Three Kings Cake
A festive Latin American cake infused with cinnamon and orange juice, traditionally enjoyed on Epiphany to celebrate the arrival of the Wise Men, featuring hidden surprises and bright decorations.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (warm)
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 4 large eggs
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Decoration
- Fruits (candied, for decoration)
- Plastic figurines (optional, for surprises)
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by measuring all the ingredients accurately.
- In a warm bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to mix.
- Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add it to the flour mixture along with orange juice, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Shaping & Baking
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a large oval or circle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- If using plastic figurines, push them into the dough at this stage. Add candied fruits for decoration.
- Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
Wrap cooled cake in plastic wrap to keep fresh. Best served with hot chocolate or coffee. Explore different toppings for variety.