Roscon de Reyes: How to Make A Royal Treat
Roscón de Reyes, also known as Three Kings' Cake, is a traditional Spanish dessert often enjoyed on Epiphany or Three Kings' Day (Dia de Reyes), which falls on January 6th. It's a sweet, ring-shaped bread decorated with candied fruits and sometimes filled with cream or other sweet fillings. Here's a basic recipe for making Roscón de Reyes:
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- ½ cup Grenulated Sugar
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2 ¼ tsp Active dry yeast 1 packet
- ½ cup Warm milk
- ½ cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 4 Large eggs
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
For the decoration:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Candied fruits (such as figs, cherries, and orange peel)
For the optional filling:
- Whipped cream, pastry cream, or almond cream
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the well and add the softened butter, eggs, orange zest, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a ring. Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- If you're adding a filling, gently press it into the center of the dough.
- Beat an egg and brush it over the surface of the dough. Decorate the top with candied fruits.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Allow the Roscón de Reyes to cool completely before serving.