King Cake

After making this for the office mardi gras party, i got requests to make this for birthdays, baseball's opening day, everything and anything. The dough, from southern living, is very rich and easy to work. The cream cheese filling is wonderful! I usually make the frosting all yellow, coloring the sugars the three colors. You can adjust the amount of food colors for your own preference. I like my colors a little more intense. I also slip in a plastic baby after baking from the underside of the cake.

Steps

Cook first 4 ingredients in a saucepan over low heat , stirring often , until butter melts.

Cool mixture to 100 degrees to 110 degrees.

Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in 1 / 2 cup warm water in a large bowl.

Let stand 5 minutes.

Add butter mixture , eggs , and 2 cups flour.

Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 minutes or until smooth.

Gradually stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead until smooth and elastic , about 10 minutes.

Place in a well-greased bowl , turning to grease top.

Cover and let rise in a warm place , free from drafts , 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

Using an electric mixer , mix cream cheese until smooth.

Add egg and blend well.

Add sugar , salt and vanilla and mix until smooth and creamy.

Set aside.

Punch dough down.

Divide in half.

Turn 1 portion out onto a lightly floured surface.

Roll to a 28- x 10-inch rectangle.

Spread half each of cream cheese mixture on dough.

Ingredients

butter, sour cream, sugar, salt, active dry yeast, white sugar, warm water, eggs, all-purpose flour, cream cheese, egg, vanilla, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, green food coloring, yellow food coloring, blue food coloring, red food coloring