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Praline King Cake

Praline King Cake

Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Makes 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 batch brioche dough through the first rise
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons each purple green and gold sanding sugar

Instructions

  • Make and first-rise the brioche dough exactly as for the Classic Braided King Cake.
  • Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stir in brown sugar and cream.
  • Simmer, stirring constantly, 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens into a glossy paste that coats the spoon.
  • Stir in the pecans and salt, then cool the filling to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
  • Punch down the dough and roll into a 24 by 10-inch rectangle.
  • Spread the cooled praline filling down the center third, leaving a 1-inch border.
  • Fold the long edges over the filling and pinch the seam firmly closed.
  • Transfer seam side down to a parchment-lined pan and curve into a ring, pinching the ends together.
  • Cover and let rise 40 to 45 minutes, until puffy.
  • Bake at 350°F for 24 to 28 minutes, until deep golden brown.
  • Cool on the pan at least 1 hour before icing.
  • Whisk powdered sugar and milk to a pourable icing, drizzle over the ring, and band with purple, green and gold sugar while wet.

Good to Know

Toast the pecans 5 minutes in a dry skillet before chopping; it deepens the praline flavor at no extra cost.