why make this recipe
New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl is a festive treat that brings the flavor and fun of Mardi Gras right into your home. It’s not just a cake; it’s a colorful tradition that celebrates good times, togetherness, and the excitement of the carnival season. The combination of sweet dough and a rich cinnamon filling keeps this cake moist and flavorful. Plus, adding vibrant sanding sugar makes it a dazzling 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 small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Mix the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt until just combined.
Add the yeast mixture: Add the foamy yeast mixture and 3 cups of the flour. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the rest of the flour until the dough pulls away from the bowl. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Add the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the dough.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn it to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a thick paste.
Shape the cake: After the dough has risen, punch it down. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches. Brush it with the melted butter reserved for the filling, then spread the cinnamon filling mixture evenly over the dough.
Roll and form: Starting with the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed. Form the log into a ring or oval shape, joining the ends and pinching to seal. If using a plastic baby, insert it into the cake now.
Second Rise: Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it loosely and let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake: Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, lightly cover with foil. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the liquid until you reach a thick glaze that sets but doesn’t run off.
Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle generously with the purple, green, and gold sanding sugars.
how to serve New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl
Serve slices of the King Cake on a festive platter. It’s perfect for parties, brunches, or any celebration. The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, and everyone will love the delightful cinnamon flavor. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the hidden plastic baby if you choose to include it—whoever finds it can host the next King Cake party!
how to store New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl
After the cake cools completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the unglazed cake for up to three months; just let it thaw completely before glazing and decorating.
tips to make New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl
- Temperature matters: Ensure the milk is just warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Kneading: Knead the dough well. It should be smooth and elastic before the first rise.
- Watch the oven: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your King Cake while it bakes to prevent it from burning.
variation
You can experiment with different fillings like cream cheese, fruit preserves, or chocolate for a unique twist on the traditional King Cake. Just ensure to adjust the measurements accordingly to keep the dough balanced.
FAQs
Can I make King Cake in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling the day before and assemble it. Just let it rise and bake the next day for fresh cake.What is the significance of the plastic baby in the King Cake?
The plastic baby symbolizes good luck. Tradition says that whoever finds it must host the next King Cake party or provide the next King Cake.Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use the same amount, but you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing it in warm milk.
New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F) Ensure the milk is just warm to activate the yeast.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast Can substitute with the same amount of instant yeast.
- ½ cup granulated sugar, divided Use 1 teaspoon for yeast activation.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature Brings the ingredients to the right temperature.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened For mixing into the dough.
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting Adjust as necessary while mixing.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dough) Provides additional flavor in the dough.
For the Filling
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar For the filling's sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon Creates the cinnamon filling flavor.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted To bind the filling ingredients.
For the Icing and Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar Base for the icing.
- 2 tablespoons milk or water Adjust for desired icing consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavoring the icing.
- to taste Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar For decoration.
- 1 small plastic baby (optional) For traditional serving; symbolizes good luck.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt until just combined.
- Add the foamy yeast mixture and 3 cups of flour. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the rest of the flour until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
- Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Add the cinnamon for the dough.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn it to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until it forms a thick paste.
Shaping the Cake
- After the dough has risen, punch it down. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches.
- Brush it with the melted butter reserved for the filling, then spread the cinnamon filling mixture evenly over the dough.
- Starting with the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the seam closed.
- Form the log into a ring or oval shape, joining and pinching the ends to seal. If using a plastic baby, insert it into the cake now.
- Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it loosely and let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Baking and Icing
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, lightly cover with foil.
- Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the liquid until you reach a thick glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and immediately sprinkle generously with sanding sugars.