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Mardi Gras King Cake

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Celebrate Mardi Gras with this traditional King Cake, a sweet, festive braided pastry topped with vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 small plastic baby figurine (optional)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • Food coloring (purple, green, gold)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Add the activated yeast mixture to the wet ingredients. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. While dough rises, mix cream cheese, brown sugar, and pecans to make the filling.
  6. Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches.
  7. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough rectangle.
  8. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Shape into a ring and pinch the ends together to seal. If using, insert the plastic baby into the ring.
  9. Place the ring on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 45-60 minutes.
  10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  11. Let cool completely. Mix powdered sugar with milk to create icing.
  12. Drizzle icing on the cooled cake and sprinkle with colored sugar in purple, green, and gold to finish.

Notes

For added flair, serve with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate and hide the baby figurine for a fun Mardi Gras tradition!

Find it online: https://foodsforyoursoul.com/mardi-gras-king-cake-delicious-celebration-treat/