Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake

✨ Ingredients:

Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 packets active dry yeast (4½ tsp)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)

Filling:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–4 tbsp milk or lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

• Purple, green, and gold colored sugar sprinkles (or sanding sugar)
• 1 plastic baby (optional – hide after baking)

🧁 Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over it and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.

2. Mix the Dough:

Add melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead & Rise:

Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled.

4. Prepare the Filling:

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in softened butter until crumbly.

5. Roll & Fill:

Roll dough into a 10×20-inch rectangle. Sprinkle evenly with the filling. Roll it up tightly from the long side like a jelly roll.

6. Shape the Cake:

Pinch seam shut. Form into a ring or oval and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pinch ends together. Let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

7. Bake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely before glazing.

8. Glaze & Decorate:

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth but pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake and immediately sprinkle colored sugars in alternating bands (purple, green, gold).

9. Hide the Surprise:

If using a plastic baby, insert it into the underside of the cake after it cools.

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