Bolo Rei Tradicional (king Cake) Recipe

Name: Bolo Rei Tradicional (king Cake)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 dried Bean; 1 miniature toy, to go in the cake; 100 ml porto wine; 1 tsp salt; 150 grams crystallized fruit; 150 grams nuts, choose your favourite; 150 grams sugar; 150 grams butter; 4 eggs; 30 grams active dry yeast; 750 grams flour; 1 lemon peel, grated; 1 Orange peel, grated; 1 jelly mix

Servings: persons

1 dried Bean
1 miniature toy, to go in the cake
100 ml porto wine
1 tsp salt
150 grams crystallized fruit
150 grams nuts, choose your favourite
150 grams sugar
150 grams butter
4 eggs
30 grams active dry yeast
750 grams flour
1 lemon peel, grated
1 Orange peel, grated
1 jelly mix

1
Cut the crystallized fruit into pieces.
2
Reserve some whole or add extra to decorate the top of the cake.
3
Soak the cut fruit in a splash of the porto wine.
4
In a different bowl dissolve the yeast in 100ml of water.
5
Add 1 cup of flour, mix and leave it at room temperature for 15 minutes.
6
Meanwhile, mix the margarine, sugar, lemon and orange zest.
7
Add the eggs, mixing in one by one.
8
Add in the yeast mixture.
9
When everything is well mixed add the remaining flour, salt and porto wine.
10
Knead the dough until elastic and smooth in consistency then mix in the cut fruit.
11
Shape the dough into a ball.
12
Sprinkle with flour, then cover with a cloth.
13
Leave at room temperature covered away from any moisture for 5 hours.
14
When the dough has doubled in size, temporarily transfer to a wooden board and make a whole in the middle of it.
15
Wrap the tiny toy in parchment paper, then add to the cake along with the bean.
16
Leave to stand for 1 hour.
17
Brush the cake with 1 egg yolk, decorate with crystallised fruit, chopped sugar cubes and nuts.
18
Turn oven to 180 c.
19
Transfer to a very hot oven.
20
Cook until its golden brown approximately 40 minutes.
21
In a little bit of warm water dilute jelly granules or sheets.
22
Once cooked brush the cake with the jelly.
23
Let it cool down and serve once cooled.

1259

kcal

Calories

Fat

187

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 dried Bean, 1 miniature toy, to go in the cake, 100 ml porto wine, 1 tsp salt, and more.

Yes, Bolo Rei Tradicional (king Cake) falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Bolo Rei Tradicional (king Cake)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions