The Carnival Celebration King Cake is a vibrant and fun treat that brings the spirit of Mardi Gras straight to your kitchen! With its rich, buttery dough and colorful decoration, it's perfect for any festive occasion or just when you're in the mood for something special.
The base starts with whole milk, which provides a tender crumb and adds richness. Unsalted butter ensures the dough is moist and flavorful without being too salty. Using all-purpose flour gives the cake structure, while granulated sugar sweetens things up. Active dry yeast is the leavening agent that helps the dough rise, making it nice and fluffy. A touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth. Eggs help bind the dough and add a richer taste. The zest of an orange brings a refreshing zing, and vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma.
For the filling, brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor, while chopped pecans offer crunch. Raisins provide chewiness and sweetness, and melted butter helps everything stick together. The icing, made with powdered sugar and fresh orange juice, is the perfect finishing touch. Finally, colored sugars in purple, green, and gold give it that classic Mardi Gras flair.
Serve this King Cake with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness. For a true Mardi Gras experience, pair it with a classic New Orleans coffee blend or a refreshing lemon iced tea.
Start by warming the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s just steaming. Stir in the unsalted butter until it’s melted, then set it aside to cool to lukewarm. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, yeast, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients well.
Next, beat in the eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the lukewarm milk mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, roughly an hour.
Once risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about 10x16 inches. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, chopped pecans, and raisins. Spread melted butter over the dough rectangle, then sprinkle the sugar-nut mixture evenly on top.
Roll the dough into a log starting from the long side. Seal the edge and form it into a ring, pinching the ends together. Place it on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool on a wire rack.
For the icing, mix powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle this over the cooled cake and sprinkle with colored sugars for that festive touch.