Homemade King Cake Recipe

By Chef Billy Parisi · 180 min

Ingredients

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer with the paddle on high, cream the butter until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, whisk the warm milk (110° to 115°) with 1 tablespoon of sugar and the yeast in a medium bowl. Let stand 5 to 7 minutes until a foam forms on top.
3. Add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar to the butter and cream on high for 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Add the salt, then the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Add the lemon juice.
5. On low speed, mix in the milk and yeast mixture just until combined.
6. Switch to the dough hook, add the flour in 3 batches until mixed in, then knead on low to medium speed for 10 minutes. The dough should be elastic but not sticky.
7. Put the dough in a covered container and place it in the oven with only the light on (oven off). Let it rise 60 to 90 minutes until doubled.
8. Mix the cinnamon, brown sugar and 1/4 cup sugar in a small bowl until no lumps remain.
9. Punch the dough down, turn it onto a lightly floured surface, and roll it into a rough 20 by 24 inch rectangle. Cut it in half lengthwise.
10. Brush both pieces with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over them.
11. Roll each piece into a long rope, pinching the seams closed. Braid the two ropes together, then shape the braid into a circle and pinch the ends together.
12. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely and let rise 30 minutes at room temperature, until up to double in size.
13. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 33 minutes, until golden brown and firm and it sounds hollow when tapped. Cool completely on a rack.
14. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter on high for 4 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Turn to low, add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat on high 2 to 3 minutes. If too thick, thin with a tablespoon or two of whole milk.
15. Once the cake is at room temperature, spread the frosting over the top and slightly down the sides. Sprinkle alternating gold, purple and green sugar around the cake.

Summarized from Chef Billy Parisi's video. Watch it for the details.

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