Ambrosia Bakery King Cake Recipe
A lighter take on the classic Ambrosia Bakery King Cake, using healthier ingredients and creative twists. This recipe cuts back on sugar and fat without sacrificing flavor, making it a festive treat that's both delicious and balanced.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Stand or hand mixer
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife or pastry cutter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup warm water ≈ 43–46°C
- 4½ tsp instant yeast
- ½ cup warm milk or plant-based milk
- ¼ cup + 2 tsp sugar
- ½ cup melted butter or butter + applesauce or light yogurt mix
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ tsp lemon juice or 1 tsp lemon zest
- 4 –5 cups bread flour or part whole-grain pastry flour
- Filling:
- 225 g reduced-fat cream cheese
- 3 tbsp unsweetened applesauce or light butter
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 2 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut optional
- Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar or sugar substitute
- 2 –3 tbsp milk or plant-based milk
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter (or applesauce/light yogurt), sugar, egg yolks, salt, nutmeg, and lemon juice or zest.
- Add the yeast mixture to the wet ingredients, then gradually stir in flour until the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread with cream cheese mixture, then sprinkle with chocolate chips and optional coconut.
- Roll up the dough tightly and shape into a ring. Seal the ends and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- While the cake is cooling, mix powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, swap out the flour for a gluten-free blend.
- You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar in the glaze or using a sugar substitute.
- Decorate with natural colored sugars or skip the decoration for a simpler finish.