Mardi Gras King Cake

Ingredients

• Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• Granulated sugar (1/3 cup, divided)
• Milk (1 cup)
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, plus more for greasing)
• Large eggs (2)
• All-purpose flour (4 cups, divided)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Cinnamon (2 teaspoons)
• Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
• Lemon zest (1 tablespoon)
• Powdered sugar (2 cups)
• Water (2-4 tablespoons)
• Purple, green, and gold sugar sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Heat over low until the butter melts. Remove from heat and let cool until warm to the touch, about 100°F (37°C). Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, eggs, salt, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches). Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the dough and roll it up tightly from the long side to form a log.
5. Shape the log into a ring and place it on a greased baking sheet. Pinch the ends together to seal. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise again until doubled, about 1 hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
7. While the cake cools, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar with enough water to achieve a drizzle-able consistency. Start with 2 tablespoons of water and adjust with more as needed.
8. Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the icing over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Immediately sprinkle with the colored sugar to create a festive appearance.