Whether you’re celebrating Three Kings Day or just looking to add a festive touch to your baking repertoire, Rosca De Reyes Cake is a delightful treat to make at home. This traditional Spanish and Latin American sweet bread is adorned with colorful candied fruits and makes for a beautiful centerpiece on any table. The process may seem intricate, but with a little patience and love, you can create a stunning Rosca De Reyes to impress your family and guests. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Rosca De Reyes Cake
Ingredients:
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk, lukewarm
– 3 eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tbsp active dry yeast
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup candied fruit (cherries, figs, etc.)
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 plastic baby figurine (for tradition)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, orange zest, and lemon zest. Mix well.
3. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, about 10-15 minutes. You can do this by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook.
5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal parts and roll each part into a long rope.
7. Braid the three ropes together to form a circular shape. Join the ends together and tuck the plastic baby figurine into the dough, ensuring it’s hidden.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
9. Transfer the shaped dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
10. Brush the risen dough with the beaten egg wash and decorate the top with the candied fruit and sliced almonds.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the Rosca De Reyes is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped at the bottom.
12. Allow the cake to cool before slicing and enjoying with your loved ones. Remember, the person who finds the hidden figurine is said to have good luck for the coming year!
Rosca De Reyes Cake is a delightful holiday tradition that brings joy and sweetness to gatherings. The combination of fluffy bread, citrus zests, and colorful fruits creates a masterpiece worthy of any celebration. Don’t be intimidated by the detailed process; take your time, enjoy the baking journey, and savor the flavors of this special cake. Share the magic and tradition of Rosca De Reyes with those you care about, and create lasting memories together around this delicious treat. Enjoy every slice and embrace the warmth it brings to your home!
