King Cake, a beloved dessert often associated with Mardi Gras celebrations, comes in many forms, but one variation stands out for its rich, creamy filling and braided dough— the Bavarian King Cake. This delicious treat offers a delightful twist on the traditional King Cake, incorporating Bavarian cream for an added layer of indulgence. Let’s dive into the history, recipe, and different ways to make this scrumptious cake.
What Is Bavarian King Cake?
Bavarian King Cake is a special version of the traditional King Cake, featuring a braided cinnamon dough stuffed with Bavarian cream and adorned with colorful sugars. The cake is typically served during the Carnival season, especially around Mardi Gras, and it’s known for its fluffy texture and rich, sweet filling. Unlike the traditional King Cake, which often has a simple cinnamon filling or a cream cheese filling, the Bavarian King Cake is distinct because it incorporates a silky, pastry cream-like filling.
The History and Origins of Bavarian King Cake
The origins of King Cake date back to medieval Europe, where it was traditionally baked to celebrate Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day. The cake symbolizes the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus. In New Orleans, King Cake became synonymous with Mardi Gras celebrations, and over time, the cake has evolved in different ways, including the introduction of various fillings and toppings.
The Bavarian King Cake takes inspiration from the German Bavarian cream, a luscious, rich filling made from cream, sugar, eggs, and gelatin. Bavarian cream itself is believed to have been developed in the 18th century in Bavaria, Germany. Its addition to the King Cake makes it an even more decadent treat, perfect for festive occasions.
What Sets Bavarian King Cake Apart from Traditional King Cake?
While both types of King Cake are typically braided and decorated with colorful sugars to represent the vibrant Mardi Gras tradition, the main difference lies in the filling. A traditional King Cake is often filled with a simple cinnamon sugar mixture or cream cheese, while the Bavarian King Cake features a much richer filling made from Bavarian cream cheese, creating a lighter, fluffier texture with a creamy finish.
Another key difference is the decoration. While both cakes are adorned with purple, green, and gold sugar crystals, Bavarian King Cake often boasts a more decadent appearance, thanks to its creamy filling and glossy glaze.
How to Make Bavarian King Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re ready to try your hand at making this decadent treat, here’s a recipe for an authentic Bavarian King Cake that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 1 tablespoon plus 3/4 teaspoon instant yeast
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- 1/2 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter
- 5 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon orange oil or extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon oil or extract
- 1 pecan half, uncooked dried bean, or King Cake Baby (for hiding inside)
For the Bavarian Cream Filling:
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 6 tablespoons pastry cream filling mix
For the glaze:
- 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange oil or extract
- 2 tablespoons water
- Purple, green, and gold sugar crystals (for decoration)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixer bowl, combine yeast, flour, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and lemon rind. Add lukewarm water, warm milk, butter, egg yolks, and both orange and lemon oils. Mix with a dough hook at speed 1 for 2 minutes until smooth. Increase speed to 2 and continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic (6-8 minutes).
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, turning it so the greased surface is on top. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 1/2 hours).
- Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 30 inches long. If the dough resists rolling, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.
- Braid the three ropes together, alternating sides, until the dough is completely braided. Pinch the ends together and form the braid into an oval shape. Press a hidden King Cake Baby, dried bean, or pecan half into the dough from the bottom, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Prepare the Bavarian Cream Filling:
- Beat the softened cream cheese on high speed until smooth. Add vanilla extract, milk, and pastry cream mix. Mix on low until combined, then beat on high for 2 minutes.
- Spoon the cream into a piping bag fitted with a large tip. Pipe the Bavarian cream into the crevices of the braided dough.
- Final Rise and Baking:
- Cover the cake with a towel or plastic wrap sprayed with oil. Let it rise for about 45 minutes in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the cake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a rack.
- Glaze and Decoration:
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, orange oil, and water until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, then sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sugar crystals for that festive Mardi Gras touch.
Variations and Modifications:
- Fruit Filling: For a fruity twist, try adding raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry jam to the Bavarian cream filling.
- Chocolate Variation: Add a layer of chocolate ganache for a chocolate-filled Bavarian King Cake.
- Nutty Option: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for a crunchy contrast to the creamy texture.
Conclusion
Bavarian King Cake is a decadent treat that adds a unique touch to your Mardi Gras celebrations. With its fluffy, braided dough and creamy Bavarian filling, this cake is sure to become a crowd-pleaser. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or experiment with different variations, making this cake at home is an excellent way to celebrate and share the joy of Mardi Gras with friends and family. Enjoy your baking adventure and let the festive spirit shine through with this delicious, mouthwatering cake!