Mini King Cake Recipe
Are you ready to bring a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen? This Mini King Cake recipe is the perfect treat for your Mardi Gras celebrations. These individual-sized cakes are filled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with colorful icing and sprinkles. They are not only delicious but also a fun way to celebrate this festive occasion.
The origins of King Cake can be traced back to medieval Europe, where it was traditionally baked on Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night, to celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men. In New Orleans, King Cake has become a staple during Mardi Gras season, with bakeries and homes alike baking and sharing these sweet treats.
To make these Mini King Cakes, you will need a few basic ingredients, including flour, sugar, yeast, butter, and milk. The dough is prepared by combining these ingredients and allowing it to rise until doubled in size. While the dough is rising, you can prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing together sugar and cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk, warmed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring and sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- In the meantime, prepare the cinnamon filling by combining brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
- Roll out each piece into a rectangle and spread softened butter evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon filling over the buttered dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side, to form a log. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Shape each log into a circle, tucking one end into the other and pinching to seal.
- Place the mini king cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the mini king cakes for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Add food coloring to the icing to create purple, green, and yellow colors, representing justice, faith, and power.
- Drizzle the colored icing over the cooled king cakes and decorate with sprinkles.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 mini king cakes
These Mini King Cakes are a delightful way to celebrate Mardi Gras with your loved ones. They are not only visually appealing but also taste absolutely delicious. The soft and fluffy dough, paired with the sweet cinnamon filling and colorful icing, create a flavor combination that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you are hosting a Mardi Gras party or simply want to enjoy a festive treat, these Mini King Cakes are guaranteed to impress. So gather your ingredients, put on some New Orleans jazz, and let the baking begin!
Nutritional Information:
– Calories: 280
– Fat: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Protein: 4g
– Sugar: 26g
– Sodium: 80mg
In conclusion, this Mini King Cake Recipe is a mouthwatering and fun way to celebrate Mardi Gras. These individual-sized cakes are perfect for sharing with family and friends, and the colorful icing and sprinkles make them visually appealing. The cinnamon filling adds a sweet and aromatic touch to the soft and fluffy dough, creating a delectable treat that will be enjoyed by all. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and let the flavors of New Orleans transport you to a joyful and festive atmosphere. Happy baking!