Mardi Gras King Cake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
02 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar.
03 -
2 large eggs, beaten.
04 -
1 tablespoon active dry yeast.
05 -
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon filling).
06 -
1 1/2 teaspoon salt.
07 -
2/3 cup warm water.
08 -
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted (for filling).
09 -
1 cup milk.
10 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting).
11 -
2 cups powdered sugar (for cream cheese filling).
12 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for cream cheese filling).
13 -
2 tablespoons salted butter (for cream cheese filling).
14 -
1 teaspoon lemon juice.
15 -
2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting).
16 -
5 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
17 -
1/4 cup salted butter.
18 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
19 -
2/3 cup brown sugar (for cinnamon filling).
20 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for cinnamon filling).
21 -
3 tablespoons milk (for frosting).
22 -
1 tablespoon salted butter (for frosting).
# Instructions:
01 -
Warm up the butter and milk together, stir in salt, and cool it down to about 120-130°F.
02 -
Stir yeast, sugar, and warm water until the bubbles appear.
03 -
Blend together yeast mix, milk mix, vanilla, eggs, and flour. Knead the dough—5 minutes using a mixer or 8 to 10 minutes by hand.
04 -
Set dough aside in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles.
05 -
Prepare the filling ingredients of your choice (either cinnamon or cream cheese).
06 -
Split dough in half, roll both out, add the filling, and twist into braided circles.
07 -
Let the shaped dough rest for another 30 to 45 minutes until it looks puffy.
08 -
Bake in a 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
09 -
After cooling the cakes, prepare the frosting and sprinkle with colored sugar.
# Notes:
01 -
Makes 2 large cakes.
02 -
You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
03 -
The dough stays fresh overnight in the fridge.