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New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl

A slice cut from a beautiful King Cake showing the cinnamon swirl interior and colorful purple, green, and gold icing.
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Bake a soft, moist Mardi Gras King Cake featuring a rich cinnamon swirl filling and classic purple, green, and gold icing. This recipe brings the joy of Carnival season to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon for yeast
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 plastic baby (optional)
  • For the Filling:
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • For the Icing and Sugars:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk or water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let 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 brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt the 1/4 cup butter.
  5. Shape the cake: Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Brush the entire surface with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
  6. Create the swirl: Tightly roll the dough up lengthwise into a log. Pinch the seam closed. You can form a ring or an oval shape. If making a ring, bring the ends together and pinch to seal. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy.
  7. Bake the cake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. If using the plastic baby, insert it into the cake after baking while it is still warm. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. Make the icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust liquid for desired consistency; you want a thick glaze that sets, not one that runs off completely.
  9. Decorate: Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle generously with the purple, green, and gold sanding sugars.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk when activating the yeast.
  • If you prefer a cream cheese filling, mix 4 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla, then spread this over the dough before sprinkling with cinnamon sugar.
  • The person who finds the plastic baby in their slice hosts the next Mardi Gras party.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://littlekitchendiary.com/kings-cake-recipe-new-orleans-style/