king cake recipe

### King Cake **Ingredients:** **For the dough:** - 1/2 cup warm water (110°F) - 2 tablespoons active dry yeast - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 3 1/2 - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest - 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F) - 5 large egg yolks, beaten - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon) **For the icing:** - 2 cups powdered sugar - 1/4 cup lemon juice - 2 tablespoons water - Purple, green, and gold colored sugars (for decorating) **Instructions:** 1. **Make the dough:** In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in the warm water. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, flour, salt, nutmeg, and lemon zest. 2. **Combine ingredients:** Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, egg yolks, and melted butter to the flour mixture. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. 3. **Let it rise:** Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours. 4. **Shape the cake:** Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the dough, then roll it up tightly from one long side. Form a ring and pinch the ends together to seal. 5. **Second rise:** Place the ring on a greased baking sheet, cover, and let it rise again until doubled, about 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 6. **Bake:** Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. 7. **Make the icing:** In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake. 8. **Decorate:** Sprinkle the colored sugars over the icing in sections to create the traditional Mardi Gras colors. Enjoy your festive King Cake! 🎉👑