Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 1 cup milk
02 - 1/4 cup salted butter
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
04 - 2/3 cup warm water
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
06 - 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
07 - 2 large eggs, beaten
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 - 5 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (705-776g)

→ Cinnamon Filling Option

10 - 2/3 cup brown sugar
11 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (68g)
13 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
14 - 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted

→ Cream Cheese Filling Option

15 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
16 - 2 cups powdered sugar
17 - 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
18 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Frosting

19 - 2 cups powdered sugar
20 - 3 tablespoons milk
21 - 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
22 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
23 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Instructions:

01 - Heat milk and butter until warm, add salt. In separate bowl, combine warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy, 5-10 minutes.
02 - Mix yeast mixture with remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla, and flour gradually. Knead with dough hook 5 minutes or by hand 8-10 minutes until soft dough forms. Place in oiled bowl and let rise 1-2 hours.
03 - For cinnamon filling, mix sugars, flour, cinnamon, and butter. For cream cheese filling, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
04 - Divide dough in half. Roll each into 10x16-inch rectangle, cut lengthwise. Add filling, roll into logs, twist together, form oval. Let rise 30-45 minutes.
05 - Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 190-195°F. Cool completely.
06 - Make frosting by beating ingredients until smooth. Hide baby figurine in cake, drizzle with frosting, and sprinkle with colored sugar while wet.

# Notes:

01 - Recipe makes TWO king cakes - enjoy one now and freeze one for later
02 - Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking
03 - Keeps 2-3 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated
04 - Can be frozen for up to 3 months

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