Authentic King Cake Recipe

July 17, 2023 Post a Comment

GlutenFree Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping Recipe Go Dairy Free from www.godairyfree.org

Introduction

King Cake is a traditional pastry that is often served during the Mardi Gras season in New Orleans. It is a sweet pastry that is usually decorated with colored frosting, sprinkles and often has a plastic baby inside. The baby is said to represent baby Jesus and the person who finds it in their slice of cake is said to have good luck. This authentic King Cake recipe is sure to be a hit at your Mardi Gras celebration!

Ingredients

For the dough:

2 tablespoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (105-115°F)
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
3 eggs
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the glaze:

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the decorations:

Colored sprinkles
Plastic baby (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the yeast, warm water and a pinch of sugar. Stir to combine and let sit for 10 minutes, or until the yeast starts to foam.

2. Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Stir until combined.

3. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring until combined after each addition.

4. Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

6. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 15x20-inch rectangle.

7. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, pecans and raisins (if using). Spread the mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

8. Roll the dough up lengthwise and shape into a ring. Place the ring on a greased baking sheet.

9. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise for 30 minutes.

10. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the cake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

11. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.

12. Decorate with colored sprinkles and place a plastic baby inside (optional). Let cool before serving.

Nutrition

One serving of this King Cake recipe contains approximately 375 calories, 16 grams of fat, 53 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of protein. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A and iron.

Conclusion

This traditional King Cake recipe is sure to be a hit at your Mardi Gras celebration! Not only is it delicious, but it also has a fun tradition behind it. The person who finds the baby in their slice is said to have good luck, so be sure to keep an eye out for it! Serve with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!