Festive King Cake
This stunning Festive King Cake is not just a dessert; it's a centerpiece for celebrations! Originating from the rich culinary traditions of the South, this delightful treat is perfect for Mardi Gras, birthday celebrations, and any occasion where you want to impress. The dough is rich, fluffy, and easy to work with, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The velvety cream cheese filling adds a touch of indulgence, while the vibrant colored frostings and sugars bring a festive flair. Don't forget to hide a plastic baby inside for good luck! This recipe guarantees to wow your guests and keep them coming back for more.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
26
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Sour Cream
16 ounces (None)
Sugar
1/3 cup (Granulated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Active Dry Yeast
2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes (None)
White Sugar
1 tablespoon (Granulated)
Warm Water
1/2 cup (100 to 110 degrees)
Eggs
2 (Large, beaten)
All-Purpose Flour
6 1/2 cups, divided (Sifted)
Cream Cheese
16 ounces (Softened)
Sugar
3/4 cup (Granulated)
Salt
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (Pure)
Powdered Sugar
3 cups (None)
Butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Milk
3 tablespoons (None)
Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Green Food Coloring
2 drops (None)
Yellow Food Coloring
2 drops (None)
Blue Food Coloring
2 drops (None)
Red Food Coloring
2 drops (None)
White Sugar
1 1/2 cups (Granulated)
Green Food Coloring
2 drops (None)
Yellow Food Coloring
2 drops (None)
Red Food Coloring
2 drops (None)
Blue Food Coloring
2 drops (None)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Festive King Cake?
The Festive King Cake is a stunning dessert centerpiece originating from the culinary traditions of the South, typically served during Mardi Gras.
On what occasions should I serve a King Cake?
It is perfect for Mardi Gras, birthday celebrations, or any festive occasion where you want to impress your guests.
What is the texture of the King Cake dough?
The dough is described as rich, fluffy, and easy to work with, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
What type of filling does this King Cake have?
This recipe features a velvety cream cheese filling that adds a touch of indulgence to the dessert.
What are the traditional decorations for this cake?
The cake is decorated with vibrant colored frostings and sugars to create a festive flair.
Is there a tradition involving a plastic baby?
Yes, it is traditional to hide a plastic baby inside the cake for good luck.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 26 total ingredients required to make this Festive King Cake, including those for the dough, filling, frosting, and decorations.
What type of yeast is used in the dough?
The recipe calls for 2 envelopes (1/4 ounce each) of active dry yeast.
What temperature should the water be for the yeast?
The warm water should be between 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit to properly activate the yeast.
How much sour cream is needed for the dough?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of sour cream for the dough mixture.
What kind of flour is recommended?
The recipe uses 6 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, which should be sifted.
How many eggs are used in the dough?
The dough requires 2 large, beaten eggs.
What ingredients make up the cream cheese filling?
The filling consists of 16 ounces of softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
How is the frosting prepared?
The frosting is made using 3 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What colors are used for the frosting and sugar?
The recipe uses green, yellow, blue, and red food coloring to create the festive decorations.
How much granulated sugar is needed for the colored sugar toppings?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of granulated white sugar to divide and color for the toppings.
What is the preparation for the butter in the frosting?
The 3 tablespoons of butter used in the frosting should be melted.
Is the vanilla extract for the filling specified as pure?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for the cream cheese filling.
Does the dough contain salt?
Yes, the dough recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much granulated sugar goes into the yeast mixture?
One tablespoon of granulated white sugar is added to the warm water and yeast mixture.
What is the preparation for the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth filling.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include king cake, mardi gras, yeast bread, dessert, and cream cheese filling.
Is this considered a yeast bread?
Yes, because it uses active dry yeast and requires dough preparation, it is classified as a yeast bread.
What size are the envelopes of yeast?
The recipe calls for two 1/4 ounce envelopes of active dry yeast.
How much granulated sugar is used in the dough itself?
The dough uses 1/3 cup of granulated sugar in addition to the sugar used for the yeast.
How much milk is used in the frosting?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of milk for the frosting.
What is the prep for the butter used in the dough?
The 1/4 cup of butter used in the dough should be melted.
How many drops of each food coloring should be used?
The recipe suggests using 2 drops of each color (green, yellow, blue, red) for the frostings and sugars.
What is the primary category of this dish?
It is categorized as a dessert and a celebration cake.
Is the flour used in the recipe measured before or after sifting?
The recipe lists 6 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with the preparation instruction 'Sifted'.