Mardi Gras King Cake

Name: Mardi Gras King Cake
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2 cakes (12 servings each).
Cuisine: North America, Cajun
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°); 1/3 cup shortening; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg, room temperature; 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cans (12-1/2 ounces each) almond cake and pastry filling; GLAZE:; 3 cups confectioners' sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 to 4 tablespoons water; Purple, green and gold colored sugar

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. + rising Bake: 20 min. + cooling YIELD: 2 cakes (12 servings each).

This frosted king cake is the highlight of our annual Mardi Gras party. If you want to hide a token inside, do so by cutting a small slit in the bottom of the baked cake…and remember to warn your guests! —Lisa Mouton, Orlando, Florida

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, room temperature
4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cans (12-1/2 ounces each) almond cake and pastry filling
GLAZE:
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 4 tablespoons water
Purple, green and gold colored sugar

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, shortening, sugar, salt, egg and 2 cups flour. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll one portion into a 16-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Spread almond filling to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet; pinch ends together to form a ring. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven to 375°. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. For glaze, combine confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough water to achieve desired consistency. Spread over cooled cakes. Sprinkle with colored sugars.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 277 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.