Learn how to make a traditional king cake just like you’d find in New Orleans.
The real question is, are you ready for the challenge?
What Is a King Cake?
Credit:Rachel Marek
Baking a tiny plastic baby into a king cake wasnt common practice until the 1800s.
Some say the baby represents Jesus.
It’s also said to bring good luck and prosperity.
Credit:Rachel Marek
How to Make King Cake
Our king cake recipe starts with ayeast doughthat’s flavored with nutmeg.
The filling is made with brown sugar, pecans, raisins, and cinnamon.
To make a homemade king cake, you’ll first combine the dough ingredients and let it rise.
Credit:Rachel Marek
Make the filling and set it aside.
Once the dough is ready, following these steps to form the shape.
Can You Freeze King Cake?
Credit:Rachel Marek
you’re able to make this king cake recipe ahead and freeze it for 2-3 months.
To store, wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and foil and place in a labeled freezer-safe bag.
Thaw the cake overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.
Credit:Rachel Marek
Remove from heat and stir in butter.
Allow mixture to cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl stir together warm water, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and yeast.
Credit:Rachel Marek
Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
Add cooled milk mixture to yeast mixture.
Stir in remaining granulated sugar, salt, and nutmeg.
Credit:Rachel Marek
Stir in as much of the flour as you’re free to.
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl; turn to coat.
When risen, punch dough down and let stand, covered, 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375F.
Grease a large baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl combine brown sugar, pecans, raisins, flour, and cinnamon.
Pour melted butter on top and mix until crumbly.
Assembly
Roll dough into a 20x10-inch rectangle.
Sprinkle filling evenly over dough leaving a 1/2-inch border on lone long side.
Tightly roll up, starting from filled long side, and seal seam with fingertips.
Arrange seam-side down and bring the ends of roll together to form an oval-shaped ring.
Place ring on prepared pan.
With scissors, make cuts 1/3 of the way through the ring at 1-inch intervals.
Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
Check often for doneness so the ring doesn’t over bake.
In a small bowl whisk together powdered sugar, cream, and salt until smooth.
Whisk in water as needed to reach desired consistency.
Gently push the baby doll into bottom of warm cake.
Spread glaze over cake.
Decorate as desired with sanding sugar.
Remind guests to inspect their piece of cake before eating to avoid the plastic baby.
