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Mardi Gras King Cake

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Celebrate Mardi Gras with this traditional King Cake, a sweet and colorful braided pastry filled with cinnamon and sugar, topped with vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar.

Ingredients

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  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Colored sugars in purple, green, and gold for topping
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • Small plastic baby figurine (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
  3. Add flour, salt, and softened butter to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Roll the dough into a large rectangle approximately 12×18 inches.
  8. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the dough.
  9. Roll the dough up tightly from the long side, forming a log.
  10. Form the log into a ring and seal the ends together.
  11. Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If using, insert the small plastic baby inside the dough ring at this point.
  12. Let the ring rise for another 30 minutes.
  13. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  14. Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze and drizzle over the warm cake.
  15. Immediately sprinkle the top with purple, green, and gold colored sugars.

Notes

For an extra festive touch, serve with coffee or chicory tea and hide the baby inside the cake for a fun Mardi Gras tradition!

Find it online: https://dumafoods.com/mardi-gras-king-cake-delicious-tradition/