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King Cake

A classic Mardi Gras sweet yeast bread swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with simple glaze.

55 minMediumServes 12310 cal/serving

CajunDessertOvenVegetarianHalal-friendlyNut-FreeSoy-FreeAlcohol-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 egg yolks, beaten
  • 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

  1. 1

    Dissolve 2.25 tsp active dry yeast and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in 1/2 cup warmed whole milk in a large bowl, letting it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

  2. 2

    Stir in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 2 beaten egg yolks, and 3.5 cups all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms, then knead for 8 minutes.

  3. 3

    Roll dough into a large rectangle, sprinkle 1/2 cup brown sugar and 2 tsp ground cinnamon evenly over top, and roll up tightly.

  4. 4

    Shape log into an oval ring on a lined pan, pinch ends to seal, and let rise for 45 minutes.

  5. 5

    Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes until golden, then cool completely.

  6. 6

    Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp heavy cream together until smooth, then drizzle icing over cooled cake.

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Questions

What oven temperature does King Cake need?

For King Cake, the oven is set to 350 F (about 175 C) in step 5. The longest stretch at that heat is 25 minutes, in step 5.

What if the yeast does not foam in King Cake?

Step 1 reads: "Dissolve 2.25 tsp active dry yeast and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in 1/2 cup warmed whole milk in a large bowl, letting it sit for 5 minutes until foamy." Then it is dead or the liquid was too hot. Step 1 is the test: no foam after ten minutes means start again with fresh yeast and liquid that feels barely warm, about 105 F.

What can I use instead of yeast in King Cake?

The entry for King Cake calls for 2.25 tsp active dry yeast. In its place: Instant and active dry yeast swap measure for measure. Active dry wants five minutes in warm liquid first, while instant goes straight into the flour.

Can I make King Cake dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in King Cake is 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, 2 tbsp heavy cream. Swap the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk; the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the cream for full-fat coconut milk or an oat cooking cream. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is King Cake vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, 2 tbsp heavy cream and 2 egg yolks, beaten. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

Does King Cake contain eggs?

Yes: 2 egg yolks, beaten. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Can I start King Cake the day before?

Yes. Step 4 is a built-in pause of 45 minutes: "Shape log into an oval ring on a lined pan, pinch ends to seal, and let rise for 45 minutes." Do everything up to that point ahead of time and pick up at step 5 when you are ready to finish.

Serve it with

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