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.
