Rosca de Reyes cake
This cake is made in the shape of an oval to represent a king’s crown and it has some hidden surprises inside. One surprise: a small baby figure is baked inside this cake to represent the baby Jesus. The person to find this baby is called the Godparent and is in charge of making tamales for the next celebration (Candlemas or the baptism of the Lord)
Ingredients:
4 ½ cup of Flour, divided
¾ cup and 1 tablespoon sugar, divided
½ tsp. of Salt
5 large eggs, at room temperature, one is to be used later
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon of vanilla, almond or orange extract
2 tsp of Orange Sciabica olive oil (optional)
Orange Zest from 2 large oranges
1 cup of butter, at room temperature
½ cup of warm milk
1 ½ tablespoons of active dry yeast or 1 envelope
½ cup of powdered or confectioners’ sugar
Candied dried fruit like cherries (red and green mostly), oranges, lemons, mangoes, figs, red or green quince paste, candied orange peel
Directions:
In a medium sized bowl pour in the ½ cup of warm milk. Add 1 tbsp of sugar and 1 tbsp of flour. Mix well until there are no lumps remaining. Add the Active Dry Yeast and mix well. Place bowl in a warm place and rest 5-15 minutes until it has doubled in size.
Meanwhile, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 4 of the eggs, and salt in a large mixer bowl with a dough hook attachment on low speed for 1 minute. Add in the yeast mixture from earlier, the orange (or other flavor) extract and 2 tsp of the Orange Olive Oil (optional); beat for 2 minutes. Gradually add in the 2 cups of flour beating for about 2 minutes. Dough should be a bit sticky. On a lightly floured surface place the dough. Knead for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Place Dough in a buttered or oiled bowl. (I use more of the Orange Sciabica Olive Oil as it absorbs more of the flavor that way) Roll the dough in bowl and then turn the greased side up. Cover the bowl with buttered or oiled plastic wrap. Place bowl in a warm, draft-free place. (Can be like the inside of an off oven, the laundry room or the inside of your microwave) Let dough stand 1 to 2 hours or until it almost doubles in size.
Meanwhile, beat ¼ cup butter and ½ cup confectioners' sugar in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Add ½ cup flour and egg yolk; beat to form a smooth paste. Divide in 6 equal pieces. Wrap with plastic wrap. Set aside.
When dough is ready (doubled in size) punch down to remove the air. Remove the dough onto a floured surface. Knead a few times and then roll into a long rope or log. Put in the baby Jesus somewhere in the rope. Make sure he is hidden. Place on either a parchment lined or greased baking sheet in the shape of an oval or circle. Cover with a towel. Place in slightly warm draft free place for 1-2 hours.
Beat the remaining egg and brush over the ring. Place the confectioners’ sugar pieces around the dough ring also add the candied fruit pieces. Place in 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
