Healthy Mardi Gras King Cake

Typically served on Fat Tuesday, King Cake is a foodie game of good luck. Hidden within the cake is a figurine of a baby, and according to urban legend, the person who receives the slice with the baby in it will have good luck throughout the year. TheSpruceEats.com has provided a healthier alternative to the traditional King’s Cake.

Note: Prepare the filling and “sprinkles” a day in advance to ease party preparations.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 package of dry active yeast
• 1/4 cup of warm water
• 1 tablespoon of organic maple syrup
• 2 1/2 cups of nut flour (plus more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons of coconut sugar
• 6 tablespoons of grass-fed butter or ghee (cut into pieces)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup of regular coconut milk (plus more for brushing)

For the filling:

• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup of grass-fed butter or ghee, softened
• 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the sprinkles:

• 1 1/2 cups of coconut sugar
• 4 drops of yellow food coloring
• 4 drops of green food coloring
• 4 drops of purple food coloring

For the icing:

• 1 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons of warm water

Sprinkle Instructions

Using three bowls, mix 1/2 cup of sugar in each bowl and add a few drops of food coloring for desired color.

Icing Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and salt. Add the warm water and stir vigorously until the mixture is a very thick glaze.

Cake Instructions

1. 1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the yeast, warm water and maple syrup, mixing gently until the yeast dissolves and bubbles begin to appear on the
      surface. Set aside until frothy, about 5 minutes.

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, nutmeg and sugar. Add the butter and blend until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add mixture to the yeast,
      along with an egg and coconut milk. Knead, adding flour as necessary, until soft dough forms. Place in an oiled bowl, covered, for 1 hour or until
      the dough is doubled in size.

1. 1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the coconut sugar, butter, chopped pecans and cinnamon. Then preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly oil a large
      baking sheet.

1. 1. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about 1/8” thick, and cut it in half lengthwise. Next, cut each of the strips
      into triangles, each about 3 inches at their base. (Think of a zigzag pattern, alternating the tops of triangles with the bases.)

1. 1. With the tips pointed inward, place the triangles in a circle on the prepared sheet, overlapping, and press the edges to seal. Then place an even amount
      of the filling on the centers of the triangles, and place the baby somewhere on the filling.

1. 1. Fold the outsides of the triangles over the filling. Then fold the tips over, pressing slightly. Cover the ring lightly with a paper towel, and let
      rise for 20 minutes. Then brush the cake lightly with coconut milk or soy milk.

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. After allowing it to cool, pour your icing over the cake several times, allowing
   it to run down the sides. Add your sprinkles while alternating colors.