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Mardi Gras King Cake

Mardi Gras King Cake: A Festive Twist with Pecan Bliss

Celebrate Mardi Gras with a homemade King Cake featuring a pecan praline filling and colorful toppings.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rise Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: French
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup Sour Cream Plain yogurt works as a substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Melted.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar Divided.
  • 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast Instant yeast can be a substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Warm Water 100°F to 110°F.
  • 1 large Egg
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour can be swapped in a 1:1 ratio.
For the Praline-Cream Cheese Filling
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese Softened.
  • 1/2 large Lightly Beaten Egg Omit for dairy-free option.
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar White sugar can work in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Nutmeg can be used for a different twist.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Chopped Pecans Toasting them heightens the taste.
For the Vanilla Glaze
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Melted.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons Milk Any type of milk is suitable.
For Decoration
  • 1 cup Colored Sanding Sugars Purple, yellow, and green.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, melted butter, salt, and granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast over warm water and stir; let sit for about 10 minutes until bubbly and foamy. Mix the yeast into the sour cream mixture.
Mix Ingredients
  1. Add beaten egg and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Proofing
  1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled. Punch down to release air bubbles.
Filling Preparation
  1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, beaten egg, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans until creamy and well blended.
Shape Dough
  1. Roll out the dough into an oval shape about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the pecan filling evenly, leaving a border. Carefully roll the dough from one long side to the other, pinching the ends to create a ring.
Second Proofing
  1. Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another hour until puffy.
Bake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
Glazing
  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Frost the top of the cake while it’s still slightly warm.
Serve
  1. While the glaze is wet, sprinkle colorful sanding sugars on top. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese and egg for the filling are at room temperature. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

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