why make this recipe
King Cake is a fun and festive treat that is especially popular during Mardi Gras. It is not only delicious but also a lovely centerpiece for celebrations. Making this Easy King Cake at home means you can enjoy the tradition and create your own beautiful designs with sprinkles. The recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels.
how to make Easy King Cake
Ingredients :
- 1 package of active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup of warm water
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of sugar for filling
- Green, yellow, and purple sprinkles for decoration
Directions :
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water; let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, salt, and butter until warm. Let cool slightly.
- Add the milk mixture and eggs to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour until the dough is soft but not sticky. Knead for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for filling, then roll it up.
- Shape into a circle on a baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Let it cool, then decorate with icing and sprinkles before serving.
how to serve Easy King Cake
Once your cake is decorated, slice it into pieces to serve. You can use it as a dessert or a breakfast treat. It pairs well with coffee or milk, making it a delightful addition to any gathering.
how to store Easy King Cake
To store your King Cake, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. You can also place it in an airtight container. It will stay good at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month.
tips to make Easy King Cake
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- If you want a sweeter cake, feel free to add more sugar to the dough or icing.
- Experiment with fillings like cream cheese or fruit preserves for a different taste.
variation
You can customize your King Cake by adding different fillings like cream cheese, chocolate, or fruits. Also, try different types of icing or flavored sprinkles to make it more unique!
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients without needing to dissolve it first.
Q: What is the tradition behind King Cake?
A: King Cake is traditionally served during Mardi Gras celebrations. It often contains a small figurine or bean, and the person who finds it is expected to host the next party.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator after the first rise. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Easy King Cake
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast Use active dry yeast for best results.
- 1/4 cup warm water Make sure the water is warm, not hot.
- 1/2 cup milk Milk should be warm.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar For the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is softened to mix easily.
- 3 large eggs At room temperature.
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour Add gradually until dough is soft but not sticky.
Filling and Decoration Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon For sprinkling on the dough.
- 1/4 cup sugar for filling
- Green, yellow, and purple sprinkles for decoration Use to decorate the finished cake.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water; let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, sugar, salt, and butter until warm. Let cool slightly.
- Add the milk mixture and eggs to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour until the dough is soft but not sticky. Knead for about 5 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for filling, then roll it up.
- Shape into a circle on a baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Let it cool, then decorate with icing and sprinkles before serving.