New Orleans Mardi Gras King Cake
This New Orleans Mardi Gras King Cake is a festive and delicious treat traditionally served during the carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras. Originating from twelfth-century France, the King Cake celebrates the feast of Epiphany, honoring the visit of the three wise men to the Christ child. The cake is decorated with vibrant purple, green, and gold sugars representing justice, faith, and power, making it a visual delight as well as a tasty one. Although often hidden with a plastic baby for fun, this version leaves it out to avoid any choking hazards.
5
Servings
1100
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
sour cream
16 ounces (container)
sugar
1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup (divided)
butter
1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons (divided, melted)
salt
1 teaspoon
active dry yeast
2 envelopes (1/4 ounce each)
warm water
1/2 cup ((100 to 110 degrees))
eggs
2 large (beaten)
bread flour
6 to 6 1/2 cups
ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons
sparkling sugar candy sprinkles
as needed ((purple, green, and gold))
powdered sugar
3 cups
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons
vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon
milk
2 to 4 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sour cream, 1/3 cup sugar, butter, and salt. Stir frequently until the butter melts, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool to between 100°F and 110°F.
2
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm water. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
3
In a stand mixer, beat together the sour cream mixture, yeast mixture, eggs, and 2 cups of flour on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
4
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5
Place the dough in a well-greased bowl, turning it to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free area (approximately 85°F) for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6
Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. Roll each half into a 22x12-inch rectangle.
7
Spread 1/3 cup of softened butter evenly over each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
8
Combine 1/2 cup sugar with the ground cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the butter-covered rectangles.
9
Starting from one long side, roll up each rectangle tightly like a jelly roll.
10
Place each rolled dough, seam side down, onto a lightly greased baking sheet and shape into an oval ring by bringing the ends together and pinching edges to seal.
11
Cover the shaped dough and allow it to rise in a warm area for 20-30 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
12
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the cakes for 14-16 minutes until golden brown.
13
To make the glaze, mix together the powdered sugar, melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Slowly add 2 tablespoons of milk, adding more, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you achieve a spreadable consistency.
14
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool slightly on the pans for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cakes.
15
Sprinkle the cakes with the purple, green, and gold sparkling sugar sprinkles, alternating colors to create vibrant stripes. Let them cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Information
22g
Protein
760mg
Sodium
130mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a New Orleans Mardi Gras King Cake?
It is a festive and traditional treat served during the carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras, originating from twelfth-century France.
What does the King Cake celebrate?
The King Cake celebrates the feast of Epiphany, which honors the visit of the three wise men to the Christ child.
What do the colors of the King Cake represent?
The vibrant colors represent three virtues: purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.
Is there a plastic baby hidden in this King Cake recipe?
No, this specific version leaves the plastic baby out to avoid any potential choking hazards.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 5 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of this King Cake contains 1100 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 22 grams of protein per serving.
What is the sodium content of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 760mg of sodium.
How much cholesterol is in the King Cake?
There is 130mg of cholesterol per serving.
What temperature should the sour cream mixture be before adding yeast?
The mixture should cool to between 100 degrees F and 110 degrees F.
How long should the yeast mixture sit?
The yeast and sugar should stand in warm water for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 6 to 6.5 cups of bread flour.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
What is the recommended environment for the dough to rise?
The dough should rise in a warm, draft-free area at approximately 85 degrees F.
How long is the first rise for the dough?
The dough should rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
What size should the dough be rolled into?
The dough should be divided in half and each piece rolled into a 22x12-inch rectangle.
What is used for the King Cake filling?
The filling consists of softened butter, sugar, and ground cinnamon.
How do you shape the King Cake?
Roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll and bring the ends together to form an oval ring, pinching the edges to seal.
How long is the second rise after shaping?
The shaped dough should rise for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until doubled in bulk.
What is the baking temperature for the King Cake?
The cakes should be baked in an oven preheated to 375 degrees F.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The bake time is between 14 and 16 minutes until the cakes are golden brown.
What ingredients are in the glaze?
The glaze is made from powdered sugar, melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and milk.
How do you adjust the glaze consistency?
Add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
When should the glaze be applied?
Drizzle the glaze over the cakes while they are still warm, after cooling for about 10 minutes.
How is the sugar topping applied?
Sprinkle purple, green, and gold sparkling sugar in alternating stripes over the glaze.
How many yeast envelopes are required?
The recipe requires 2 envelopes of active dry yeast, each being 1/4 ounce.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
Does the recipe use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the glaze requires 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
How much sour cream is needed?
The recipe uses a 16-ounce container of sour cream.
Can the cake be served immediately?
It is best to let the cakes cool completely after decorating before serving.