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New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl

Close-up of a moist slice of King Cake showing cinnamon swirl filling and colorful purple, green, and gold icing.
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Bake a soft, moist Mardi Gras King Cake featuring a rich cinnamon swirl filling and a vibrant purple, green, and gold glaze. This recipe brings the joy of Carnival celebration to your table.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
  • 3 tablespoons milk or water (for icing)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars (for decoration)
  • 1 small plastic baby (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and 2 cups of the flour to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or with a dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. While the dough rises, prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth.
  6. Gently punch down the risen dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches.
  7. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge. If using the plastic baby, place it in the dough near the center.
  8. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed.
  9. Shape the log into a ring or oval by bringing the ends together and pinching them firmly. Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  10. Cover the cake loosely and let it rise again in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
  12. Prepare the icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more liquid, a half teaspoon at a time, if the icing is too thick.
  13. Drizzle the white icing over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle with the purple, green, and gold sanding sugars.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality ground cinnamon in your filling.
  • If you prefer a cream cheese filling, substitute the cinnamon mixture with 4 ounces of softened cream cheese mixed with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
  • To achieve the traditional colors, remember the meaning: Purple signifies justice, green signifies faith, and gold signifies power.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/kings-cake-new-orleans-style-recipe/