Pillowy, flavorful king cake that stays soft for days
| Grams | Volume | Ingredient | Baker's % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangzhong (Water Roux) | |||
| 25g | 3 tbsp | All-purpose flour | |
| 75g | 1/3 cup | Whole milk | |
| Dough | |||
| 475g | 3 3/4 cups | All-purpose flour | |
| 7g | 2 1/4 tsp | {{instant-yeast}} | |
| 50g | 1/4 cup | Granulated sugar | |
| 30g | 1 1/2 tbsp | Honey | |
| 7g | 1 1/4 tsp | Fine sea salt | |
| 150g (3 large) | 3 large | Large eggs, room temperature | |
| 80ml | 1/3 cup | Whole milk, warm (100-110°F) | |
| 115g | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Unsalted butter, cold, cut into 1/2-inch cubes | |
| 1 large orange | 1 large orange | Orange zest | |
| 1/2 tsp | 1/2 tsp | Ground cardamom | |
| Cinnamon-Praline Filling | |||
| 115g | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Unsalted butter | |
| 150g | 3/4 cup | Dark brown sugar, packed | |
| 2 tsp | 2 tsp | Ground cinnamon | |
| 1/4 tsp | 1/4 tsp | Fine sea salt | |
| 100g | 1 cup | Finely chopped pecans | |
| 1 tbsp | 1 tbsp | Bourbon (optional) | |
| Brown Butter Cream Cheese Icing | |||
| 115g | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Unsalted butter | |
| 115g | 4 oz | Cream cheese, softened | |
| 250g | 2 cups | Powdered sugar, sifted | |
| 1 tsp | 1 tsp | Vanilla extract | |
| 2-3 tbsp | 2-3 tbsp | Heavy cream | |
| For Finishing | |||
| as needed | as needed | Purple sanding sugar | |
| as needed | as needed | Green sanding sugar | |
| as needed | as needed | Gold sanding sugar | |
| 2-3 tbsp | 2-3 tbsp | Heavy cream (for brushing) | |
The tangzhong should be the consistency of thick pudding or mashed potatoes.