King Cake with Praline Filling for Mardi Gras

Step 1

Combine sour cream, butter, salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small saucepan.  Heat over low heat until the butter melts.  Remove from heat and let it cool from 100° F to 110° F.

Step 2

Combine 1 tablespoon sugar, yeast, and water.  Stir until the yeast is mostly dissolved.  Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy,

Step 3

Combine sour cream and yeast mixture, 1 egg, and 1 cup of flour.  Beat this with an electric mixture until it is smooth.

Step 4

Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of flour with the mixer on low.  Knead with a dough hook attachment or by hand until the dough is smooth and elastic—about 8 minutes.

Step 5

Place in a bowl that has been well-greased with cooking oil or cooking spray. Cover and place in a warm place until it has doubled about 1-1/2 hours.

Step 6

While the dough is proofing, make the praline filling.  Combine the cream cheese, 1/2 egg (beat 1 egg and use about 1 Tbsp of the egg), brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla.  With an electric mixer, beat until it is smooth and there are no lumps.  Set filling aside.

Step 7

Place pecans in a small frying pan over medium heat.  Stir the pecans occasionally and heat until they are fragrant about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 8

Once the dough is double in bulk,  remove it from the bowl and place it on a dusted surface with about 1/4 cup flour.  Roll the dough out to a 12-inch x 22-inch rectangle.

Step 9

Spread cream cheese filling over the dough.  Leave about 1-inch border.

Step 10

Sprinkle the pecans evenly over the dough.

Step 11

Roll the dough tightly on the long side.

Step 12

Bring the ends of the dough together to form a circle.  Pinch the ends together.

Step 13

Place the ring on a sheet pan that is lined with parchment paper.  Cover with a clean dishtowel.  Place in a warm place to prove for about 1 hour—Preheat oven to 350 °F.

Step 14

Remove the towel from the top of the dough.  Bake in a 350 °F oven for about 25-30 minutes until light brown.   Place the cake on a wire rack and let it cool completely for about 1 -2 hours.

Step 15

Prepare the frosting.  Combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, 1 tablespoon of milk, and vanilla in an electric mixer bowl.  Beat until smooth, and there are no lumps.  Add more milk if necessary, 1 teaspoon at a time.

Step 16

Insert the coin or baby into the bottom of the cake.

Step 17

Spread frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Step 18

Quickly sprinkle the cake with sanding sugars.