Bolo Rei, a special cake for Christmas!

Bolo Rei - The King's Cake for the Holidays

Who doesn't want to bring a touch of magic to their holiday tables? Bolo Rei, also known as The King's Cake, is more than just a simple cake; it is a tradition that brings family and friends together during the most beautiful moments. This delicious cake, filled with fruits and nuts, is made with love and passion, making it a perfect choice for Christmas or any special occasion. Moreover, by preparing this quick and simple dessert, you will bring a sprinkle of joy into your homes.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of Servings: 10

Ingredients

- 1 cube of yeast (about 25 g)
- 3 cups of flour (about 375 g)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of warm milk
- 150 g of butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g of sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 4 eggs
- Grated zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- 150 g of raisins
- 100 g of dried dates
- 100 g of nuts (almonds, pistachios, or any nuts you prefer)
- 100 g of dried apricots or prunes (optional)
- Fruit jelly or jam for decoration
- Vanilla powdered sugar for decoration

Preparing the Dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast cube with one tablespoon of sugar and the 3 tablespoons of warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is crucial to ensure a good rise of the dough.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and lemon and orange zest. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast. Add the eggs, softened butter, and mix using a mixer or by hand. Knead the dough for 15 minutes until it becomes elastic and slightly sticky. If the dough is too soft, feel free to add a little extra flour.

3. Adding the fruits and nuts: Incorporate the raisins, dates, and nuts into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed. These ingredients not only add a delicious flavor but also a pleasant texture to the cake.

4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in volume.

Shaping and Baking Bolo Rei

5. Shaping the crown: After the dough has risen, remove it onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a crown. Ensure the holes in the center are large enough, as the dough will rise again. Place the crown in the chosen baking pan, which you have greased with butter or lined with parchment paper.

6. Second rising: Let the crown rise again for about 15 minutes, covered.

7. Decoration: Brush the dough with a beaten egg mixed with a little cinnamon. Decorate with nuts, dried fruits, and, if desired, with fruit jelly. This will add a festive and attractive appearance.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake Bolo Rei for about 45 minutes, or until it becomes golden and appetizing. A trick to check if it is well-baked: insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Serving

9. Cooling: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain a soft and fluffy texture.

10. Decorating and serving: Sprinkle vanilla powdered sugar on top and serve with fruit jam, such as strawberry jam, and a glass of sweet red wine or milk. Another personal trick is to add a little caramel sauce on top for extra flavor.

Variations and Tips

- Extra fruits: Experiment with other dried fruits, such as figs or cherries, to diversify the taste and texture of the cake.
- Flavorings: You can also add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an even richer aroma.
- Vegetarian options: If you want a dairy-free version, replace the butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk.

Nutritional Benefits

Bolo Rei is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Dried fruits are an excellent source of antioxidants, and nuts provide healthy fatty acids. Additionally, this cake contains protein from eggs and minerals from flour.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Bolo Rei in advance?
Yes, Bolo Rei can be prepared a day in advance. Keep it covered at room temperature.

2. How can I store Bolo Rei?
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and if you want to keep it fresh longer, you can freeze it.

3. Is Bolo Rei vegan?
This recipe is not vegan, but you can make variations using vegan ingredients, such as plant-based milk and oil instead of butter.

Bolo Rei is more than just a simple recipe; it is a way to celebrate tradition and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Regardless of the occasion, this cake brings warmth and joy to our tables. Try it and enjoy every bite!