Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 plastic baby figurine
- Purple, green, and gold decorating sugars
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it reaches 110°F. Remove from heat and sprinkle yeast over the top. Let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. Add the flour to the bowl and mix on low speed with the dough hook attachment until a smooth dough forms, about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cream cheese.
9. Place the plastic baby figurine somewhere in the filling.
10. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side. Pinch the edges together to seal.
11. Form the dough into a ring shape and place on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with a clean towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
12. Brush the top of the dough with water and sprinkle with purple, green, and gold decorating sugars.
13. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cake is golden brown and cooked through.
14. Let cool slightly before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 375°F
Serving size:
Serves 8-10
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 390mg
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond milk can be used instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
- Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.
- Vegan cream cheese can be used instead of regular cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
Variations:
- Add cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for a cinnamon roll-inspired king cake.
- Use different colored decorating sugars for a different look.
- Add dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, to the filling for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the milk is not too hot when adding the yeast, as it can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising.
- Letting the dough rise in a warm place, such as an oven with the light on, can help speed up the rising process.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a little more milk.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover king cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the king cake in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the king cake on a platter with Mardi Gras-themed decorations, such as beads and masks.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle extra chopped pecans or decorating sugars over the top of the king cake for added texture and flavor.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
Suggested side dishes:
- Jambalaya
- Red beans and rice
- Fried okra
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough doesn't rise, it may be because the yeast is old or the milk was too hot. Try again with fresh yeast and make sure the milk is at the right temperature.
- If the filling leaks out of the king cake while baking, make sure the edges are pinched tightly together before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the plastic baby figurine is placed in a visible spot in the cake so that no one accidentally swallows it.
Food history:
King cake is a traditional dessert served during Mardi Gras in New Orleans and other parts of the world. It is typically a sweet, yeast-based cake filled with cream cheese or other fillings and decorated with purple, green, and gold sugars.
Flavor profiles:
This king cake is sweet and nutty, with a creamy filling and a hint of vanilla.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the king cake as a dessert or as a special breakfast treat on Mardi Gras morning.
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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Buttery, Cinnamon, Nutty, Cinnamon-Spiced