King Cake Recipe

In a large bowl dissolve yeast and white sugar in warm milk. Let stand until creamy about 10 minutes.

Stir the egg yolks and melted butter into the milk mixture. In a separate bowl combine the flour salt nutmeg and lemon zest. Beat the flour mixture into the milk/egg mixture 1 cup at a time. When the dough has pulled together turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and supple about 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume about 2 hours.

In a small bowl combine the cream cheese and 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar. Mix well. In another small bowl combine the remaining 2 cups confectioners' sugar lemon juice and 2 tablespoons milk. Mix well and set aside.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a 6x30 inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling across the center of the dough. Bring the two long edges together and seal completely. Using your hands shape the dough into a long cylinder and place on a greased baking sheet seam-side down. Shape the dough into a ring press the baby into the ring from the bottom so that it is completely hidden by the dough. Place a well-greased 2 pound metal coffee can the center of the ring to maintain the shape during baking. Cover the ring with a towel and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in size about 45 minutes. Meanwhile preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Bake in preheated oven until golden brown about 30 minutes. Remove the coffee can and allow the bread to cool. Drizzle cooled cake with lemon/sugar glaze and decorate with candy sprinkles.