Oh, get ready to fall in love with this delightful twist on a classic treat! The Sumo Citrus King Cake Recipe is an absolute showstopper, combining the bright, juicy punch of unique Sumo Citrus with the soft, comforting texture of a traditional king cake. This recipe is bursting with fresh citrus zest and juice, enriching the dough and filling with a citrusy aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet and vibrant, this cake will quickly become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this memorable Sumo Citrus King Cake Recipe. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create a perfect harmony of flavor and texture, from the yeast that gives the dough its airy rise to the rich cream cheese filling that’s accented beautifully by the brightness of Sumo Citrus zest.
- Warm Water: The ideal temperature wakes up the yeast without killing it, essential for dough rising.
- Granulated Cane Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and feeds the yeast for better fermentation.
- Instant Yeast: The magic behind the dough’s fluffy texture and lovely rise.
- Whole Milk: Adds richness and moisture for a tender crumb.
- Unsalted Butter, melted: Brings buttery flavor and helps keep the dough soft.
- Fine Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Large Egg, beaten: Provides structure and richness to the dough.
- Vanilla Extract: A warm, sweet undertone that complements the citrus perfectly.
- Flour (2 ¾ cups): The foundation for your dough, providing structure.
- Sumo Citrus zest and juice: Bursting with fresh citrus flavor, a key star of this recipe.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz.): Adds creamy texture and a subtle tang to the filling.
- Brown Sugar: Gives a deep caramel sweetness to the filling.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses warmth that pairs beautifully with citrus.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): For the luscious, smooth frosting glaze.
- Milk (3 tbsp.): Thins the frosting to a perfect drizzle consistency.
- Melted Butter (1 tbsp.): Enriches the frosting for a silky finish.
- Green, Yellow, and Purple Sprinkles: Adds festive color and crunch reminiscent of traditional king cake celebrations.
How to Make Sumo Citrus King Cake Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Start the Dough
Begin by mixing the warm water, yeast, and granulated cane sugar in your stand mixer bowl. This little start is crucial—wait 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, signaling that your yeast is happily waking up. This ensures your dough will rise beautifully and have that light, airy texture we all love in a king cake.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Flavorings
Now, add whole milk, salt, the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and the fresh zest and juice of half a Sumo Citrus. Each of these ingredients plays a special role: the milk and egg add moisture and richness, the vanilla smooths everything out, and the citrus zest and juice bring in that signature tangy brightness that makes this recipe shine.
Step 3: Combine the Flour and Knead
Incorporate the flour and use the dough hook attachment to knead for about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll want the dough to pull away cleanly from the bowl sides, signaling it’s perfectly kneaded. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes to an hour until it has doubled in size. This rise is where that resiliency and fluffiness develops, giving you that classic king cake texture.
Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Space and Dough Shape
Preheat your oven to 350°F, and line a large rimmed baking pan with parchment paper so your cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick. On a floured surface, roll out your dough into a large rectangle, about 10 by 16 inches and just 1/8 inch thick. This thin layer will hold the luscious filling and create that glorious braided look.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Citrus Filling
Switch to the paddle attachment and blend the cream cheese, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and the zest of one whole Sumo Citrus until the filling is silky and smooth. This mixture brings a tangy-sweet balance, perfectly complementing the dough and adding a melty, creamy center that will make your taste buds sing.
Step 6: Spread, Slice, and Shape the Cake
Spread that luscious filling evenly across the dough with an offset spatula. Slice the dough lengthwise into two strips, then roll each strip tightly into logs. Braid these two logs together in a beautiful pattern, forming a circle, and pinch the ends to seal. This technique is not only beautiful but also locks in all those incredible flavors.
Step 7: Final Rise and Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover your braided cake and allow it to rise for another 30 to 40 minutes in a warm setting, letting the dough puff up just right. Then, brush generously with egg wash or olive oil to promote that gorgeous golden crust. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to evenly toast the top to a perfect golden hue.
Step 8: Whip Up the Sumo Citrus Frosting
While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, additional Sumo Citrus juice or zest, and vanilla extract to create a glossy, zesty glaze. Drizzle or spoon this over the warm cake and immediately scatter your festive green, yellow, and purple sprinkles for that final touch of celebration.
How to Serve Sumo Citrus King Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Sumo Citrus King Cake Recipe pop visually and in flavor, consider adding a few fresh Sumo Citrus segments on top or alongside each slice for bursts of juicy freshness. A light dusting of additional citrus zest or a sprinkling of toasted pecans can also elevate both texture and appearance.
Side Dishes
This king cake pairs exceptionally well with a simple cup of black coffee or a smooth latte, balancing sweetness with a touch of bitterness. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait with honey and granola for a complete and refreshing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Shape the cake into smaller individual rings or braids for party platters or gifting. You can also turn it into a festive centerpiece by placing it on a decorative cake stand with candles or a bouquet of fresh flowers for an eye-catching display that screams celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sumo Citrus King Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration can help without drying it out too much, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the king cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm slightly before serving to revive that freshly baked softness and citrusy aroma.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This reawakens the soft texture and enhances the cream cheese filling’s lusciousness. Avoid overheating to keep the glaze intact and prevent drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits if Sumo Citrus is unavailable?
Absolutely! While Sumo Citrus offers a unique sweetness and easy-to-peel texture, you can substitute with mandarins, tangerines, or even oranges. Just remember to adjust the juice quantity to avoid overpowering the dough.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Yes, although a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can mix the ingredients by hand and knead on a floured surface. It may take more elbow grease, but the delicious results are worth it!
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
A good rule of thumb is when the dough has roughly doubled in size and springs back slowly when gently pressed with a finger. If it doesn’t spring back at all, it may be overproofed.
Can I prepare the dough or filling ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it proof slowly in the refrigerator. The filling can also be mixed ahead and kept covered in the fridge. Let both come to room temperature before assembling and baking.
What’s the significance of the colored sprinkles on this king cake?
These festive colors—green, yellow, and purple—are traditional for king cakes and represent faith, power, and justice, respectively. They add a fun, celebratory flair and a bit of crunch to your Sumo Citrus King Cake Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never experienced the joy of a king cake with a fresh, citrusy twist, now is the time to dive into this Sumo Citrus King Cake Recipe. It’s a show-stopping dessert that brings brightness, warmth, and plenty of swoon-worthy flavor to any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll adore this combination as much as I do—so get ready to bake, indulge, and share the joy!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sumo Citrus King Cake is a festive and flavorful twist on the classic Mardi Gras treat, infused with the bright zest and juice of sumo citrus. Soft, sweet, and braided with a cinnamon-cream cheese filling, it’s topped with a citrus-infused glaze and colorful sprinkles, perfect for celebrations or a special brunch.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1/3 cup Warm Water
- ¼ cup Granulated Cane Sugar
- 2 tsp Instant Yeast
- ½ cup Whole Milk
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 1 large Egg, beaten
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 ¾ cups Flour
- Zest and juice of 1/2 Sumo Citrus
Filling
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Granulated Cane Sugar
- 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- Zest of 1 Sumo Citrus
Frosting
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 3 tbsp Milk
- 1 tbsp Melted Butter
- 1 tsp Sumo Citrus Juice and/or zest
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Green, Yellow, and Purple Sprinkles
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment, combine the warm water, yeast, and granulated cane sugar. Mix and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, which indicates the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add the whole milk, fine sea salt, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and the zest and juice of half a sumo citrus to the yeast mixture. Mix well to combine all wet ingredients.
- Knead Dough: Gradually add the flour and knead the dough using the hook attachment for 4-5 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is smooth. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 minutes to 1 hour until it doubles in volume.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large rimmed baking pan with parchment paper.
- Shape Dough: Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle about 1/8 inch thick, approximately 10 by 16 inches.
- Prepare Filling: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, blend together the cream cheese, brown sugar, granulated cane sugar, ground cinnamon, and sumo citrus zest until smooth and well combined.
- Fill Dough: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the rolled-out dough using an offset spatula.
- Form Logs: Using a knife, slice the filled dough lengthwise into two equal parts. Roll each part tightly into a log.
- Braid and Shape: Braid the two logs together and then carefully wrap the braid into a circle, pinching the ends to seal. Transfer it to the prepared baking pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again in a warm spot for 30-40 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Apply Wash and Bake: Brush the top of the cake with an egg wash or olive oil to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the cake is golden brown on top.
- Make Frosting: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, sumo citrus juice and/or zest, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and Decorate: Spoon the frosting over the warm (but not hot) king cake and immediately decorate with green, yellow, and purple sprinkles for a festive finish.
Notes
- Make sure the water for activating the yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment for best results.
- You can substitute sumo citrus with other large, sweet citrus fruits like mandarins or tangerines if unavailable.
- The cake is best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cream cheese.
