How to Make a Traditional Portuguese Bolo Rei (King Cake)

Bolo Rei, or King Cake, is a traditional Portuguese cake that is especially popular during the Christmas and New Year’s season. This rich and fruity cake, with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, is a festive treat enjoyed by many. Making a traditional Bolo Rei requires patience and attention to detail, but the result is a stunning and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Here’s how to make your own Portuguese King Cake from scratch.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200ml (3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon) milk, lukewarm
• 2 large eggs
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 15g (2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon brandy or rum (optional)

For the filling:

• 100g (1/2 cup) candied fruit (such as cherries, pineapple, or citrus)
• 100g (1/2 cup) mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, or currants)
• 50g (1/4 cup) chopped almonds or walnuts
• 50g (1/4 cup) candied ginger (optional)
• 100g (1/2 cup) crystallized sugar (for topping)
• 1 whole almond and 1 small dried bean (traditionally hidden inside the cake)

For the glaze:

• 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
• A little water

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk along with a tablespoon of sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and citrus zests (orange and lemon). Create a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, and brandy or rum if using.
3. Slowly mix the ingredients together, gradually incorporating the flour into the wet ingredients.
4. Once a rough dough forms, begin kneading it on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Add the softened butter in small pieces and knead it into the dough. Continue kneading for another 5 minutes until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth and shiny.
6. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

1. While the dough is rising, chop the candied fruit, dried fruit, and nuts into small pieces. You can mix these together and set them aside.
2. Traditionally, the Bolo Rei includes a small dried bean and an almond, which are hidden inside the cake after it’s shaped. These items are said to bring luck to the person who finds them in their slice.
3. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove air bubbles.

Step 3: Shape the Bolo Rei

1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12 inches by 18 inches). If the dough is a bit sticky, you can sprinkle it with a little more flour.
2. Sprinkle the mixed dried fruit, candied fruit, and nuts evenly over the dough. Carefully roll the dough up into a log, ensuring the fruit is spread throughout the dough.
3. To shape the Bolo Rei, bring the ends of the dough log together to form a ring. Pinch the edges to seal them tightly.
4. Carefully transfer the dough ring to a greased or parchment-lined baking tray.
5. Once the ring is shaped, you can make a small hole in the center (to form the traditional ring shape). Make sure the hole isn’t too large, as the dough will expand during baking.

Step 4: Second rise

1. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise for another hour or until it becomes puffy and slightly expanded.
2. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 5: Bake the Bolo Rei

1. Once the dough has risen, gently brush the top of the cake with a mixture of beaten egg yolk and a tablespoon of water to give it a nice golden color as it bakes.
2. Place the Bolo Rei in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking until done.

Step 6: Glaze and decorate

1. When the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. While it’s still warm, brush the top with a little honey or a sugar syrup to give it a glossy finish.
3. Decorate the cake with crystallized fruit, edible glitter, or powdered sugar to give it a festive look. You can also place the whole almond and the dried bean inside the cake at this stage.
4. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.

Serving the Bolo Rei:

Traditionally, Bolo Rei is served in slices and enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a glass of Port wine. The person who finds the almond is said to have good luck for the year ahead, while the one who finds the dried bean must buy the cake next year!

This cake is a symbol of the season’s celebrations and brings joy to family gatherings, especially during the festive period of Christmas and New Year in Portugal. Enjoy making this traditional Portuguese treat!