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Cozy King Cake Recipe with Cinnamon Filling

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A warm and comforting king cake with soft, pillowy dough and a rich cinnamon filling, perfect for festive moments and cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (7g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (240ml)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (57g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (150g)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (57g)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (30ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F/43°C) with the sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Make the dough: Add softened butter and eggs to the yeast mixture and stir gently. Slowly add flour and salt, mixing as you go. Knead with a stand mixer dough hook on medium speed for 6–8 minutes or knead by hand on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  3. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, grease the bowl lightly, place dough inside, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter in a small bowl until spreadable but not runny.
  5. Roll out the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch (30×40 cm) rectangle.
  6. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  7. Form the cake: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log, pinch the seam to seal, then shape into a ring and pinch the ends together firmly.
  8. Second rise: Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet or greased round pan, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the king cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Glaze and cool: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the warm cake after about 10 minutes of cooling and allow to set before slicing.

Notes

If filling leaks during baking, chill rolled dough for 15 minutes before second rise. Use fresh yeast and proper milk temperature for best rise. For dairy-free, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and butter with coconut oil. Gluten-free all-purpose blend can be used but expect denser texture. Glaze while cake is warm for best absorption.

Nutrition

Keywords: king cake, cinnamon filling, cozy dessert, festive cake, yeast dough, cinnamon sugar, holiday baking

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/cozy-king-cake-recipe-with-cinnamon-filling-easy-step-by-step-guide/