King Cake: an Easier Version of the Mardi Gras Classic

King Cake is a staple dessert during the Mardi Gras season. This colorful cake is made of yeast dough, filled with cinnamon-sugar, and topped with a sweet glaze and sprinkles. Traditionally, a small plastic baby is hidden inside the cake and whoever finds it is considered lucky and responsible for bringing the next King Cake to the party.

While the traditional version of King Cake can be time-consuming and requires some skill in working with yeast dough, this recipe provides an easier version that still captures the festive flavors of Mardi Gras.

Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup of brown sugar
– 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon
– 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup of powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons of milk
– Green, purple and gold sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans.
3. Unfold the puff pastry and place it on a lightly floured surface.
4. Sprinkle the sugar and nut mixture on the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Roll up the puff pastry, starting from the long side. Pinch the ends to seal.
6. Form the pastry into a circle and join the ends, sealing the seam.
7. Transfer the pastry to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Brush the beaten egg on top of the pastry.
9. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Let the pastry cool.
11. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the pastry.
12. Sprinkle the green, purple, and gold sprinkles over the glaze.
13. Enjoy!

Summary:

– King Cake is a traditional Mardi Gras dessert made of yeast dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, and a sweet glaze.
– This recipe provides an easier version of King Cake using frozen puff pastry dough, brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, and powdered sugar.
– The pastry is rolled up, formed into a circle and baked, then topped with glaze and Mardi Gras-colored sprinkles.
– This simplified recipe offers the same delicious flavors and festive spirit of a traditional King Cake.