Mardi Gras King Cake Delight

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Mardi Gras King Cake Delight.

1. Step 1

   Start by gathering all your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking experience.

2. Step 2

   In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat, stirring frequently until it’s steaming and small bubbles form around the edges—this should take about five minutes.

3. Step 3

   Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and stir in the butter until it melts and blends in completely, which should take around two minutes.

4. Step 4

   Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature, giving it about 15 minutes to settle.

5. Step 5

   While the milk mixture cools, grab a large bowl and combine the warm water, yeast, and one tablespoon of sugar.

6. Step 6

   Let this sit for about ten minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant—this is a sign that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

7. Step 7

   Next, add the cooled milk mixture, eggs, salt, nutmeg, and the remaining seven tablespoons of sugar to the yeast mixture.

8. Step 8

   Whisk everything together until well combined, which should take about 30 seconds.

9. Step 9

   Now it’s time to bring in the flour! Using an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, gradually beat in the flour, one cup at a time, on medium speed until the dough comes together—this should take around three minutes.

10. Step 10

    Once your dough is formed, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it until it’s smooth and elastic, adding more flour as needed.

11. Step 11

    This process should take about eight to ten minutes, and it’s a great way to get your hands a little messy! After kneading, place the dough in a large bowl that you’ve lightly oiled, turning it to coat all sides.

12. Step 12

    Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this will take about an hour and a half.

13. Step 13

    Once it has risen, gently punch down the dough and divide it in half.

14. Step 14

    Roll out each half into a rectangle measuring 10 by 16 inches on a lightly floured surface, dusting with extra flour if necessary.

15. Step 15

    For the filling, mix together brown sugar, pecans, flour, raisins, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.

16. Step 16

    Drizzle melted butter over this mixture and stir until it becomes crumbly and inviting.

17. Step 17

    Now, sprinkle the filling evenly over each rectangle of dough, using about one cup per cake.

18. Step 18

    Press the filling into the dough with your hands or a spatula to ensure it sticks.

19. Step 19

    Starting from one of the long edges, roll each rectangle tightly into a log.

20. Step 20

    Pinch the ends together to form two oval-shaped rings, and place them seam side down on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

21. Step 21

    To add a decorative touch, make cuts about one-third of the way through the rings at one-inch intervals using scissors.

22. Step 22

    Cover the rings with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let them rise in a warm spot until they double in size again—this should take about 30 to 45 minutes.

23. Step 23

    While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.

24. Step 24

    Once the dough has risen, bake both rings in the preheated oven until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or when a thermometer reads 190°F.

25. Step 25

    This should take about 25 minutes, and remember to rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even browning.

26. Step 26

    Don’t worry if some filling leaks out during baking; it just adds to the charm! When the cakes are done, carefully push a doll into the bottom of each warm cake—this is a fun surprise for later! Let them cool slightly for about 30 minutes.

27. Step 27

    For the finishing touch, whisk together confectioners' sugar and two tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth, adding the remaining tablespoon of water if needed to achieve your desired glaze consistency.

28. Step 28

    Spread the glaze evenly over the tops of both warm cakes, and if you like, sprinkle with sanding sugar right away for a delightful crunch.

29. Step 29

    Enjoy the sweet aroma and the joy of sharing these delicious creations with family and friends!.