Roscón de Reyes (Three Kings’ Cake)
Category: Yeast-based cakes
Servings: 12
Roscón de Reyes, also known as the Three Kings’ Cake, is a traditional Spanish treat enjoyed on Epiphany, celebrating the visit of the Magi to the newborn Jesus. This beautifully aromatic cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning, decorated with candied fruits, and often served as part of a family celebration. The process of making this cake is a labor of love, involving the slow rise of the dough, the careful folding of ingredients, and the delightful decorating at the end.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own Roscón de Reyes at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 100g |
| Sugar | 130g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Orange zest | 1 |
| Fresh yeast (brewer’s yeast) | 15g |
| Whole milk | 220g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 600g |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Powdered sugar | To taste |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Heavy cream | 2 tbsp |
| Candied fruit | 15g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Begin by dissolving the fresh yeast in a small amount of warm milk (make sure it’s not too hot). Use a hand mixer to help dissolve it completely, so you have a smooth, bubbly mixture. This step is crucial for activating the yeast, which will help the dough rise beautifully. -
Mix the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer, sift the flour. Add the sugar, salt, and the grated zest of one orange. Activate your mixer at a moderate speed and slowly incorporate the yeast-milk mixture into the flour. Gradually pour in the remaining milk while mixing to combine the ingredients into a soft, sticky dough. -
Knead the Dough
Once the initial mixture is combined, replace the flat beater with a dough hook. Start kneading the dough, adding the softened butter one small piece at a time. Each piece of butter should be fully absorbed before adding the next. This process may take around 15-20 minutes, but it is important to be patient and allow the dough to come together into a smooth, elastic consistency. -
Let the Dough Rise
Once the dough has achieved a smooth texture, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and give it a few final kneads by hand. Then, shape it into a ball and place it in a large bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap to prevent any drafts. Set the bowl in a warm, draft-free area, like an oven with the light on, and let it rise for about 4 hours or until it doubles in size. -
Shape the Cake
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently punch the dough to release any air bubbles, then shape it into a ball once more. Using your fingers, make a hole in the center and slowly stretch it out to form a large ring shape. Aim for a 13-14 inch wide ring. The dough should remain soft and elastic throughout this process, so avoid overworking it. -
Second Rise
Place the shaped dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a clean cloth and let it rise for an additional 30-60 minutes, allowing it to puff up and gain some height. -
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Egg Wash
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a small bowl, beat together the egg yolk and heavy cream. Use a pastry brush to gently coat the surface of the cake with this egg wash. This will give the Roscón a beautiful golden-brown color when baked. -
Decorate the Cake
Before baking, decorate the Roscón with your choice of candied fruits, creating a colorful, festive pattern on top. You can use any fruits you like, but traditional decorations include candied cherries, orange slices, and sometimes even figs. -
Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the surface is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. -
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the Roscón de Reyes from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. After it has cooled completely, dust it generously with powdered sugar for a final touch. The cake is now ready to be enjoyed!
Roscón de Reyes is typically served as a festive dessert, often accompanied by hot chocolate. It’s a perfect treat for family gatherings, and it’s customary to hide small figurines or a coin inside the cake for a fun surprise. Traditionally, whoever finds the figurine is said to have good luck for the year ahead!
