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King Cake is a festive treat that's perfect for celebrations, especially during Mardi Gras. This sweet bread is rich, buttery, and has a delightful hint of vanilla. The best part? You can hide a little plastic baby figurine inside for a fun surprise! Ready to bake something special? Let's get started.
King Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 units beaten eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 unit optional plastic baby figurine
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape it into a ring on a greased baking sheet. If using, insert the plastic baby figurine into the dough.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cake is golden brown. Allow it to cool before serving.
What You Will Need
What you will need to make King Cake
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture, creating a soft, fluffy cake base essential for the traditional king cake.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning, giving the cake its delightful flavor and golden crust.
Dry yeast: Leavens the dough, making it rise and giving the cake its light, airy texture.
Warm water: Activates the yeast, starting the fermentation process necessary for the dough to rise properly.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness, contributing to a tender crumb and enhancing the overall flavor.
Melted butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the cake tender and flavorful.
Beaten eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and richness, helping to bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor, adding a sweet, aromatic note that complements the cake's richness.
Optional plastic baby figurine: Adds a fun, traditional element to the cake, making it a festive centerpiece.
Tools and Instruments Needed
What tools/instruments will be needed to make King Cake Recipe
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and allowing the dough to rise properly.
- Measuring cups: Ensures precise amounts of flour, sugar, and liquids for consistent results.
- Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the dough without overworking it.
- Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for shaping and baking the cake.
- Damp cloth: Keeps the dough moist while it rises.
- Oven: Bakes the cake to a perfect golden brown.
King Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2 tsp Dry yeast
- 1/2 cup Warm water
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Butter melted
- 2 units Eggs beaten
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 unit Plastic baby figurine optional
Instructions:
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2. Add the milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- 3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
- 4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- 5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape it into a ring on a greased baking sheet. If using, insert the plastic baby figurine into the dough.
- 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cake is golden brown. Allow it to cool before serving.
Notes:
Read more: Chicken a la King Recipe
Nutrition value:
Keywords:
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the dough and let it rise.
- Shape the dough into a ring.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Bake the next day as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Bake the cake and let it cool completely.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
In New Orleans, it's traditional to bake a plastic baby figurine inside the King Cake. The person who finds it in their slice is said to have good luck and is often tasked with hosting the next King Cake party.
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