Bolo Rei (Portuguese King Cake) – Thermomix Recipe
Bolo Rei is a traditional Portuguese cake enjoyed at Christmas and on Epiphany (January 6th). It’s a sweet, yeasted bread shaped like a crown, decorated with candied fruits and nuts, and sometimes containing a hidden bean or trinket for fun tradition. Using a Thermomix, making Bolo Rei becomes much easier because the machine handles kneading, mixing, and timing perfectly.
Ingredients (1 Large Cake)
Dough
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450 g strong bread flour
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70 g sugar
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Zest of 1 orange
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Zest of 1 lemon
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130 g milk
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70 g unsalted butter, softened
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20 g fresh yeast (or 2 tsp instant yeast)
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4 egg yolks
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40 g Port wine (optional, adds flavor)
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1 pinch of salt
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250–350 g mixed candied fruits and/or chopped nuts
Decoration
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Extra candied fruits
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1 egg yolk for brushing
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Sugar for sprinkling
Optional
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1 small fava bean or trinket (tradition for “king” or “queen” of the feast)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate Yeast
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Pour the milk into the Thermomix bowl.
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Crumble in fresh yeast and mix 2 min / 37 °C / speed 2.
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Let rest for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Tip: If using instant yeast, skip this step and add it directly with the flour.
2. Make the Dough
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Add flour, sugar, orange and lemon zest, egg yolks, salt, and Port wine.
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Mix 30 sec / speed 6 to combine.
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Knead 3–4 min / dough mode.
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While kneading, add the soft butter in pieces gradually until fully incorporated. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and elastic.
3. First Rise
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Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl.
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Cover and let rise in a warm place 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
4. Add Candied Fruit & Nuts
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Gently deflate the risen dough.
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Fold in candied fruit and nuts, leaving some pieces for decoration.
Tip: Fold gently to keep dough airy.
5. Shape the Cake
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On a floured surface, shape the dough into a ring/crown with a hole in the center.
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Place on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover and allow to rise 45–60 minutes until puffy.
6. Decorate & Bake
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Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F).
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Brush dough with egg yolk for a golden finish.
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Arrange leftover candied fruits on top and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
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Bake 40–45 minutes, covering with foil if the top browns too quickly.
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Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve at room temperature with coffee, tea, or dessert wine.
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Hide a fava bean or trinket for a festive surprise — whoever finds it is “king” or “queen” for the day.
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Slice into wedges and enjoy the soft, sweet, slightly fruity bread.
Tips for the Perfect Thermomix Bolo Rei
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Use quality butter – it improves both flavor and texture.
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Patience with rising – two rises ensure soft, airy dough.
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Candied fruits – balance so the dough isn’t weighed down.
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Flavor options – add a splash of rum or orange liqueur for extra depth.
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Storage – keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. Freeze slices up to 1 month.
Tradition
Bolo Rei represents the Three Kings’ visit. Its crown shape symbolizes the regal nature of the holiday, and the hidden bean or charm adds a playful tradition to family gatherings. It’s a staple in Portuguese homes during Christmas and Epiphany.