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New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl

A close-up of a freshly baked King Cake loaf showing a cinnamon swirl interior and white icing with purple, gold, and green glitter.
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A soft, brioche-like ring cake filled with cinnamon sugar, glazed, and decorated with traditional purple, green, and gold sugars for Mardi Gras celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dough)
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
  • 2 tablespoons milk or water (for icing)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar (for decoration)
  • 1 small plastic baby (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: 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. Mix the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt. Mix until just combined.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and 3 cups of the flour. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the dough.
  4. First Rise: 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. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a thick paste.
  6. Shape the cake: Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Brush the entire surface with the melted butter reserved for the filling, then evenly spread the cinnamon filling mixture over the dough.
  7. Roll and form: Starting with the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed. Form the log into a ring or oval shape, joining the ends and pinching firmly to seal. If using the plastic baby, insert it into the cake now.
  8. Second Rise: Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Bake: Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. Make the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust liquid for desired consistency; you want a thick glaze that sets but does not run off completely.
  11. Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle generously with the purple, green, and gold sanding sugars.

Notes

  • For a softer cake, consider using the same approach as preparing a simple meal planning recipe: measure accurately and do not over-knead the dough.
  • The traditional colors represent Justice (purple), Faith (green), and Power (gold).
  • If you are looking for alternatives to traditional baking, this recipe is not suitable for keto meal plan delivery options.

Nutrition

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