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Easy One-Dish King Cake Recipe

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3.8 from 15 reviews

This Easy One-Dish King Cake is the quickest way to enjoy the classic Mardi Gras treat. Made in a single pan, it combines a tender yeast batter with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, topped with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles for an authentic celebration delight.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

  • Unsalted butter (to grease the pan)
  • 1–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 teaspoons RapidRise or Instant Yeast
  • 2/3 cup very warm milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

For the Cinnamon Mixture:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
  • 1–1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of kosher salt

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Purple, yellow, and green sprinkles
  • Plastic baby (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Grease an 8-inch round cake pan thoroughly with unsalted butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and RapidRise or Instant Yeast directly into the cake pan and whisk together until evenly combined.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the very warm milk, melted unsalted butter, canola oil, and lightly beaten egg into the pan. Whisk everything together, then use a spatula to scrape and mix any flour stuck to the corners, forming a smooth batter.
  4. First Rest: Allow the batter to rest in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This brief resting period lets the yeast activate and the batter to slightly rise.
  5. Make Cinnamon Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Stir until the mixture is moist and has a sandy texture.
  6. Top and Swirl: Spoon the cinnamon mixture evenly over the resting batter. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter to create a marbled effect. Let it rest a further 5 minutes to enhance flavor melding.
  7. Bake: Place the cake pan in a COLD oven, then set the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is lightly browned and the center feels firm to the touch.
  8. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes to set and avoid crumbling during glazing.
  9. Make the Glaze: Using the same bowl from the cinnamon mixture, combine powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, melted butter, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and drizzle generously over the warm cake.
  10. Decorate: Sprinkle the cake with traditional Mardi Gras colored sprinkles (purple, yellow, and green). Tuck a plastic baby inside the cake to complete the traditional presentation.
  11. Serve: Slice and enjoy the quick, flavorful King Cake perfect for any celebration.

Notes

  • Recipe adapted from Fleischmann’s Bread World.
  • To use active dry yeast instead of instant or RapidRise yeast, bloom it in 2 tablespoons of water for 5 minutes before adding it to the batter with wet ingredients.
  • If using active dry yeast, increase the first rest time to 30–35 minutes and the second rest time to 15 minutes before baking.
  • Bake as instructed after adjustments for active dry yeast.
  • Ensure oven starts cold before baking to allow gradual yeast activation during baking, resulting in better texture.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/easy-one-dish-king-cake-recipe/