Mardi Gras Citrus King Cake

A delectable twist on the traditional King Cake, this Mardi Gras Citrus King Cake melds zesty citrus flavors with the classic cinnamon and sugar filling, perfect for celebrating the festive season.

Prep time: 1 hour
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 12

Ingredients

3/4 cup whole milk

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp orange zest

1 tbsp lemon zest

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup golden raisins

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups powdered sugar

3 tbsp fresh orange juice

Colored sugar sprinkles

Instructions

1. Warm the milk until it is just about 110°F, then stir in the granulated sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, softened butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, orange zest, and lemon zest. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.

3. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, and golden raisins.

5. Roll up the dough tightly from one long side and form a ring, pinching the ends together to seal.

6. Place the dough ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

8. Once cooled, mix the powdered sugar with fresh orange juice to make the glaze and drizzle over the cake.

9. Decorate with colored sugar sprinkles for a festive look.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating

To reheat, warm slices in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.

Scan for cooking tips & leave a review!

itsonly.recipes/view/mardi-gras-citrus-king-cake

This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.