Ingredients
Method
- 1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large warm bowl, pour in the warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Stir until dissolved.
- Add warm milk, softened butter, sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in 1 cup of flour and blend well.
- Mix in eggs and gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling and Shape the Cake
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 30x9-inch rectangle.
- Brush the surface with melted butter, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly, leaving a half-inch border.
- Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the roll in half lengthwise, exposing the cinnamon swirls.
- Carefully twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides up.
- As you twist, place the plastic baby somewhere in the dough.
- Transfer the twisted dough onto a greased baking sheet and shape it into a ring, pinching the ends together to seal.
- Cover and let it rise for another 20-40 minutes until doubled in size.
3. Bake the King Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Decorate with Icing and Sprinkles
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth.
- Divide the icing into three bowls and tint each one purple, green, and gold.
- Drizzle the icing over the cake and sprinkle with colored sugar for the perfect finishing touch!
