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New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl

A festive treat that combines a deep, buttery cinnamon swirl with a bright orange glaze, perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (30–43°C) 2% milk can be used for a healthier option.
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast One packet.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Use half bread flour for a heartier loaf.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Swirl Filling
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch nutmeg Optional.
Orange Glaze
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
Decoration
  • Colored sanding sugar (purple, green, and gold) or sprinkles For traditional decoration.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, whisk warmed milk with a teaspoon of sugar and the yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, remaining sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in the foamy yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or refrigerate overnight.
Filling and Shaping
  1. Beat softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until spreadable.
  2. Punch down the dough, roll into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle, spread the cinnamon mixture evenly, and tightly roll into a log.
  3. Join the ends to form a ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, tucking the seam underneath. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the ring lightly with melted butter and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Cool slightly before glazing.
Glazing and Decorating
  1. Whisk powdered sugar with orange juice and zest until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake and sprinkle colored sanding sugar while the glaze is still wet.
  2. Optionally, hide a small plastic baby or charm in the cake after baking and cutting.

Notes

For dietary adaptations, use gluten-free flour and reduce baking powder slightly. Room temperature storage lasts up to 2 days; refrigeration lasts up to 5 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.