Celebrate Mardi Gras with this Easy King Cake

Laissez les bons temps rouler, y'all. It's Mardi Gras; a few years ago that might have meant going out and partying in a way that would make NOLA proud... These days, I am more of a homebody than ever, so I am celebrating Fat Tuesday by whipping up this super easy recipe for King Cake.

King Cake is traditionally served throughout the Carnival season, which lasts from Epiphany to Mardi Gras. Technically speaking, today's your last chance to make a King Cake in time for the holidays. I, however, tend to disagree. King Cake is awesome and can--and should--be consumed as often as possible.

I tried Christy Jordan of Southern Plate's King Cake recipe this past weekend, and it was amazing--and easy. I'm all about maximum results for minimum effort when it comes to time in the kitchen, so this recipe is something I'll be using something for a long time. Christy's recipe is as follows:

Southern Plate's King Cake

Ingredients

For the King Cake:

• 1 roll frozen bread dough, thawed
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract

For the Icing:

• 1-1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk (more if needed but stir this amount first, you’ll be surprised how far this goes!)
• 1 tsp clear butter or vanilla flavoring

Instructions

1. On floured surface, roll out your dough to a rectangle of about 10 x 18 inches. It doesn’t have to be exact, close enough works!
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and extract and mix until creamy and well blended. Spread over dough to within an inch of each side. Roll up longways (to make a long log) and brush the final edge with water before pressing it into the log to seal.
3. Take log and form into a circle, pressing the ends into each other and brushing with water if needed to seal together. Spray top lightly with cooking spray and cover with plastic wrap. Set in warm place to rise for 45 minute to an hour.
4. Remove plastic wrap and bake in 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool.
5. Mix confectioner’s glaze and drizzle over top of cake with a spoon. Immediately sprinkle colored sprinkles over glaze if desired. Allow to sit until glaze hardens.