📝 About This Recipe
Transport yourself to the heart of the French Quarter with this authentic, buttery brioche King Cake. This festive ring of dough is swirled with a rich cinnamon-pecan filling, baked to golden perfection, and draped in a luscious cream cheese glaze. Adorned with the traditional purple, green, and gold sugars symbolizing justice, faith, and power, it’s a celebratory masterpiece that captures the magic of Mardi Gras in every bite.
🥗 Ingredients
The Brioche Dough
- 1/2 cup Whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Active dry yeast (one standard packet)
- 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 2 Large egg yolks (at room temperature)
- 3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
Cinnamon-Pecan Filling
- 1/2 cup Light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Pecans (finely chopped)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (very soft)
Glaze and Decoration
- 4 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups Powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2-3 tablespoons Whole milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons Colored sanding sugars (Purple, Green, and Gold)
- 1 piece Plastic baby figurine (to be hidden after baking)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
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2
Add the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, egg yolks, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk by hand until well combined.
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3
Attach the dough hook and gradually add the flour on low speed. Once the dough starts to come together, increase to medium speed and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticking to the sides.
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4
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
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5
While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans in a small bowl until it forms a thick paste.
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6
Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 10x20 inches.
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7
Spread the filling mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the edges.
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8
Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log, like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam shut.
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9
Transfer the log to a parchment-lined baking sheet and join the two ends to form a ring. Tuck one end into the other and pinch to seal the circle.
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10
Cover the ring lightly and let it rise for another 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time.
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11
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is a deep golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
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12
Prepare the glaze by beating the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over the cooled cake.
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13
Immediately sprinkle the purple, green, and gold sugars in alternating sections over the wet glaze. Hide the plastic baby by pushing it into the bottom of the cake before serving.
💡 Chef's Tips
Ensure your milk is not too hot (above 115°F), or it will kill the yeast; use a thermometer to be safe. For an extra rich dough, substitute the milk with half-and-half. Don't over-flour your surface when rolling; a slightly tacky dough produces a softer, more tender crumb. If the baby figurine is a choking hazard for your guests, place it on top of the cake as a decoration instead of hiding it inside. Always apply the sanding sugar while the glaze is still wet so it adheres properly.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a steaming cup of Cafe Au Lait for a true New Orleans experience. Pair with a glass of dry sparkling wine or Champagne to cut through the sweetness of the glaze. Offer fresh strawberries on the side to provide a bright, acidic contrast to the rich brioche. Enjoy a slice as a decadent breakfast or as the centerpiece of a festive Mardi Gras party spread.