Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, lukewarm (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for proofing the yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ½ cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 4-6 tablespoons milk (or water), added gradually until desired consistency is reached
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar
  • 1 small plastic baby (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine lukewarm milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
  2. Add remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 ½ - 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. While the dough is rising, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
  5. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches / 30x45 cm). Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough.
  6. Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Carefully transfer the log to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pinch the ends together to form a ring.
  7. Cover the shaped King Cake and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. While the cake is cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract for the glaze.
  10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar.
  11. Using a toothpick or skewer, make a small hole in the bottom of the cake and insert the plastic baby.