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Mardi Gras King Cake

A festive, sweet braided cake with cinnamon, sugar, and a hidden surprise for Mardi Gras celebrations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Dough ingredients
  • 1 cup warm milk Use warm milk, not hot, to activate yeast.
  • 1 packet instant rise yeast Can substitute with active dry yeast.
  • 1/4 cup melted butter For mixing into dough.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar Plus 1 tablespoon separated for activating yeast.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp olive oil For greasing the bowl.
Filling and Topping ingredients
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 6 tbsp softened unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans Optional; can omit for nut-free.
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1.5 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
  2. Place the egg in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes to bring it to room temperature.
  3. In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar, then let sit for 5-10 minutes.
  4. In a stand mixer or bowl, combine the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until combined.
  5. Add the flour, sugar, salt, and mix until well incorporated.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
  7. Place the dough in a bowl greased with olive oil, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 60 minutes.
Shaping and Rising
  1. Punch the dough down to release air and knead for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 20 inches long.
  3. Brush with softened butter, and sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar over the surface. Optionally sprinkle pecans.
  4. Roll the dough tightly into a jelly roll shape and seal the ends to form a circle.
  5. Cover and let rise for an additional 60 minutes. Brush with milk before baking.
Baking
  1. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  2. Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes before adding the glaze or decorations.

Notes

To serve, hide a King Cake Baby inside the cake for fun. Make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; consider tinting the glaze for the festive colors.