Mardi Gras King Cake

Makes two King Cakes

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Melt the butter, and let it cool for 10 minutes before adding in the rest of the ingredients. If added too soon, the mixture will be greasy and absorb into the bread.

Step 2

Melt the butter and add the milk, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk the mixture until combined.

Step 3

In the mixing bowl, add sugar, yeast, salt, and flour. Whisk to combine. Knead on medium speed until dough starts coming away from sides of the bowl and passes windowpane test, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Roll into smooth, round ball. Let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 5

Divide the dough in half for full-size, or quarters for the minis. These are the size of the entire bulk of the king cake. Work with one dough ball at a time, set others aside and cover.

Step 6

Divide each piece of dough in half. Roll into a long rectangle, roughly 8x16". Spread the filling on each rectangle, and roll into a cylinder from the long end. Twist the two logs together into a braid, and shape them into a circle or oval.

Step 7

Cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 30-45 minutes or until puffy.

Step 8

Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 until golden brown. Internal temperature should be at least 190 degrees. Let cool completely before icing.