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Mardi Gras King Cake

A warm, ring-shaped bread with bright sugar and a hidden surprise, Mardi Gras King Cake is a sweet, braided delight perfect for celebrations.
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Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup warm milk To activate yeast.
  • 1 packet instant rise yeast For leavening.
  • 1/4 cup melted butter For richness.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar Plus 1 tbsp for yeast activation.
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature.
  • 1/2 tsp salt For flavor.
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp olive oil For coating the bowl.
Filling Ingredients
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar For sweetness.
  • 2 tsp cinnamon For flavor.
  • 6 tbsp softened unsalted butter To spread on the dough.
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans Optional.
Glaze Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar For the glaze.
  • 1.5 tbsp milk To thin the glaze.
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla For flavor.
Decorative Sugar
  • Colored sugar in purple, green, and gold For decoration.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
  2. Place eggs in warm water for 5 minutes to bring to room temperature.
  3. In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
  4. In a stand mixer bowl, combine yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter.
  5. Add flour, remaining sugar, salt, and mix until well incorporated.
  6. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
  7. Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 60 minutes.
Filling and Shaping
  1. Punch dough down and knead for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Roll dough into a large rectangle, about 20 inches long.
  3. Spread softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on the dough.
  4. Sprinkle chopped pecans if desired.
  5. Roll the dough tightly and form a ring, sealing ends with water/milk.
  6. Let rise for an additional 60 minutes.
Baking
  1. Brush the top with milk and bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Cool the cake for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  3. Top with a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, and add colored sugar as desired.

Notes

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days, refrigerate in warm weather. Freeze for up to three months, thaw before serving.