Bolo Rei Recipe (King Cake)

Ingredients:

• For the dough:

  • 500g all-purpose flour
  • 100g sugar
  • 10g dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 100g unsalted butter, softened
  • 150ml lukewarm milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 50ml rum (optional)
  • 100g mixed candied fruits (orange, lemon, cherries, etc.)
  • 100g raisins
  • 50g nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans)
  • 100g dried fruits (figs or prunes, chopped)
  • 1 fève (traditional figurine, used to designate the "king" or "queen" of the day)

• For the glaze:

  • 100g powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • Additional candied fruits for decoration (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
   • Add the eggs, lukewarm milk, vanilla extract, and rum (if using). Mix until the dough begins to come together.
   • Gradually add the softened butter, kneading the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Incorporate the fruits and nuts:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and knead it briefly.
   • Add the candied fruits, raisins, dried fruits, and nuts. Gently knead to incorporate them into the dough.
   • Shape the dough into a ring by folding the edges towards the center, forming the traditional circular shape of Bolo Rei.
   • Cover again and let rise for 1 hour.

3. Baking:

   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Place the dough ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Before baking, make a small incision in the dough to insert the fève (if using).
   • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the Bolo Rei is golden brown.
   • Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

4. Glaze and decoration:

   • Once cooled, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
   • Drizzle the glaze over the cake and decorate with additional candied fruits as desired.

Chef’s Tips:

• You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a richer, more aromatic flavor.
• Bolo Rei can be made in advance and keeps well for several days. Its flavors even improve after a day or two.

Bolo Rei is a festive cake, perfect for sharing during Epiphany celebrations. Its soft texture and candied fruits make it an irresistible treat for the whole family!