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Easy King Cake Recipe

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This Easy King Cake Recipe brings the festive spirit of Mardi Gras to your kitchen with a soft, enriched dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and a glossy lemon glaze topped with vibrant colored sugars. It’s a beautiful and delicious centerpiece perfect for celebrations or weekend baking.

Ingredients

1/4 oz active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons or 1 packet)

1/4 cup warm water (100° to 110°F)

1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar

8 oz full fat sour cream

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg, lightly beaten

3 to 3 1/2 cups bread flour (all-purpose can also be used)

1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (or butter)

2 to 4 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Purple, green, and gold sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

  1. In a small cup, combine yeast, warm water, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until foamy. Meanwhile, gently heat sour cream, butter, and sugar until butter melts. Cool to 100–110°F.
  2. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine sour cream mixture, activated yeast, egg, and half of the flour. Mix until shaggy, then gradually add remaining flour until a dough forms.
  3. Knead on low speed for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Dough should pull away from the bowl and feel slightly tacky.
  4. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  5. Divide dough in half. Roll each portion into a 16 x 8–9 inch rectangle.
  6. Spread softened butter over each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border. Mix cinnamon and sugar together and sprinkle evenly over butter.
  7. Roll each rectangle tightly into logs and pinch seams closed.
  8. Place logs seam-side down, pinch one end together, twist into a braid, then form into a ring and seal ends securely.
  9. Cover loosely and let rise again for 20–30 minutes until puffed.
  10. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25–30 minutes or until lightly golden and internal temperature reaches about 190°F. Cool completely.
  11. Whisk powdered sugar, cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla, and enough milk to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
  12. Pour glaze over cooled cake and decorate immediately with purple, green, and gold sprinkles in alternating sections. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Add a cream cheese filling layer for extra richness.
  • Mix chopped pecans into the cinnamon filling for added crunch.
  • Substitute orange juice for lemon juice in the glaze for a citrus variation.
  • Hide a small plastic baby inside after baking for a traditional Mardi Gras surprise.
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
  • Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm larger portions in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
  • Unglazed cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/easy-king-cake-recipe/