introduction
Epiphany King Cake is a sweet, braided ring bread that people share on Epiphany and during Mardi Gras. It has a light cinnamon flavor, a simple icing, and bright colored sugar on top to celebrate. For a similar sweet treat and baking tips, read this cherry chip cake guide.
why make this recipe
Make this cake to share with family and friends on holidays. It is warm, festive, and pleasing to most people. The dough is soft and not hard to work with. It also hides a small surprise like a plastic baby for fun tradition.
how to make Epiphany King Cake
Follow the steps below to make the cake simply and in order. Start with activating yeast, mix the dough, let it rise, shape it into a ring, bake until golden, and finish with icing and colored sugar. If you want another easy bread idea to try later, check this banana bread with pancake mix for a quick option.
Ingredients :
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
- Colored sugars (purple, green, yellow)
- Plastic baby (optional)
Directions :
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk; let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar, salt, cinnamon, melted butter, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and stir in flour gradually until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch the dough down and shape it into a ring. If using, place the plastic baby inside the dough.
- Place the ring on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let it rise for another hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make the icing, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle colored sugars in sections on top of the icing before serving.
how to serve Epiphany King Cake
Serve the cake at room temperature. Cut it into slices and place a small plate in the center for the tradition. For a savory side dish idea to pair with the cake, consider this chicken hearts recipe if you want something bold and different.
how to store Epiphany King Cake
Let the cake cool fully. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Epiphany King Cake
- Use warm milk (not hot) to proof the yeast; it should feel like warm bath water.
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it to avoid a dry dough.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and slightly springy.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for best results.
- If you add the plastic baby, wrap it in foil first to keep it clean and safe.
variation (if any)
- Add a cinnamon-sugar swirl inside the dough before shaping for more cinnamon flavor.
- Brush the ring with melted butter and sprinkle nuts or raisins before the first rise.
- Make a simple cream cheese filling for a richer cake.
FAQs
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? A: Yes. Use about 2¼ teaspoons of instant yeast and mix it with the dry ingredients. Reduce the initial proof time if needed.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead? A: Yes. You can bake it and store it in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for up to one month.
Q: What if my dough does not rise? A: Check the yeast age and milk temperature. If the yeast is old or the milk was too hot, the yeast may not work. Try proofing new yeast in warm milk and sugar to test it.
Q: Can I skip the plastic baby? A: Yes. The baby is optional and for tradition. You can also hide a small coin or a token if you prefer.
Q: How do I get bright colored sugar? A: You can buy colored sanding sugar or make your own by tossing white sugar with a drop of food coloring until evenly colored.
Epiphany King Cake
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk; let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix together sugar, salt, cinnamon, melted butter, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and gradually stir in flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch the dough down and shape it into a ring. If using, place the plastic baby inside the dough.
- Place the ring on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let it rise for another hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make the icing, then drizzle it over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle colored sugars in sections on top of the icing before serving.