The Rosca de Reyes, or King’s Cake, is one of the most beloved desserts in Mexico, symbolizing the joyful celebration of El Día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day), observed on January 6th.
This sweet bread, often adorned with colorful fruits and a touch of history, is not just a treat—it’s a piece of cultural tradition passed down through generations. Whether you’re celebrating the arrival of the three kings or just looking for a delicious, festive dessert to share with loved ones, Rosca de Reyes brings people together with its rich flavors and delightful surprises hidden inside.
What is Rosca de Reyes? The Rosca de Reyes is a round or oval-shaped cake decorated with candied fruits that represent the jewels of the three kings’ crowns. Traditionally, it is baked with a small figurine (or a dried bean) hidden inside the dough. The person who finds the figurine is said to host a celebration, often making tamales or other traditional dishes, in the coming weeks.
It’s a celebration wrapped in sweetness, with each bite telling a story of tradition, fun, and community.
Ingredients for Rosca de Reyes
To make this delicious dessert, gather the following ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup of warm water
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional, for a softer dough)
- For the decoration:
- Assorted candied fruits (such as figs, cherries, and orange slices)
- 1 small plastic figurine or dried bean (to hide in the dough)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or milk
How to Make Rosca de Reyes
Step 1: Prepare the yeast mixture
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and warm water. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and add a pinch of sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well to incorporate the spices evenly. Make a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients
Once your yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the well along with the eggs, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix everything together with a spoon or your hands, slowly adding in the softened butter. The dough should begin to form, but it might be a little sticky.
Step 4: Knead the dough
Once the dough starts to come together, turn it onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little flour to prevent it from sticking. If you’d like an even softer texture, mix in the cornstarch.
Step 5: Let it rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size. This step is key to achieving that perfect airy texture.
Step 6: Shape the dough
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll it into a long log, about 18-20 inches in length, and then form it into a circle or oval shape on a baking sheet. You want it to look like a crown or wreath, so make sure the edges slightly overlap to form a continuous circle.
Step 7: Hide the figurine
Before you seal the dough, carefully place the small figurine or dried bean inside (make sure to choose a figurine that is heat-resistant). Once it’s hidden, seal the edges of the dough to cover the figurine completely.
Step 8: Let it rise again
Cover the shaped dough with a towel again and let it rise for another hour, until it puffs up and becomes slightly airy.
Step 9: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the dough with a beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden color. Then, bake the Rosca de Reyes for about 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. If it starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
Step 10: Add the glaze and decoration
While your Rosca is cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with lemon juice or milk. Once the bread has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finish. Then, arrange the candied fruits on top to make it look vibrant and festive.
Serving and Tradition
Once the Rosca de Reyes is ready, slice it up and serve with hot chocolate or a warm cup of café de olla. If you’re partaking in the traditional custom, remember to share the cake with family and friends—just make sure to warn everyone about the hidden figurine! The person who finds it is traditionally responsible for hosting a meal with tamales or another special treat on Día de la Candelaria (February 2nd).
Fun Fact: The Rosca de Reyes symbolizes the crown of the Three Kings, and its circular shape represents the never-ending love and light that the kings brought to the world. The hidden figurine inside the bread reminds us of the search for the child Jesus, making it a sweet yet meaningful tradition.
Enjoy this slice of history and culture, and don’t forget to share your Rosca de Reyes with the ones you love!
