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Breads & Baked Goods, Dessert

Mardi Gras King Cake

Sophie Cullen
Recipe by Sophie Cullen

Tip: Cooking Mode

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  • Prep 15 mins
  • First Rise 2 hours
  • Chill Time 30 mins
  • Proof 45 mins
  • Total 2h 45 mins
  • Advanced
  • Serves 12

A traditional yeasted cake made to celebrate Mardi Gras, the King Cake is a delicious cinnamon filled treat somewhere between a coffee cake and a cinnamon roll. Don’t forget to hide a little trinket or figurine, so someone can be king for the day! They’ll also be assigned the task of hosting next year’s celebration. 😉

TIP: Store any leftover cake in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Compatible with

Allergies

  • Contains Milk/Dairy
  • Contains Wheat
  • Contains Eggs

Tip: Allergy Advice

This dish contains the following allergens: Milk/Dairy, Wheat, Eggs

Cooking mode

Step-by-step instruction without your screen going to sleep

Dough

  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 cups bread flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

Filling

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Frosting

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • Pinch Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • Green, yellow and purple sprinkles or sanding sugar (as desired)
  • Trinket (for hiding)

Utensils

  • Stand Mixer
  • Large Bowl
  • Two Small Bowls
  • Silicone-Tipped Tongs
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Rolling Pin
  • Step 1

    In a stand mixer, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar to combine. Allow to sit for 5 minutes for the yeast to activate. 

  • Step 2

    Add the remaining dough ingredients, and with the dough hook attachment, mix on low-medium speed until it comes together into a smooth dough, about 10 minutes. Transfer the dough into a large oiled bowl, cover with plastic and allow to rise at room temperature for 2 hours. Then transfer the bowl to the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes. 

  • Step 3

    After the dough has chilled, prepare the filling by mixing together the sugars, cinnamon, melted butter and flour in a small bowl. Spray the Crisper Tray with cooking spray. 

  • Step 4

    On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough out into a 8 x 12-inch rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Slice the dough in half, lengthwise. Evenly spread the filling over each half of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. 

  • Step 5

    Starting on the long end, tightly roll each half of dough up, like a roulade. Twist the two pieces together like a braid, join the ends to create a circle, then place onto the Crisper Tray. 

  • Step 6

    Pour 1 cup water into the pot. Push in the legs on the Crisper Tray, then place the tray in the bottom position in the pot.

  • Step 7

    Close the lid and flip the SmartSwitch to RAPIDCOOKER. Select PROOF, set temperature to 90°F, and set time for 45 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin proofing. The king cake should rise by about 20%, so adjust proof time as necessary. 

  • Step 8

    When proofing is complete, select STEAM & BAKE, set temperature to 325°F, and set time for 12 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin baking (the unit will steam for approx. 20 minutes before baking). The cake should be golden brown when cooked, so keep an eye on it during the last 5 minutes and adjust cook time if necessary. 

  • Step 9

    While the cake bakes, make the glaze. Combine the powdered sugar, milk, salt and vanilla in a small bowl, and whisk until smooth. 

  • Step 10

    When cooking is complete, open lid and transfer the king cake carefully to a cooling rack. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before glazing and decorating as desired. 

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