King Cake

Recipe View 10 mins Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and granulated sugar in warm milk. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.

Recipe View 2 mins Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter and egg yolks into the yeast mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

Recipe View 8 mins Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 6 minutes.

Recipe View 2 hrs First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Recipe View 5 mins Prepare the Filling and Glaze: While the dough rises, in a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar until smooth. In another small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 cups confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Set aside.

Recipe View 5 mins Shape the Cake: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 6x30 inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the center of the dough.

Recipe View 5 mins Form the Ring: Bring the two long edges of the dough together, sealing them completely. Gently shape the dough into a long cylinder. Place the cylinder on a greased baking sheet, seam-side down. Shape the dough into a ring, pressing the ends together to seal. Press the plastic baby into the ring from the bottom, ensuring it's completely hidden within the dough.

Recipe View 1 hrs Second Rise: Place a well-greased 2-pound metal coffee can or a heat-proof bowl in the center of the ring to help maintain its shape during baking. Cover the ring with a towel and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) during the last 15 minutes of the rise.

Recipe View 30 mins Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove the coffee can or bowl and let the cake cool on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes.

Recipe View 5 mins Glaze and Decorate: Drizzle the cooled cake generously with the lemon glaze and immediately decorate with the multicolored candy sprinkles. Slice and serve. Whoever finds the baby has good luck!