Bolo-rei

Bolo-rei

Bolo-rei, or “King Cake,” is a traditional Portuguese cake often enjoyed during the holiday season, especially around Epiphany (Dia de Reis). Here’s a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

Dough:

  • 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 75g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
  • 10g (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 200ml (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) milk, warmed
  • 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Filling:

  • 150g (1 cup) mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and chopped dried figs)
  • 100g (1 cup) chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
  • 50g (1/4 cup) candied orange peel, chopped
  • 50g (1/4 cup) candied lemon peel, chopped
  • 2 tbsp honey or fruit preserve

Decoration:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Additional candied fruits and nuts for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
    • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center.
    • Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter to the well. Mix until a dough forms.
    • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • While the dough is rising, mix the dried fruits, nuts, and candied peels in a bowl. Set aside.
  3. Shape the Cake:
    • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface.
    • Roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
    • Spread the honey or fruit preserve evenly over the dough.
    • Sprinkle the mixed fruits and nuts evenly over the dough.
    • Roll the dough up tightly into a log, then form it into a ring shape, pinching the ends together to seal.
    • Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
  4. Bake the Cake:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
    • Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack.
  5. Decorate:
    • Once the cake is completely cool, dust it with powdered sugar and garnish with additional candied fruits and nuts.

Enjoy your Bolo-rei with a cup of coffee or tea!

4o mini