Mardi Gras King Cake

This classic Mardi Gras King Cake is a rich, yeast-raised sweet bread that serves as the centerpiece of Carnival celebrations. The dough is tender and slightly chewy, enriched with butter and eggs for a luxurious texture. Traditionally baked into a ring shape, it is finished with a glossy corn syrup glaze and vibrant bands of purple, green, and gold sugar, representing justice, faith, and power. A small plastic baby or bean is hidden inside, marking the finder as the "king" for the day.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 2

Calories: 1553.2

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This classic Mardi Gras King Cake is a rich, yeast-raised sweet bread that serves as the centerpiece of Carnival celebrations. The dough is tender and slightly chewy, enriched with butter and eggs for a luxurious texture. Traditionally baked into a ring shape, it is finished with a glossy corn syrup glaze and vibrant bands of purple, green, and gold sugar, representing justice, faith, and power. A small plastic baby or bean is hidden inside, marking the finder as the "king" for the day.

Directions

1
Dissolve the yeast in warm water in a small bowl and let stand until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
2
In a separate small bowl, combine the scalded and cooled milk with about 1/2 cup of flour, stirring until smooth.
3
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar, salt, and eggs until light and fluffy.
4
Add the yeast mixture and the milk-flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly.
5
Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if necessary, up to 1 cup additional, to achieve a medium consistency that is not sticky.
6
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7
Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat with oil or butter. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
8
Punch down the dough and roll it into a long rope, approximately 4 to 5 feet in length and 2 inches in diameter.
9
Form the rope into an oval or ring shape on a greased 14x17 inch baking sheet, pinching the ends together with a few drops of water to seal.
10
Press the plastic baby or bean into the dough from underneath, hiding it within one of the sections.
11
Cover the shaped cake with a damp cloth and let rise again until doubled in volume, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
12
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
13
Bake the cake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until lightly browned and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
14
While the cake bakes, divide the granulated sugar into three bowls and tint with purple, green, and gold food coloring.
15
Immediately upon removing the cake from the oven, brush the top generously with light corn syrup.
16
While the syrup is still wet, sprinkle alternating bands of the colored sugars over the top of the cake.
17
Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1553.2kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 56.0g87%
Saturated Fat 32.4g162%
Cholesterol 314.0mg105%
Sodium 1670.0mg70%
Total Carbohydrate 228.4g77%
Dietary Fiber 6.5g26%
Sugars 46.7g
Protein 31.3g63%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/mardi-gras-king-cake/