New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl
Why Make This Recipe
New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl is a delightful treat that celebrates Mardi Gras. It brings together a soft, sweet dough with a rich cinnamon filling, making it a favorite for many. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also fun to enjoy with family and friends during the festive season. The vibrant colors of the sanding sugar make it a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering.
How to Make New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl
Ingredients
- 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)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk or water (for icing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
- Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar (for decoration)
- 1 small plastic baby (optional)
Directions
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Mix the dough: In another bowl, mix the remaining sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt. Then, add the yeast mixture and 3 cups of flour. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the rest of the flour. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, and melted butter to form a paste.
- Shape the cake: Roll the dough into a rectangle. Brush it with melted butter, spread the filling over it, then roll it into a log. Shape the log into a ring.
- Second rise: Put the ring on a baking sheet, cover it, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the cake: Bake for 25-35 minutes until it is golden brown. Let it cool on a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
- Serve: Slice the cake into thick pieces and serve at room temperature.
How to Serve New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl
Serve the King Cake at room temperature. It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or festive gatherings. You can slice it into thick pieces and offer it alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful treat.
How to Store New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl
Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month.
Tips to Make New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl
- Ensure the milk is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- When kneading the dough, add a bit of flour if it feels too sticky.
- For a more colorful cake, use a generous amount of sanding sugar in different colors.
- You can add the small plastic baby inside before baking for fun, but remind guests to watch out for it!
Variation
You can experiment with the filling by adding nuts or dried fruit. Some variations also include a cream cheese filling for an extra creamy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just let it rise and then cover it tightly before refrigerating. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
2. What does the plastic baby symbolize?
The plastic baby is a tradition that symbolizes luck and prosperity. The person who finds it in their slice is expected to host the next King Cake party!
3. Can I use different flavors for the cake?
Absolutely! While cinnamon is classic, you can try flavors like lemon, cream cheese, or chocolate to make your own version of King Cake.
New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In another bowl, mix the remaining sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 3 cups of flour, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the rest of the flour.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it is smooth.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
- In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, and melted butter to form a paste for the filling.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle. Brush it with melted butter, spread the filling over it, then roll it into a log. Shape the log into a ring.
- Put the ring on a baking sheet, cover it, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25-35 minutes until it is golden brown. Let it cool on a wire rack.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
- Slice the cake into thick pieces and serve at room temperature.
Notes
