why make this recipe
King Cake is a fun and tasty treat from Louisiana. It brings people together for parties and holidays. The cake has warm spices, soft dough, sweet icing, and bright colored sugar. It is good to bake because it looks nice, feeds a crowd, and tastes great.
introduction
This Traditional Louisiana King Cake is soft, sweet, and festive. It works well for family gatherings and celebrations. If you enjoy classic Southern desserts, you might also like the cherry chip cake guide for another simple and sweet recipe.
how to make Traditional Louisiana King Cake
Make the dough, let it rise, roll it, add a cinnamon sugar filling, and bake. The steps are easy and you can do most parts ahead. The dough method is like other simple breads, and you can find more bread-style ideas in Arabic breakfast food recipes if you want more practice with similar doughs.
Ingredients :
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4-5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup purple, green, and gold sugar sprinkles
- 1 small plastic baby (optional)
Directions :
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, butter, salt, eggs, and the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface until smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, then sprinkle over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and shape it into a ring, pinching the ends to seal. If using, insert the plastic baby inside.
- Place the ring on a baking sheet and let it rise again for about an hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before icing.
- For the icing, mix powdered sugar with a little milk until smooth and drizzle it over the cake.
- Decorate with colored sugar sprinkles.
- Serve and enjoy your King Cake!
how to serve Traditional Louisiana King Cake
Cut the cake into slices and serve warm or at room temperature. Offer coffee or milk on the side. If you used the plastic baby, warn guests before they bite so no one swallows it.
how to store Traditional Louisiana King Cake
Keep leftover King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, wrap well and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and refresh in a low oven if you want it warm.
tips to make Traditional Louisiana King Cake
- Use warm milk, not hot, so the yeast lives.
- Knead until the dough is smooth but not too stiff.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for best puff.
- Press the cinnamon sugar filling evenly so each slice has flavor.
- If you have extra flour or fruit, try a simple loaf idea such as banana bread with pancake mix for a quick bake.
- Hide the plastic baby after the first slice to keep it safe and sanitary.
variation (if any)
- Add cream cheese to the filling for a richer cake.
- Use a glaze flavored with orange or lemon for a citrus touch.
- Make small individual rings instead of one large cake.
- Add nuts or raisins to the filling for texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough the night before?
A: Yes. After the first rise, cover and refrigerate overnight. Shape and let rise again before baking.
Q: Do I have to use the plastic baby?
A: No. It is traditional but optional. You can hide a coin or just skip it.
Q: How do I keep the sugar colors bright?
A: Add the colored sugar after the icing sets slightly. Press gently so the sugar sticks.
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use slightly less instant yeast and add it with the flour. Watch the rise time as it may be faster.
Q: Is this cake safe to freeze after baking?
A: Yes. Wrap well and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw before serving.
Traditional Louisiana King Cake
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, butter, salt, eggs, and the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface until smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle.
- In a small bowl, mix cinnamon, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, then sprinkle over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and shape it into a ring, pinching the ends to seal.
- If using, insert the plastic baby inside.
- Place the ring on a baking sheet and let it rise again for about an hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before icing.
- For the icing, mix powdered sugar with a little milk until smooth and drizzle it over the cake.
- Decorate with colored sugar sprinkles.
- Serve and enjoy your King Cake!