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Soft & Authentic New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl

Close-up of a soft, fluffy slice of king cake showing the cinnamon swirl filling and white icing with purple, green, and gold sprinkles.
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Make a soft, brioche-style King Cake with a rich cinnamon swirl filling. This recipe delivers the traditional Mardi Gras dessert, topped with a simple glaze and festive purple, green, and gold sugars.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for filling)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. First rise: 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.
  5. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, whisk together the brown sugar, cinnamon, 1/4 cup flour, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  7. Add filling and roll: Brush the melted butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon filling mixture over the buttered surface. Roll the dough tightly along the long edge to form a log.
  8. Form the ring: Gently stretch the log slightly, then carefully bring the ends together to form a circle or oval shape. Pinch the seam firmly to seal. Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Second rise: Cover the shaped cake loosely and let it rise again in a warm spot for 45 to 60 minutes, or until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of rising.
  10. Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the cake cool on a wire rack.
  11. Make the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
  12. Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle generously with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars.

Notes

  • For the traditional colors, use purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.
  • If you want a cream cheese filling, spread 8 ounces of softened cream cheese over the dough before sprinkling with the cinnamon mixture.
  • You can hide a small plastic baby inside the cake before baking for fun, but make sure your guests know not to eat it.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/soft-cinnamon-king-cake-recipe/