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New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl

Close-up of a moist King Cake loaf, sliced to show cinnamon swirl filling and vibrant purple, gold, and green sugar topping.
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Bake a soft, moist Mardi Gras King Cake featuring a rich cinnamon swirl filling and a sweet, colorful glaze. This recipe honors Louisiana tradition for your Carnival celebrations.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup whole milk, warm (105-115°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
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, for brushing
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (for filling)
  • 1 plastic baby (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the remaining granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt. Mix until just combined.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and 3 cups of the flour to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until incorporated.
  4. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. 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.
  6. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  7. Punch down the dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches.
  8. Spread the softened cream cheese lightly over the dough surface, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the cream cheese.
  9. Tightly roll the dough lengthwise into a log. Pinch the seam closed.
  10. Shape the cake: Gently stretch the log slightly. Bring the ends together to form an oval or ring shape, pinching the ends firmly to seal. Place the cake on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If hiding the plastic baby, insert it now.
  11. Cover the cake loosely and let it rise again in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes, until puffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
  12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
  13. Remove from the oven. While still warm, brush the entire cake with the melted butter. Let cool completely on a wire rack before icing.
  14. Prepare the icing and decorate with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars for your Mardi Gras King Cake.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality cinnamon in your swirl mixture.
  • If you prefer a simple glaze, mix 2 cups powdered sugar with 3 to 4 tablespoons milk until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
  • The plastic baby must be inserted before the final rise and baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/king-cake-moist-joyful-recipe/