Mardi Gras King Cake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 cup milk.
02 -
1/4 cup salted butter.
03 -
1 1/2 teaspoon salt.
04 -
2/3 cup warm water.
05 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar.
06 -
1 tablespoon active dry yeast.
07 -
2 large eggs, beaten.
08 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
09 -
5 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
10 -
2/3 cup brown sugar (for cinnamon filling).
11 -
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon filling).
12 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for cinnamon filling).
13 -
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.
14 -
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted (for filling).
15 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for cream cheese filling).
16 -
2 cups powdered sugar (for cream cheese filling).
17 -
2 tablespoons salted butter (for cream cheese filling).
18 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese filling).
19 -
2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting).
20 -
3 tablespoons milk (for frosting).
21 -
1 tablespoon salted butter (for frosting).
22 -
1 teaspoon lemon juice.
23 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting).
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat milk and butter, add salt, cool to 120-130°F.
02 -
Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy.
03 -
Mix yeast mixture with milk mixture, eggs, vanilla, and flour. Knead 5 minutes with mixer or 8-10 by hand.
04 -
Let dough rise 1-2 hours until doubled.
05 -
Mix ingredients for chosen filling (cinnamon or cream cheese).
06 -
Divide dough, roll out, fill, and shape into two braided rings.
07 -
Let shaped cakes rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.
08 -
Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden.
09 -
Cool completely, make frosting, decorate with colored sugar.
# Notes:
01 -
Makes two king cakes.
02 -
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
03 -
Dough can be refrigerated overnight.