Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 plastic baby figurine (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Special equipment needed:
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and yeast.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it reaches 110-115°F. Add the melted butter and stir to combine.
3. Add the milk mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients in the stand mixer bowl. Mix on low speed until a dough forms.
4. Increase the speed to medium and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the cake pan with parchment paper.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
8. Brush the maple syrup over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
9. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the maple syrup.
10. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge. Pinch the seam to seal.
11. Shape the dough into a ring and place it in the prepared cake pan.
12. Insert the plastic baby figurine into the dough, if using.
13. Bake the king cake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
14. Let the king cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
15. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze.
16. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled king cake.
Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 358
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 68mg
Sodium: 267mg
Carbohydrates: 59g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour.
- Honey or agave syrup can be used instead of maple syrup.
- Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used instead of regular bacon.
Variations:
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of powdered sugar glaze.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the filling for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the milk is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for best results.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- To make the king cake more festive, decorate it with purple, green, and gold sprinkles.
Storage instructions:
Store the king cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Warm the king cake in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the king cake on a platter, garnished with fresh fruit or whipped cream.
Garnishes:
Fresh fruit, whipped cream, purple, green, and gold sprinkles.
Pairings:
Coffee, hot chocolate, or milk.
Suggested side dishes:
Fruit salad, scrambled eggs, or bacon-wrapped asparagus.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough doesn't rise, it may be because the yeast is expired or the milk was too hot.
- If the king cake is too dry, it may have been overbaked.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the plastic baby figurine is inserted into the king cake after baking, to avoid any choking hazards.
Food history:
The king cake is a traditional dessert served during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is typically a sweet, yeasted cake filled with cinnamon and sugar, and decorated with purple, green, and gold icing.
Flavor profiles:
Sweet, salty, and savory, with a hint of maple and cinnamon.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the king cake as a dessert or breakfast pastry during Mardi Gras celebrations.
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Taste: Sweet, Savory, Smoky, Maple, Maple-Flavored