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King_Cake_Recipe

King Cake Recipe

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 12

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 1 Oven
  • 1 Serrated knife
  • 1 Small saucepan
  • 1 Brush for glazing

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup chopped raisins
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 small plastic baby figurine
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Assorted colored sugars for decoration

Instructions
 

  • Combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast in the large mixing bowl and let sit until frothy.
  • Stir in flour, salt, nutmeg, and lemon zest until combined.
  • Add melted butter, egg yolks, warm water, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and mix to form a dough.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in the bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Punch down the dough, roll it out, and spread with pecans, raisins, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  • Roll the dough into a log and form a ring by pinching the edges together.
  • Place the ring on a baking sheet and let rise again for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake the dough for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Allow the cake to cool, then insert the baby figurine from the bottom.
  • Mix confectioners' sugar, milk, and lemon juice in a saucepan over low heat to make a glaze.
  • Brush the glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle with colored sugars.

Notes

When kneading the dough, ensure it is not too sticky; add flour as needed. The placement of the baby figurine is a tradition and can be omitted if preferred. Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the sugars. Adjust the amount of filling to taste, but avoid overfilling to keep the cake intact.
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