The Ultimate King Cake Recipe for Mardi Gras Celebrations
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 28 min
- Total
- 158 min
- Serves
- 20
- Calories
- 456 kcal
- Carbs
- 74.00 g
Ingredients
- 21/4-oz. packets active dry yeast
- 1/2 c.warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/2 c.plus 2 tsp. granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 1/2 c.whole milk (warmed (about 110°F))
- 1/4 c.salted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
- 3large eggs (beaten)
- 1 1/2 tsp.salt
- 6 3/4 c.bread flour
- —Nonstick cooking spray
- 2/3 c.salted butter (melted, divided)
- 1 c.granulated sugar (divided)
- 3 tbsp.ground cinnamon (divided)
- 1 lb.powdered sugar
- 1/4 c.whole milk (plus more as needed)
- 3 tbsp.salted butter (melted)
- 2 tsp.vanilla extract
- —Purple (green, and gold sparkling sugars)
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, stir together the yeast, water, and 2 teaspoons of the sugar. Let the mixture stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- 2
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the yeast mixture, milk, butter, eggs, salt, and remaining 1/2 cup of the sugar. Beat on medium-low speed until combined, 30 seconds.
- 3
Gradually add the flour, beating until completely combined, about 4 minutes.
- 4
Increase the mixer to medium speed and beat until a smooth and elastic dough forms, about 6 minutes.
- 5
Transfer the dough to a large bowl lightly greased with nonstick cooking spray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm place until doubled in volume, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- 6
Deflate the dough, divide it into 2 pieces, and roll each into a rectangle. Add butter, sugar, and cinnamon for filling, then shape into rings.
- 7
Let the dough rings rest until doubled in volume, 30 to 45 minutes, then bake at 350°F for 22 to 28 minutes.
- 8
Let cool for 1 1/2 hours.
- 9
For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over cooled cakes and top with sparkling sugars.