Description
Indulge in the buttery, pillowy goodness of this traditional king cake with a brioche-style twist. Perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations, this easy recipe delivers a show-stopping centerpiece that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 1/4 cup purple, green, and yellow sprinkles
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Add the warm milk, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest until well combined.
6. Punch down the dough and roll it into a long rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center, then fold the dough over itself to create a long, narrow cylinder.
7. Carefully transfer the cylinder to a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping it into a circle and pinching the ends together to form a wreath.
8. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
10. Bake the king cake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the purple, green, and yellow sprinkles.
12. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a more authentic flavor, you can add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough. Additionally, you can hide a small plastic baby figurine in the cake before baking, and the person who receives the slice with the baby is said to have good luck and must host the next Mardi Gras party.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American