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Mardi_Gras_King_Cake

Mardi Gras King Cake

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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 27 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 12

Equipment

  • 1 Stand mixer
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 Baking sheet
  • 1 Rolling Pin
  • 1 Oven
  • 1 pastry brush
  • 1 Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup pecans chopped
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 1 plastic baby figurine optional
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • Colored sugar sprinkles purple, green, yellow

Instructions
 

  • Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix flour, remaining sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Add yeast mixture, vanilla, eggs, and melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Roll the dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface using a rolling pin.
  • Mix brown sugar, pecans, and raisins and spread evenly over the dough.
  • Roll the dough into a log, sealing the edges, and shape it into a ring on a baking sheet.
  • If desired, insert the plastic baby figurine into the dough from the underside.
  • Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake the King Cake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Let the cake cool on a cooling rack.
  • Mix powdered sugar and milk to form a glaze and drizzle over the cooled cake.
  • Decorate with colored sugar sprinkles.

Notes

Make sure the milk is warm but not hot when activating the yeast, as too high a temperature can kill the yeast. If you choose to include a baby figurine, remind guests to be cautious while eating. For an extra festive touch, you can use different fillings like cream cheese or fruit preserves. The dough can be prepared a day in advance and left to rise in the refrigerator overnight for convenience.
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