Three Kings Cake Germany
Celebrate the Epiphany in true German tradition with this tender and aromatic Three Kings Cake (Dreikönigskuchen). Made with a soft, slightly sweet brioche dough infused with the delicate zest of lemon, this festive treat symbolizes the unity of the Three Kings with its unique crown-inspired shape. Adorned with whole blanched almonds and a light powdered sugar glaze, it's as visually striking as it is delicious. For a touch of tradition, hide a dried bean or small ceramic figure inside the dough—whoever finds it is crowned "king" or "queen" for the day! Perfect for family gatherings, this cake is a delightful way to honor a beloved custom while indulging in a flavorful, home-baked masterpiece.
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Ingredients
- 500 grams All-purpose flour
- 250 milliliters Milk
- 50 grams Granulated sugar
- 75 grams Unsalted butter
- 2 Eggs
- 7 grams Dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Zest of one lemon
- 50 grams Raisins (optional)
- 10 Almonds (whole, blanched)
- 50 grams Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1 Dried bean or small ceramic figure (optional, for tradition)
Directions
Step 1
Warm the milk slightly (it should be lukewarm but not hot) and combine it with the dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture is frothy.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Mix well.
Step 3
Add the frothy milk-yeast mixture, one egg, and the melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Step 4
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
Step 5
If using raisins, fold them into the dough during the last minute of kneading.
Step 6
Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 7
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into one large piece and 8 smaller pieces.
Step 8
Shape the large piece into a ball and place it in the center of a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roll the smaller pieces into balls and arrange them in a circle around the central ball, slightly touching.
Step 9
If adding a dried bean or ceramic figure, hide it inside one of the smaller dough balls before shaping.
Step 10
Cover the formed cake with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 11
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 12
Brush the entire cake with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
Step 13
Decorate the outer ring with blanched almonds, placing one on each small dough ball.
Step 14
Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Step 15
While the cake is cooling, make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with water until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Step 16
Serve the cake and enjoy! Tradition holds that whoever finds the hidden bean or figure is crowned king or queen for the day.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 1421.4 grams (1421.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4839 |
| Total Fat 224.90g | 288% |
| Saturated Fat 54.70g | 274% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g | |
| Cholesterol 561mg | 187% |
| Sodium 2642mg | 115% |
| Total Carbohydrate 604.30g | 220% |
| Dietary Fiber 49.90g | 178% |
| Total Sugars 152.90g | |
| Protein 140.00g | 280% |
| Vitamin D 195IU | 977% |
| Calcium 1261mg | 97% |
| Iron 37mg | 206% |
| Potassium 3739mg | 80% |
Source of Calories