King Cake with Orange Zest and Cardamom

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon orange zest, finely grated
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, for filling
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon orange zest, finely grated, for filling
• 1 small plastic baby (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon whole milk
• 2 tablespoons purple coarse sugar, for decorating
• 2 tablespoons green coarse sugar, for decorating
• 2 tablespoons gold coarse sugar, for decorating

Method

1. 1

   In a small bowl, stir the warmed milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar together. Let sit until foamy, about 8 minutes.

   8:00 · Proof yeast
2. 2

   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, remaining granulated sugar, salt, cardamom, and orange zest.

3. 3

   Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and the yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, then increase to medium and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.

   8:00 · Knead dough
4. 4

   Shape the dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, make the filling by stirring together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest in a small bowl until it forms a spreadable paste.

6. 6

   Turn the risen dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 24x10-inch rectangle.

7. 7

   Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all sides.

8. 8

   Roll the dough tightly into a log along the long edge, pinching the seam to seal. Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise into three strands, keeping one end connected.

9. 9

   Braid the three strands loosely, then bring the ends together to form a ring. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, pinching the ends to seal the circle.

10. 10

    Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot until puffy.

11. 11

    Preheat the oven to 350°F.

12. 12

    Bake the ring until deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean, 25 minutes.

    25:00 · Bake king cake
13. 13

    Transfer the cake to a wire rack and let cool completely before glazing.

14. 14

    If using, tuck the plastic baby into the underside of the cooled cake through a small slit.

15. 15

    Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and milk until smooth, then drizzle over the top of the cake.

16. 16

    While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle alternating bands of purple, green, and gold sugar around the ring. Let set 10 minutes before slicing.

    10:00 · Let glaze set