Bolo Rei (Portuguese King Cake)

🧂 Ingredients

• 500 g All-purpose flour(Plus extra for dusting)
• 7 g Active dry yeast(Or 20g fresh yeast)
• 100 ml Warm milk(Around 40°C (105°F))
• 75 g Granulated sugar(For the dough)
• 2 large Eggs(Room temperature)
• 100 g Unsalted butter(Softened, room temperature)
• 5 g Salt
• 50 ml Port wine(Or sweet white wine)
• 200 g Candied fruits(Mixed, chopped into small pieces)
• 100 g Nuts(Such as almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, roughly chopped)
• 1 large Egg yolk(For egg wash)
• 2 tbsp Granulated sugar(For sprinkling)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of the sugar, and the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
2. 2

   Make the dough: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour and the remaining sugar. Make a well in the center. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, the eggs, and the Port wine. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
3. 3

   Knead the dough: Gradually add the softened butter, a tablespoon at a time, while the mixer is running on low speed. Continue to knead for about 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If kneading by hand, it will take longer, about 15-20 minutes. The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
4. 4

   First rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

   ⏱️ 1.5 - 2 hours
5. 5

   Incorporate fruits and nuts: Gently punch down the risen dough. Scatter the chopped candied fruits and nuts over the dough. Knead gently for a few minutes until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overwork the dough at this stage.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Shape the cake: Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Shape the dough into a ring or a crown shape on the prepared baking sheet. You can make a hole in the center and gently stretch it, or form a circular log and join the ends. If using, you can insert a dried fava bean into the dough at this stage (traditionally, whoever finds it has to buy the Bolo Rei next year).

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
7. 7

   Second rise: Cover the shaped cake loosely with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Let it rise again in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has visibly puffed up.

   ⏱️ 1 hour
8. 8

   Preheat oven and egg wash: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with a teaspoon of water. Brush the top of the risen cake evenly with the egg wash. Sprinkle with the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
9. 9

   Bake the Bolo Rei: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.

   ⏱️ 35-45 minutes
10. 10

    Cool and serve: Let the Bolo Rei cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. It's delicious on its own or with a cup of coffee or tea.

    ⏱️ 1 hour

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓For a richer dough, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the yeast mixture.
• ✓Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for easier incorporation into the dough.
• ✓The fava bean is a traditional element; if using, ensure it's fully cooked within the cake.
• ✓Bolo Rei is best enjoyed within a few days of baking.

🔄 Variations

• Bolo Rainha (Queen's Cake): Made with only nuts and no candied fruits.
• Chocolate Bolo Rei: Add chocolate chips or chunks to the dough along with the fruits and nuts.
• Savory version: Reduce sugar and add herbs and cheese for a savory bread.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving