Mari Gras King Cake Recipe

How to make it

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• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast
• and white sugar in warm milk.
• Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
• Stir the egg yolks and melted butter into the milk mixture.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg and lemon zest. Beat the flour mixture into the milk/egg mixture 1 cup at a time.
• When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. ..about 8 minutes.
• Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil.
• Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2 hours.
• In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar. Mix well.
• In another small bowl, combine the remaining 2 cups confectioners' sugar, lemon juice and 2 tablespoons milk. Mix well and set aside.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a 6x30 inch rectangle.
• Spread the cream cheese filling across the center of the dough.
• At this time of spreading the cream cheese filling you may also the OPTIONAL your favorite pie /pudding filling
• Bring the two long edges together and seal completely.
• Using your hands shape the dough into a long cylinder and place on a greased baking sheet, seam-side down.
• Shape the dough into a ring .
• Press the baby into the ring(or dried pea/bean ) from the bottom so that it is completely hidden by the dough.
• Place a well-greased 2 pound metal coffee can the center of the ring to maintain the shape during baking.
• If you dont have a coffee can you may use a small 8 inch cake pan.
• Now after putting the pan or can :
• Cover the ring with a towel and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.
• Remove the coffee can/cake pan and allow the bread to cool.
• Drizzle cooled cake with lemon/sugar glaze and decorate with candy sprinkles.