Mardi Gras Kings Bread Ring
A festive King’s Bread Ring brimming with candied fruits and rich flavors, perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or special gatherings, offering a sweet, colorful, and aromatic experience.
Ingredients
- 2 pkg. active dry yeast or 2 cakes compressed yeast ⓘ
- 1/2 cup warm water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk, scalded ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup shortening
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3 eggs, well beaten ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped candied fruits (citron, cherries, orange peel) ⓘ
- melted butter or margarine ⓘ
- confectioners sugar icing ⓘ
Instructions
- Soften the yeast cake in warm water.
- Pour hot milk over sugar, shortening, and let it cool to lukewarm.
- Beat in 1 cup of the flour to make a stiff dough.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of candied fruits, reserving the remainder for decorating the cake ring.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal rising, ensure your yeast is fresh and the warm water is between 100°F to 110°F. If you don't have candied fruits, consider using dried fruit or chocolate chips as a substitute. To enhance flavor, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the dough. This recipe can be adjusted for various dietary needs by substituting with gluten-free flour or using plant-based milk.
Serving Suggestions
This festive King Bread Ring is best enjoyed warm, drizzled with confectioners sugar icing. Serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch. It pairs beautifully with a fruit salad or the sweet richness of a Quick Round Dish Pumpkin Pie for dessert. You can also sprinkle additional candied fruits on top for festive decoration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Kings Bread Ring in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the bread wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mardi Gras Kings Bread Ring contains roughly 691 calories, with 12g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value), calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 936mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavor of the bread as it develops overnight.
What if I don't have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or margarine. This will give the bread a slightly richer flavor, which is especially nice for a festive treat like this.
How can I make this recipe more visually appealing?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the icing. You can also shape the dough into a spiral or braid for a unique presentation, making it a standout centerpiece for your Mardi Gras celebration.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).