The King Cake is a treat traditional for the Christmas season in many European countries, but has later come to be associated with Mardi Gras and Carnival in the United States and elsewhere. This low-fat version of the New Orleans sweet bread will help you celebrate without worry.

Often, a small trinket such as a plastic baby is hidden in a twist of the cake after baking, before icing, and the lucky person who finds this trinket in his or her piece may wear a crown or tiara, and be responsible for making the next king cake... so save the recipe. You might need to pass it along!

Cake

• ½ cup warm water
• 1 packet yeast
• ½ cup +2 tsp sugar
• 3 ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• ½ cup warm skim milk
• 1/2 cup Egg Beaters or similar egg substitute
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 Tbsp butter, softened

Pre-Bake

• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 egg whites beaten
• 1 Tbsp skim milk

Decoration

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water
• colored sugar or sprinkles (yellow, green, and purple traditionally)

Instructions

In small bowl, sprinkle yeast and 2 Tbsp sugar over warm water. Let sit 4-5 minutes, then mix well and set aside until yeast bubbles and mixture about doubles in volume (around 10 minutes). While waiting for yeast to bubble, in separate mixing bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda, then add lemon zest. When yeast mixture is ready, combine with warm milk and egg substitute. Gradually add flour mixture, butter, and applesauce, stirring thoroughly. If needed, add up to ½ cup additional flour until dough reaches a soft consistency conducive to kneading. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic (around 10 minutes). Spray a clean, dry bowl with nonstick cooking spray, place dough in bowl, cover, and let sit until doubled (about 90 minutes).

When dough has risen, turn out dough and punch down. Form dough into a cylinder shape and sprinkle with the 2 tsp of cinnamon listed under "Glaze." Twist dough, form into a circle and pinch ends together. Cover and let rise 45 minutes or until roughly doubled.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside. Beat together egg whites and skim milk to form glaze, then brush top and sides of cake ring with the mixture. Bake 30-32 minutes or until golden brown, and cool completely on wire rack before decorating.

To make icing, combine sugar, lemon juice and 3 tablespoons water until smooth, adding more water if necessary to bring mixture to a spreadable thickness. Spread over cooled cake and sprinkle with alternating rows of brightly colored sugar.