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King Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 382 reviews

This traditional King Cake recipe features a soft, rich dough filled with a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection, then topped with a creamy glaze and vibrant purple, green, and gold sprinkles. Perfect for festive celebrations, this cake offers a classic New Orleans treat with a braided ring shape symbolizing unity and festivity.

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • ¼ oz active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoon or 1 packet)
  • ¼ cup warm water (100° to 110°F)
  • ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 8 oz full fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
  • 3 to 3 ½ cups bread flour (all purpose can also be used)

For the Filling

  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Glaze

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (butter can also be used)
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Decoration

  • Purple, green and gold sprinkles to decorate

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast: In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, stir together the yeast, warm water, and ½ tablespoon sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it is activated.
  2. Prepare sour cream mixture: Combine sour cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan over low heat or microwave-safe cup. Heat gently, stirring often, until butter is melted. Remove from heat and cool to 100° to 110°F.
  3. Mix dough ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with dough hook, add the cooled sour cream mixture, activated yeast mixture, beaten egg, and half of the flour. Stir quickly with a spatula to combine.
  4. Knead dough: Turn mixer on medium speed, then reduce to low as ingredients come together. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on low speed until dough is smooth, elastic and releases from bowl sides, about 10 minutes.
  5. First rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with linen cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in warm place (75-78°F) for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Divide and roll dough: Punch down dough and divide into two equal parts. Roll each portion into a 16" by 8-9" rectangle.
  7. Add filling: Spread half of the softened butter evenly over each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border. Mix sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle half on each buttered rectangle.
  8. Roll and seal: Roll up each rectangle tightly from bottom to top like a cinnamon roll. Pinch the seams tightly to seal.
  9. Form the cake: Place dough rolls seam side down on parchment-lined baking sheet. Pinch one end together, twist the two logs over each other for a braided look, then bring ends together to form a ring, sealing seams well.
  10. Second rise: Cover and let the shaped dough rise in a warm place for 20-30 minutes until doubled.
  11. Preheat oven: Heat oven to 350°F (177°C).
  12. Bake cake: Bake the King Cake for 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
  13. Cool cake: Remove from oven and allow it to cool mostly before glazing.
  14. Make glaze: In a large bowl, beat powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  15. Glaze and decorate: Pour glaze evenly over the warm cake. Immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sugars in bands to decorate.
  16. Final cooling: Let the cake cool completely before serving to allow the glaze to set.

Notes

  • Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose flour for a lighter dough.
  • Ensure butter and sour cream mixture is cooled to avoid killing the yeast.
  • For best rise, keep dough in a warm draft-free area.
  • Roll tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • Decorate with traditional Mardi Gras colors: purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power).
  • Glaze thickness can be adjusted by adding more or less milk.
  • This recipe makes one large King Cake, suitable for about 10-12 servings.

Find it online: https://ameliameals.com/king-cake-recipe/