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King Cake for Mardi Gras
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4.99 from 54 votes

King Cake

Egg enriched Brioche dough, slightly adapted from Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
3 hours resting2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time4 hours
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16 people
Calories: 304kcal
Author: Cynthia

Ingredients

Dough

Cream Cheese Filling

Glaze

Instructions

Dough

  • Scald the milk. Add to standing mixer. The butter should cool the milk enough to activate the yeast, but If you're not sure, test the temperature using a thermometer. It should be between 105 and 110 degrees F. Add butter, honey, salt and yeast. Add eggs and mix until blended.
  • Add the flour slowly, until dough comes together in a ball.
  • Place dough in a large bowl and cover. Allow to rest at room temperature until dough rises and collapses, approximately 2 hours. 
  • Dough is ready to use at this point, but can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 15 for easier rolling.

Filling

  • Meanwhile, make the filling. In a mixer combine cream cheese, sugars, vanilla and cinnamon until combined.

Finishing the King Cake

  • On a lightly floured board, roll dough into a long, thin rectangle approximately 12" x 18".
  • Spread filling up to 1" from sides of dough. Roll dough lengthwise away from you.
  • Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Tucking ends under to form an oval. Cover loosely with a clean cloth and let rise in a warm spot until double, about 45 minutes.
  • Bake at 375 degrees F. for 35-40 minutes, or until deep golden brown. The bottom of the bread will sound hollow when tapped. 

Glaze

  • For glaze, combine confectioner's sugar, vanilla and water until thick drizzle consistency.
  • Allow to cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Tuck a small plastic baby into the underside of the cake. Drizzle or spread glaze over the top and sprinkle with alternating bands of colored sugar.

Video

Notes

  • Use a thermometer for best results.
  • Dough should be shiny and smooth. If dough is too sticky add additional flour 1 Tablespoon at a time.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 474mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 429IU | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg