GETTING READY

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a stand mixer bowl, combine yeast, warm water, a table spoon of sugar and salt. Mix and allow the yeast to activate.

3. Now add in the egg, shortening and remaining sugar and gradually start adding in the flour. Attach the mixing attachment to the stand mixer to form a dough as shown in the video.

4. Grease a large bowl with some oil and place the dough in it, coat the dough with oil on all sides. Cover and set aside to rise.

5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl and mixing using a hand mixer.

MAKING

6. Punch the dough and knead gently once again. Divide it into two equal halves. This quantity of dough will yield two king cakes.

7. Using a rolling pin, roll out one half of the dough in to a rectangle of 16X20 inches. Using a spatula, spread the prepared cream cheese filling evenly on it.

8. Gently start rolling the dough from one end like a pin wheel.

9. On the prepared cookie sheet, place the roll and make a circle with it by joining the ends as shown in the video. Cover and allow it to rise for an hour.

10. Preheat the oven at 375 degrees and place the cake in it. Allow to bake until golden brown.

11. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by combining confectioners sugar, vanilla extract and water (as needed). Mix using a whisk and add in a squirt of lemon juice.

FINALIZING

12. Spoon the prepared glaze on the cake and sprinkle with purple, green and yellow colored sugar for decoration.

SERVING

13. Slice and serve.

TIP

You can use any of your favorite fillings for the king cake.

NOTE

The ingredients for the dough are enough to yield two king cakes however, the filling ingredients mentioned are just for one cake. Please adjust the quantities as per your requirements.