How to Make the Perfect Spanish King´s Cake (Roscon de Reyes)
In this article we are going to show you how to make a perfect Spanish King´s Cake “Roscon de Reyes”, so you can surprise your friends and family.
The Roscón de Reyes is more than just a cake; it’s a deeply cherished tradition in Spain, often enjoyed on January 6th to celebrate Epiphany.
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INDEX
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients for the Spanish King´s Cake (Roscón de Reyes)
Before starting, it’s essential to have everything you need at hand. For a Roscón de Reyes that serves 4-6 people, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour – 400g
- Granulated sugar – 75g
- Whole milk – 125ml (warm to around 35°C, not hot)
- Unsalted butter – 75g (softened)
- Fresh yeast – 15g (or 7g of dry yeast)
- Eggs – 2 (medium, room temperature)
- Orange zest – 1 tbsp
- Lemon zest – 1 tbsp
- Rum or orange blossom water – 1 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
For Decoration:
- Candied fruits – 100g (such as oranges, cherries, and melons)
- Granulated sugar – 2 tbsp (lightly sprayed with water to form clumps)
- Sliced almonds – 30g (optional)
For Garnish Filling (Optional):
- Heavy cream – 250ml (whipped with sugar to taste)
- Powdered sugar – To dust
Fun Additions:
- A ceramic figurine or dried bean (to hide inside the cake!)
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
Begin by activating the yeast to ensure your Spanish King´s Cake rises beautifully.
- Warm the milk to about 35°C (slightly above room temperature). Stir in the yeast until dissolved.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the flour and 1 tablespoon of sugar from your measured ingredients. Stir until smooth, cover with a kitchen towel, and leave it in a warm spot for 15 minutes or until bubbly.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Combine the prepared yeast mixture with the following ingredients:
- Remaining sugar
- Orange and lemon zest
- Rum (or orange blossom water)
- Eggs
Gradually add the flour and salt while mixing. Once the mixture starts forming a dough, incorporate softened butter bit by bit. Knead it for 10-12 minutes until it becomes soft, elastic, and slightly sticky. If kneading by hand, lightly dust with flour as needed (but avoid excessive flour).
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and leave it to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape the Roscón
After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a large ring or oval (the signature Roscon shape). Tip: Grease a small glass or jar and place it in the center to maintain the hole’s shape.
Transfer your Roscón to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and allow it to rise again for about 45 minutes.
Step 6: Decorate Your Masterpiece
After the second rise, brush the surface generously with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish. Decorate the Roscón with candied fruits, sugared clumps, and sliced almonds (if using). Get creative—it’s the decorations that give this cake its festive flair!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the Roscón for 20-25 minutes, watching carefully to avoid overbrowning. If necessary, cover it loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Step 8 (Optional): Add the Cream
Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully slice it horizontally in half. Whip the heavy cream with sugar to taste and pipe it onto the bottom layer. Place the top back on and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Step 9 (The Fun Part): Insert the Surprise!
Don’t forget the tradition—hide a small ceramic figurine or a dried bean inside the cake for a surprise. Whoever finds it will either be crowned king (or queen) for the day—or tasked with hosting the next celebration!
Step 10: Serve and Celebrate
Your Roscón de Reyes is now ready to impress! Serve it with a steaming cup of hot chocolate or coffee for the ultimate indulgence. Watch as your guests not only savor the flavors but also immerse themselves in the joy of this Spanish tradition.
For More Information
If you are not sure how to get started and need a video, we recommend you to watch this Youtube channel : Summer Bakes the World, she will help you how to prepare it step by step and in a very simple way.