Step into the vibrant world of New Orleans with a slice of tradition that’s as colorful as Mardi Gras itself! The "Traditional New Orleans King Cake" is not just a dessert; it's a celebration of culture, community, and a dash of mystery. With its rich flavors and delightful surprise hidden within, this cake is perfect for any festive occasion, especially during Carnival season. Imagine the joy of discovering the tiny baby figurine nestled inside as you share this delicious treat with family and friends. Ready to impress your guests and indulge in a slice of history? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your home!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup colored sugar (purple, green, gold)
- 1 small plastic baby (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar in warm milk. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and active.
- Add melted butter, remaining sugar, and eggs to the yeast mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangular shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly across the dough's surface. If using, hide the plastic baby somewhere in the dough.
- Roll the dough into a tight cylinder, then shape it into a ring, pinching the ends together to seal.
- Transfer the ring to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the king cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the cake to cool completely. Prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold colored sugars in traditional Mardi Gras colors.
- Slice and serve. Warn guests about the potential hidden baby figurine as per tradition.
Tips
- Yeast Activation: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot; temperatures around 110°F (43°C) are ideal for activating the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives the cake its lovely texture.
- Rising Time: For the best results, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in an oven that’s turned off with just the light on.
- Decorating: Get creative with the colored sugars! If you can’t find purple, green, and gold, you can easily make your own by mixing granulated sugar with food coloring.
- The Hidden Baby: If you choose to include the plastic baby, be sure to inform your guests about it. Tradition holds that the person who finds the baby is responsible for hosting next year’s King Cake party!
- Serving Suggestions: This cake is delightful on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any cake left, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for a few days, but it’s so good, it might not last long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
