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New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

This New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl is a festive and flavorful pastry perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras or any special occasion. Featuring a soft, cinnamon-spiced dough filled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar swirl, this cake is baked golden, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and vibrant purple, green, and gold sanding sugars. A small plastic baby optional surprise adds to the fun tradition.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dough)

Filling

  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Icing & Decoration

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar for decoration
  • 1 small plastic baby (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. Let the mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt. Mix until just combined to start the dough base.
  3. Add yeast and flour: Pour in the yeast mixture and 3 cups of flour. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, then gradually add the remaining flour until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Incorporate 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon into the dough for flavor.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.
  6. Shape the cake: Punch down the risen dough. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Brush with the melted butter reserved for filling, then spread the cinnamon sugar paste evenly over the dough.
  7. Roll and form the ring: Starting with a long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed, then shape the log into a ring or oval. Pinch the ends firmly to seal. Insert the plastic baby into the cake now if using.
  8. Second rise: Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Bake the king cake: Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust liquid to get a thick glaze that sets well without running off.
  11. Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and immediately sprinkle generously with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars to finish the festive look.

Notes

  • Ensure milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Using room temperature eggs and softened butter helps create tender dough.
  • The plastic baby symbolizes luck and prosperity; be cautious when serving to hidden baby.
  • If the cake browns too fast in the oven, tent with foil to prevent burning.
  • Store leftover cake covered at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Cinnamon Swirl Cake, Festive Cake, Traditional King Cake, Cajun Dessert

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/new-orleans-style-king-cake-with-cinnamon-swirl-recipe/