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Mardi Gras King Cake

Homemade Mardi Gras King Cake fresh from oven
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Celebrate Mardi Gras with this classic King Cake, a festive, sweet yeast bread braided and decorated with vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar. Perfect for sharing with family and friends during the carnival season.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 3 large eggs, divided
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • Colored sanding sugars in purple, green, and gold
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • Plastic baby figurine (optional, for tradition)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, remaining sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
  5. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, chopped pecans, and softened butter to create the filling.
  6. Roll risen dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread filling evenly over the dough.
  7. Roll dough tightly from one long side to form a log, then shape into a large ring, pinching the ends to seal.
  8. Place the ring on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the cake with the beaten remaining egg for a shiny finish.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely.
  11. Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over cooled cake, then sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar.
  12. If desired, carefully insert a small plastic baby into the cake for tradition.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of orange zest to the dough or cinnamon filling. Serve slightly warm with a cup of coffee for a festive treat.

Find it online: https://foodiedishes.com/mardi-gras-king-cake-delicious-dessert/