King Cake recipe

1 servings

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

1/2 cup white sugar

1 cup warm milk (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

1/2 cup butter, melted

5 egg yolks

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

2 cups confectioners' sugar

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon multicolored candy sprinkles

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 and supple, 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.

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 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.

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 F (175 degrees C).

Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Remove the coffee can and allow the bread to cool.

Drizzle cooled cake with lemon/sugar glaze and decorate with candy sprinkles.