Regal Celebration Cake

🕒 Prep: 1 hour
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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The Regal Celebration Cake is a festive treat perfect for any special occasion. With its rich dough, warm spices, and vibrant toppings, this cake is sure to be the centerpiece of your gathering. Let's dive into creating a dessert that's both stunning and delicious!

Ingredients for Regal Celebration Cake

Yeast is the magic ingredient that gives our cake its rise and fluffy texture. Sugar adds sweetness and helps to activate the yeast. Flour holds everything together, creating the structure of the cake. A touch of nutmeg adds a warm, spicy note, while lemon zest brings a fresh, citrusy aroma. Milk and egg yolks enrich the dough, making it tender and rich. Butter adds flavor and moisture, while vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. Pecans and raisins introduce texture and bursts of flavor. Finally, colored sugars are the cherry on top, transforming the cake into a festive masterpiece.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a thermometer to ensure your water is around 110°F for optimal yeast activation.
  • If you don’t have a warm spot for rising, place the dough in an oven with just the light on.
  • For best results, use room temperature eggs and butter.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled champagne or a hot cup of spiced tea. For an extra indulgent dessert, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast, but it doesn’t need to be dissolved in water first.
What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives if you prefer different nuts.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3 days.

Regal Celebration Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks creamy and bubbly after about 10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix 3 1/2 cups of flour with sugar, nutmeg, lemon zest, and salt, making a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture, warm milk, egg yolks, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until a soft dough forms.

Now, sprinkle some flour on your countertop and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. If it’s sticky, add a bit more flour as needed. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Knead in the pecans and raisins, then shape it into a ring on a greased baking sheet. Cover it again and let it rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Brush the dough with a mixture of beaten egg and water. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Let the cake cool on a wire rack before drizzling with a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Finish by sprinkling with colored sugars for that celebratory touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's a show-stopper with its colorful, eye-catching decoration.
  • Combines the warmth of nutmeg and zestiness of lemon for a unique flavor profile.
  • Perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive seasons.

Ingredients

1/2 cup warm water (
110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar
3 1/2 - 4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup warm milk
5 large egg yolks, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup raisins
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon water
Colored sugars (purple, green, gold)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups flour, sugar, nutmeg, lemon zest, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in yeast mixture, milk, egg yolks, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes, adding more flour as needed.
4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
5. Punch down dough, knead in pecans and raisins, and shape into a ring on a greased baking sheet.
6. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Brush cake with egg beaten with water. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
8. Allow cake to cool on a wire rack. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze, and drizzle over cake. Decorate with colored sugars.

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