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New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl Recipe

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4.7 from 53 reviews

This New Orleans Style King Cake is a festive, cinnamon-swirl sweet bread traditionally enjoyed during Mardi Gras season. Featuring a soft, enriched dough with a buttery cinnamon filling, it is shaped into a colorful ring and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and vibrant sands of purple, green, and gold sugar. Optional plastic baby figurine adds to the classic celebration tradition.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dough)

Filling

  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Glaze & Decoration

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar (for decoration)
  • 1 small plastic baby (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Let the mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix together the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt until just combined. Add the yeast mixture and 3 cups of flour, mixing on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the bowl sides. Knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the 1 teaspoon cinnamon for flavor.
  3. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat in oil. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.
  5. Shape the cake: Punch down the risen dough to release air. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large 12 by 18 inch rectangle. Brush the entire surface with the melted butter reserved for the filling, then evenly spread the cinnamon and brown sugar filling over the dough.
  6. Roll and form: Starting with the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed to seal. Form the log into a ring or oval shape, joining the ends and pinching them firmly. If using, insert the small plastic baby into the cake at this stage.
  7. Second rise: Place the shaped ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Bake: Bake the King Cake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil. Once baked, cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the liquid amount to create a thick glaze that will set but not run off completely.
  10. Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled King Cake, then immediately sprinkle generously with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar to finish your festive dessert.

Notes

  • You can substitute whole milk for reduced-fat milk but avoid skim milk for best texture.
  • Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Use a stand mixer with a dough hook for easier kneading, or knead by hand on a floured surface.
  • The plastic baby is a Mardi Gras tradition symbolizing luck and prosperity; ensure it is clean before inserting.
  • If the cake browns too quickly, tenting with foil prevents overbrowning.
  • Store leftover King Cake wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: King Cake, New Orleans, Mardi Gras, cinnamon swirl, festive bread, sweet bread, cinnamon filling, glaze, traditional dessert

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/new-orleans-style-king-cake-with-cinnamon-swirl-recipe/