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  2. Cool on a rack for 10–15 minutes. Whisk glaze ingredients until silky, then drizzle or spread over the warm cake.
  3. Sprinkle with festive sugars while glaze is still tacky so they stick. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.

Notes

Change spices to cardamom or nutmeg for a different warmth. If less sweetness is preferred, reduce sugar in the dough by a tablespoon.