Mardi Gras King Cake
A traditional dessert during Mardi Gras,the oval King Cake is symbolic of the unity of faiths. It was originally baked to honor the 3 kings, or magi, and we continue to bake it every year. Purple, green and gold are the colors of Mardi Gras, and YUM is the flavor of this cake!
Cooking Time45 min
Ingredients
- 1 package yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 6 teaspoons milk, scalded and cooled
- 4 to 5 cups flour
- 1/2 pound butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons melted butter
- small plastic doll (or bean)
- light corn syrup for topping
- granulated sugar for topping - green, yellow, purple
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water.
- Add milk and about 1/2 cup of flour.
- In a large bowl, blend butter, sugar, salt and eggs.
- Add yeast dough and mix thoroughly.
- Gradually, add 2 1/2 cups flour to make a medium dough.
- Place in a greased bowl and brush with melted butter.
- Cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise until double in volume, about 3 hours.
- Use 1 cup or more flour to knead dough and roll into a 4 to 5 foot long rope.
- Form into a oval on a 14 x 17" greased cookie sheet, connecting ends of the rope with a few drops of water.
- Press the doll (or bean) into the dough from underneath.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until double in volume, about 1 hour.
- Bake at 325F degrees for 35 to 45 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Brush top of cake with corn syrup and sprinkle with alternating bands of colored sugar. Cake freezes well.
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