Lemon-Blueberry King Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar for decoration

Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Pastry brush
- Plastic wrap
- 10-inch bundt pan
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined.

2. Add the warm water, warm milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together.

3. Increase the speed to medium and add the softened butter and vegetable oil. Mix for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

4. Add the blueberries and mix on low speed until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the bottom of a 10-inch bundt pan with parchment paper.

7. Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a long rope and form it into a ring, pinching the ends together to seal.

8. Place the dough ring in the prepared bundt pan and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes or until it has risen to the top of the pan.

9. Bake the king cake for 25-30 minutes or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

10. Let the king cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Brush the glaze over the cooled king cake.

12. Sprinkle the purple, green, and gold sanding sugar over the glaze to decorate the king cake.


Time:
Preparation time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 8-10 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 250mg
Sugar: 18g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use frozen blueberries instead of fresh blueberries.
- You can use almond extract instead of vanilla extract.

Variations:
- You can add chopped pecans or almonds to the dough for added texture.
- You can add cream cheese filling to the center of the king cake.
- You can make a cinnamon sugar filling by mixing together 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe.
- Don't overmix the dough or it will become tough.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for best results.
- Use a pastry brush to apply the glaze evenly.

Storage instructions:
Store the king cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the king cake, wrap it in foil and heat it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the king cake on a platter with Mardi Gras beads and masks for a festive presentation.

Garnishes:
Sprinkle purple, green, and gold sanding sugar over the glaze for a festive touch.

Pairings:
Serve the king cake with coffee or hot chocolate.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve the king cake with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more warm water or milk.
- If the dough doesn't rise, it may be too cold. Place it in a warmer spot and try again.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all surfaces that come into contact with the dough to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Food history:
The king cake is a traditional dessert served during Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It is typically made with a sweet yeast dough and decorated with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar.

Flavor profiles:
The lemon and blueberry flavors in this king cake are bright and refreshing, while the sweet glaze adds a touch of sweetness.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the king cake as a dessert or as a breakfast pastry.

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Taste: Sweet, Tangy, Citrusy, Fruity, Buttery