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Best Traditional King Cake Recipe

Traditional King Cake is a soft, brioche-style pastry filled with cinnamon sugar, topped with a sweet lemon glaze, and decorated in classic purple, green, and gold. This festive dessert is traditionally enjoyed during Epiphany and Mardi Gras celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French / Cajun
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water 100–110°F
  • 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 3 –3 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter softened (filling)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar filling
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cream cheese softened
  • 2 –4 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple green, and gold sprinkles

Method
 

  1. Activate yeast by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let foam for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat sour cream, sugar, butter, and salt until butter melts. Cool to 100–110°F.
  3. Combine yeast mixture, sour cream mixture, egg, and flour to form dough.
  4. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
  5. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
  6. Mix cinnamon and sugar for filling.
  7. Divide dough in half, roll into rectangles, spread butter, and sprinkle filling.
  8. Roll each into logs, twist together, and form a ring.
  9. Let rise again for 20–30 minutes.
  10. Bake at 350°F for 25–35 minutes until golden.
  11. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth.
  12. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and decorate with sprinkles.

Notes

Traditionally, a small fève or bean is hidden inside the cake before baking. Whoever finds it becomes the king or queen for the day.