Portuguese Christmas Recipe: Bolo Rei (King Cake)

A classic Portuguese Christmas cake, bolo rei is a mainstay of holiday parties and is savoured throughout the festive season. This famous cake, which is prized for its rich, fruity flavour and colourful look, represents the gifts that the Three Wise Men sent to newborn Jesus. Bolo Rei is a must-have for a true Portuguese Christmas experience, whether it is enjoyed with family or given as a gift to loved ones. Ingredients
For the Dough:
500g (4 cups) of all-purpose flour
100g (1/2 cup) of sugar
1 packet (11g) of dry yeast
125ml (1/2 cup) of warm milk
3 large eggs
100g (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter, softened
Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon of salt
For the Toppings and Filling:
150g (1 cup) of mixed dried fruits (raisins, apricots, figs)
100g (3/4 cup) of candied fruits
50g (1/3 cup) of chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts)
1 small figurine or a dried bean (optional, traditional surprise)
Powdered sugar for dusting
For Glazing:
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons of water

Necessary Utensils
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl for yeast activation
Stand mixer (optional)
Baking tray
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Pastry brush
Plastic wrap

Time Spent Preparing
Two hours for preparation (including rising dough)
Half an hour is needed for baking.
Two hours and thirty minutes in total.

Directions
To activate the yeast:
Dissolve the dry yeast in warm milk in a small basin. Wait five to ten minutes for it to start foaming.

To make the dough:
Put the flour, sugar, lemon and orange zests, and salt in a big mixing bowl. Add the eggs, butter, and yeast mixture. For ten minutes, knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer until it is elastic and smooth.

Allow It to Rise:
Place plastic wrap over the bowl and leave it in a warm location for an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Add the Fillings:
Evenly distribute the nuts and dried fruits after flattening the dough. Put the bean or figurine into the dough if you're using one. Place the ring-shaped dough on a baking tray lined with paper.

Second Rise:
Place plastic wrap over the formed dough and allow it to rise for a further half hour.

To glaze and decorate:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Apply the egg yolk and water mixture to the dough. Add nuts and candied fruits as decorations.

Bake:
Bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool, then sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 10 servings)
Calories: 350
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g

Advice
Let the dough rise slowly in the fridge for the entire night for a softer texture. Before forming and baking, allow it to come to room temperature.

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