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Easy King Cake

A soft, sweet bread shaped like a ring, decorated with vibrant colored sugar, perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 package 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup 1 cup warm milk (110°F – 115°F)
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large 2 large eggs
  • 4 cups 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Icing and Decoration
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
  • colored sugars Colored sugars (green, yellow, purple) for decoration

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.
  3. Add the frothy yeast mixture and mix until combined.
  4. Gradually add in the flour and cinnamon, and mix until a dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
  6. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
Shaping and Baking
  1. Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle.
  2. Spread butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and roll into a log.
  3. Twist the log into a circular shape and place on a baking sheet.
  4. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Finishing Touches
  1. Mix powdered sugar and milk to create icing and drizzle over the cooled cake.
  2. Sprinkle colored sugars over the icing to decorate. Serve for Fat Tuesday!

Notes

Serve the cake at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. For variations, consider omitting lemon zest for a cinnamon-only flavor or adding nuts for crunch.