Mardi Gras Magic A Classic King Cake Recipe

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wanted to taste the real deal? This king cake recipe mardi gras will transport you straight to New Orleans.

It's a taste explosion of cinnamon, sugar, and pure joy! I'll never forget the first time I tried a King Cake!

Brief Overview

The King Cake has roots in French baking traditions. It's a must-have for Mardi Gras celebrations. This recipe is of medium difficulty.

You'll need around 3 hours total. This will make enough for 12-16 people. The Authentic King Cake Recipe is one of a kind and delicious!

Main Benefits

Aside from being utterly delicious, this cake is a mood booster. It is perfect for parties or family gatherings. I had it once at a Mardi Gras Desserts party and it was definitely the hit! What makes this New Orleans King Cake Recipe special? It’s the authentic taste, the vibrant colours, and the hidden baby, of course!

So, you fancy trying the Best King Cake Recipe Traditional ? Great, let's dive into the ingredients.

Mardi Gras Magic A Classic King Cake Recipe Recipe Card

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Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:14

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:

• In a large bowl, combine lukewarm milk, 1 teaspoon sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
• 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.
• 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.
• While the dough is rising, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cover the shaped King Cake and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
• 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.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar.
• Using a toothpick or skewer, make a small hole in the bottom of the cake and insert the plastic baby.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:400

Fat:17.5g

Fiber:1.5g

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment for Mardi Gras Magic

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. This king cake recipe mardi gras is pretty straightforward. You know, just like they do it down in New Orleans! It's easier than you think.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

• For the Dough:

  • You'll need 1 cup (240ml) of lukewarm whole milk. Aim for a temperature between 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . This is key.
  • Grab 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast. Good yeast is a must for the Best King Cake Recipe Traditional .
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon to wake up the yeast.
  • Don’t forget 1 teaspoon salt and 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted but not too hot.
  • Finally, 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour. Keep extra on hand for dusting.

• For the Filling:

  • ½ cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened, is the base.
  • Mix in ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. Smells amazing, right?

• For that Dazzling Glaze:

  • Get ready with 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar.
  • Have 4-6 tablespoons milk (or water) ready. Add it slowly, until it's just right.
  • A dash of ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.

• For the Grand Finale Decoration:

  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar. Don't skimp.
  • One small plastic baby, if you want an Authentic King Cake Recipe .

Seasoning Notes

Cinnamon is the soul of this cake. It gives you that warm, comforting feeling. For the Recipe For King Cake adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can elevate the flavor.

Consider adding a touch of cinnamon extract for a richer taste. Honestly, it’s a game-changer!

Equipment Needed

Okay, time for the gear. I swear you probably already have most of this stuff.

• A stand mixer with a dough hook is super helpful, but not a must.
• A large mixing bowl for proofing, if you're mixing it by hand.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Can't go wrong with those.
• A baking sheet for your masterpiece, and parchment paper.
• A rolling pin for spreading out the dough.
• A small bowl and whisk for the glaze.
• A toothpick (to hide the baby) I never do that, who want's to bite into the cake and find plastic.

Cooking Method: The Magic Behind a Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

So, you want to bake a Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe Easy , huh? Not as scary as it sounds, promise! It's all about getting the method right.

I've messed this up a few times, trust me. I remember one year, I forgot the sugar for the yeast.

.. let's just say it was more of a flatbread disaster than a festive cake. Now I triple check everything! Learning to make a King Cake Recipe Easy is about learning from your mess ups.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place is key, darlin’. It’s fancy French for getting all your ingredients prepped. Melt your ½ cup of butter, beat your 2 eggs, and warm your 1 cup of milk to between 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) .

This is essential! Too hot, and you kill the yeast. Too cold, and it won’t activate. Measure out everything else and have it ready.

This is the secret to easy baking. Organisation is seriously the key. Think of it as your pre-parade ritual.

Step-by-Step Process: Let’s Get Baking!

1. Proof the Yeast: In a big bowl, mix your 1 cup lukewarm milk, 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Wait 5- 10 minutes . It should get foamy.
2. Make the Dough: Add the rest of your sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 beaten eggs, and melted ½ cup butter. Slowly mix in your 4 cups flour. Knead it for 5- 7 minutes until it’s smooth.
3. First Rise: Put the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover it and let it rise for 1 ½- 2 hours . It should double in size.
4. Make the Filling: Mix ½ cup softened butter, ¾ cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons cinnamon in a bowl.
5. Shape It: Roll the dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread the filling. Roll it up into a log, then pinch the ends to make a ring. Place the ring on baking sheet.
6. Second Rise: Cover it and let it rise for 30- 45 minutes .
7. Bake It: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 25- 30 minutes , until golden brown.
8. Cool and Glaze: Let it cool. Mix your 2 cups powdered sugar, 4-6 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for the glaze. Drizzle this on top and immediately add purple, green, and gold sanding sugar. Maybe add your little baby inside. You know, to make an Authentic King Cake Recipe .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your King Cake Game

Don’t overbake the King Cake . That’s the cardinal sin! Start checking it around 25 minutes. Spice it up! Honestly, add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.

It makes a world of difference. For a King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling , try using the Cream Cheese Filling variation that I mentioned earlier in the King Cake recipe mardi gras article.

So there you have it: that's how you make a good Best King Cake Recipe Traditional . It’s a delicious way to celebrate, and it's something everyone can enjoy.

Hopefully this easy recipe for king cake helps you make some delicious Mardi Gras Desserts . Now, let's get baking!

Recipe Notes for Your Best King Cake

Alright, so you're about to tackle this king cake recipe mardi gras . Awesome! Before you dive headfirst into flour and sugar, let's run through a few extra pointers to set you up for success.

Honestly, a little bit of planning goes a long way, you know? This is a Mardi Gras king cake recipe easy , but a few tips never hurt.

Plating and Presentation: Make it Pop!

Presentation is everything. You want to transport people to Bourbon Street with the look of your cake. After you glaze it, pile on that purple, green, and gold sanding sugar.

Get creative! Serve it on a pretty cake stand. Trust me, it'll look amazing, and this Authentic King Cake Recipe will shine.

For sides, offer some chicory coffee or even a refreshing glass of iced tea to balance the sweetness. A little fresh fruit salad also cuts through the richness.

Storage Savvy: Keeping the Party Going

Oh my gosh, leftovers? If you don't devour the whole easy Mardi Gras cake recipe in one sitting, here’s how to store it.

Wrap it tightly in cling film or foil. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for a day or two. Pop it in the fridge, and you’ve got about 3-4 days.

Freezing is an option, too! Wrap individual slices for easy thawing. To reheat, zap them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Be careful not to overdo it and dry it out. Nobody wants a dry homemade king cake .

King Cake Customization: Your Cake, Your Rules

Want to shake things up a bit? Go for it! For a richer king cake with cream cheese filling , mix softened cream cheese into your cinnamon-sugar filling.

It adds a creamy tang that’s addictive.

Try adding chopped pecans for a nutty crunch. If you're avoiding gluten, simply swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Remember: Recipe For King Cake are adaptable!

Nutrition Nuggets: A Treat with Benefits

Let's be real: this Mardi Gras Desserts is a treat. It’s not exactly health food, but who cares? We are making a New Orleans King Cake Recipe and celebrating! But hey, it does contain some protein from the eggs and a little fibre from the flour.

Enjoy it in moderation. A little bit of happiness goes a long way, right? Plus, sharing it with friends and family spreads the joy, which is good for the soul.

I truly hope you enjoyed creating this Easy Mardi Gras Cake Recipe! Let the good times roll. And remember, this Best King Cake Recipe Traditional will bring joy to everyone you share it with!