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Easy New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl

A cross-section view of a homemade king cake showing cinnamon swirl filling, white icing, and purple, green, and gold sprinkles.
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Make an authentic, soft King Cake at home for Mardi Gras. This recipe features a sweet cinnamon swirl filling and a simple glaze, capturing the spirit of Louisiana baking traditions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a small bowl until it forms a paste.
  5. Shape the cake: Punch down the risen dough. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge.
  6. Roll and form the ring: Tightly roll the dough up lengthwise, starting from the long edge opposite the border. Pinch the seam closed. Bring the two ends together to form a circle, overlapping them slightly, and pinch them securely to seal. Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Second rise: Cover the ring loosely and let it rise again in a warm spot for about 45 minutes, or until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the cake cool slightly on a wire rack.
  9. Make the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.
  10. Decorate: Immediately sprinkle the cake with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars before the glaze sets.

Notes

  • For a traditional touch, you can hide a small, clean plastic baby figurine inside the cake before baking.
  • If you prefer a cream cheese filling, mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, then spread this mixture over the dough before adding the cinnamon layer.
  • To achieve the classic brioche style, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/king-cake-easy-new-orleans-style-cinnamon-swirl/