Brazilian Carnival Cake

Ingredients

The Brazilian Carnival Cake is a variation of the traditional French King Cake. While the French King Cake is typically made with puff pastry and filled with almond cream or fruit, the Brazilian adaptation replaces the puff pastry with vanilla sponge cake and incorporates brigadeiro cream as the filling. Additionally, the Brazilian version is decorated with colorful sprinkles, representing the vibrant and festive spirit of the Brazilian Carnival. We alse have the original recipe for King Cake, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• Brigadeiro Cream Filling: Brigadeiro Cream Filling:
• 1 can (14oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk 1 can (14oz/397g) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Colorful sprinkles, for decoration Colorful sprinkles, for decoration

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2010 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 13g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 48g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. 6.
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. 7.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   In the meantime, prepare the brigadeiro cream filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
10. 10.
    Once the cakes and brigadeiro cream are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of brigadeiro cream on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining brigadeiro cream.
11. 11.
    Decorate the cake with colorful sprinkles, creating a festive and vibrant appearance.
12. 12.
    Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Brigadeiro Cream — Be patient while cooking the brigadeiro cream, as it needs constant stirring to prevent burning. The mixture should thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan before removing it from heat.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a splash of rum or coffee liqueur to the brigadeiro cream.
• If you prefer a lighter cake, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
• To ensure a moist cake, make sure not to overbake it. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it's ready.
• If you don't have colorful sprinkles, you can use shredded coconut or chocolate shavings for decoration.
• Serve the cake chilled for a refreshing treat during hot summer days.

Serving advice

Slice the Brazilian Carnival Cake into generous portions and serve it as a centerpiece dessert during festive occasions or as a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

To enhance the festive appearance of the Brazilian Carnival Cake, place colorful confetti or small decorative masks on top of the cake. You can also add a few fresh berries or mint leaves as garnish.