King Cake

introduction

King Cake is a sweet, soft ring bread with a cream cheese filling and colorful sugar on top. It is simple to make at home and tastes warm and fresh. For another simple sweet bread idea, see this apple and raisin cake recipe.

why make this recipe

This King Cake is easy and uses common ingredients. It makes a nice treat for parties or family brunch. The cream cheese filling adds a soft, rich taste. The colored sugar makes it bright and fun.

how to make King Cake

Follow these clear steps to make the dough, fill it, shape it, and bake it. The dough rises twice for a light texture. Roll the dough, spread the cream cheese filling, roll it up, and shape it into a circle. After baking, add a simple glaze and the purple, green, and yellow sugars.

Ingredients :

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 package (0.25 ounces) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Colored sugar (purple, green, and yellow) for decoration

Directions :

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, allowing it to sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
2. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread cream cheese filling over it, then roll it up tightly.
8. Shape the roll into a circle and pinch the ends to seal.
9. Place on a baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
11. Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze.
12. Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle colored sugars on top.

how to serve King Cake

Let the cake cool slightly before glazing. Cut into slices and serve warm or at room temperature. Offer coffee or milk with it. The colored sugar adds a festive touch.

how to store King Cake

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat slices in a warm oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving.

tips to make King Cake

• Use warm milk, not hot, so the yeast stays alive.
• Make sure the cream cheese is soft for easy spreading.
• Do not overfill the dough to avoid leaks.
• Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot.
• Cool the cake before glazing to keep the glaze from melting away.

variation (if any)

• Add chopped cinnamon sugar or raisins to the cream cheese for extra flavor.
• Swap cream cheese filling for a simple cinnamon sugar butter spread.
• Add a small plastic baby or trinket inside the cake after baking if you want the traditional surprise.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can make the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Q: Can I freeze the King Cake?
A: Yes. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Q: Can I use low-fat milk or butter?
A: You can, but whole milk and real butter give a richer taste and softer crumb.

Q: How do I get the colored sugar to stick?
A: Apply the glaze first, then sprinkle the colored sugar while the glaze is still wet so it sticks well.

King Cake

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and festive sweet bread with a cream cheese filling and colorful sugar topping, perfect for parties and brunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 package (0.25 ounces) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Colored sugar (purple, green, and yellow) for decoration

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast, allowing it to sit until foamy (about 5 minutes).
2. In another bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread cream cheese filling over it, then roll it up tightly.
8. Shape the roll into a circle and pinch the ends to seal.
9. Place on a baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
11. Mix powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze.
12. Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle colored sugars on top.

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Notes

Use warm milk so the yeast stays alive. Cool the cake before glazing to keep the glaze from melting.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 40mg