Traditional Rosca de Reyes

c
@cocinero44

After the end-of-year festivities, January 6th brings the celebration of the Day of the Three Wise Men—a special day, especially for children, who eagerly await their gifts after leaving water and food for the camels overnight. Following tradition, there's nothing better than preparing the classic 'Rosca de Reyes,' a sweet...

Traditional Rosca de Reyes recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
25min
Total Time
55min

Ingredients

8 Servings
(1 serving = 1 slice of Rosca de Reyes)

Starter

  • flour
    flour
    125g
  • fresh yeast
    fresh yeast
    20g
  • sugar
    sugar
    1tsp
  • milk
    milk
    50mL

Dough

  • flour
    flour
    475g
  • sugar
    sugar
    50g
  • butter
    butter
    100g
  • eggs
    eggs
    3
  • milk
    milk
    280mL
  • fine salt
    fine salt
    1/2tsp
  • orange blossom water
    orange blossom water
    2tbsp

Decoration

  • candied or glazed fruits
    candied or glazed fruits
    30g
  • sliced almonds
    sliced almonds
    30g
  • maraschino cherries
    maraschino cherries
    6
  • pastry cream
    pastry cream
    50g
  • beaten egg
    beaten egg
    1
  • sugar for sprinkling
    sugar for sprinkling
    2tbsp

How to make Traditional Rosca de Reyes

Prepare the starter

  1. Step 1

    In a bowl, combine 125 g of flour, the yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 50 ml of milk. Mix well until you achieve a rather liquid dough. If necessary, add a little more milk. Cover the bowl and let the mixture rise for 10 minutes.

Prepare the dough

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, mix the remaining flour with the sugar. Make a well in the center and add the softened butter, eggs, salt, orange blossom water, and gradually the milk. Begin mixing the ingredients until they come together into a dough.

Knead the dough

  1. Step 1

    Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead until it becomes smooth and elastic.

First rise

  1. Step 1

    Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise until it doubles in size.

Shape the rosca

  1. Step 1

    Once the dough has risen, shape it into a ring and place it either in a savarin mold or on a baking sheet. If using a baking sheet, place a ring or circular object in the center to prevent the dough from closing while baking.

Second rise

  1. Step 1

    Cover the rosca and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.

Decorate

  1. Step 1

    Brush the rosca with the beaten egg. Decorate with pastry cream, candied fruits, sliced almonds, and maraschino cherries. Sprinkle with a bit of sugar.

Bake

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the rosca for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the dough comes out clean.

Presentation

  1. Step 1

    Remove the rosca from the oven and let it cool before unmolding.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

420.0kcal (21%)

Protein

7.9g (15.88%)

Carbs

60.3g (21.91%)

Sugars

16.3g (32.5%)

Healthy Fat

5.1g

Unhealthy Fat

9.4g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. If the ambient temperature is warm, the dough will rise more quickly.

  2. Use a ring or circular object in the center of the dough to maintain the traditional shape while baking.

  3. Ensure the pastry cream is thick enough to hold its shape during baking.

FAQS

  1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?

    Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast with dry yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast for this recipe.

  2. What can I use instead of orange blossom water?

    You can use vanilla extract or almond extract as a substitute for orange blossom water.

  3. How do I store leftover Rosca de Reyes?

    Store leftover Rosca de Reyes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

  4. Can I freeze the Rosca de Reyes?

    Yes, you can freeze the Rosca de Reyes. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

  5. What is the significance of the Rosca de Reyes?

    The Rosca de Reyes is a traditional pastry enjoyed on January 6th to celebrate the Day of the Three Wise Men. It symbolizes the crown of the kings and often includes hidden figurines representing baby Jesus.

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