Easy King Cake
This easy king cake is a delightful treat that captures the festive spirit of Mardi Gras with its rich flavor, soft texture, and colorful glaze, making it a fun baking project for all.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast 1/4 ounce
- 1 cup warm milk 110°F to 115°F
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 4 cups all-purpose flour as needed
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for filling
Icing Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar for icing
- 2 tablespoons milk for icing
- Colored sugar (purple, green, and gold) for decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the yeast mixture to the butter mixture and stir until combined.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Filling and Shaping
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log shape.
- Form the log into a circle and pinch the ends together to seal.
- Place the king cake on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the king cake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack.
- While the cake cools, prepare the icing by whisking the powdered sugar and milk together until smooth.
- Once cool, drizzle the icing over the king cake and sprinkle with colored sugar.
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Notes
Store your easy king cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for about a week or freeze wrapped tightly for up to three months.