If you’ve been searching for a festive and delicious dessert that will wow your friends and family, look no further than this traditional Mardi Gras King Cake recipe. A vibrant symbol of celebration, the King Cake takes center stage during Mardi Gras season with its rich flavors, sweet filling, and colorful glaze.
Whether you’re hosting a Mardi Gras party or simply want to indulge in an easy homemade treat, this recipe is simple to follow and incredibly rewarding. From its soft, cinnamon-spiced dough to the iconic tri-colored icing, this King Cake is just the right mix of fun and flavor. Get ready to create your very own masterpiece and bring the joy of Mardi Gras into your kitchen!
Cooking Time
Preparing this Mardi Gras King Cake might seem like a labor of love, but with proper time management, you’ll find the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s a breakdown of the cooking time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Dough Rising Time (twice): 90 minutes (45 minutes each rise)
- Shaping, Filling, and Assembly: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
- Decorating Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: Around 3 hours 10 minutes
Pro Tip: To save time, prep the dough and fillings ahead of time, especially if you’re planning to make multiple cakes. This way, you can focus on assembly and decoration closer to serving time.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Making the perfect Mardi Gras King Cake requires a few essential kitchen gadgets. Here’s a list of tools that will help simplify the process:
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (or Hand Mixer for small batches)
- Large Mixing Bowls for combining ingredients
- Silicone Baking Mat or parchment paper for shaping and baking
- Rolling Pin to flatten the dough evenly
- Measuring Cups and Spoons for precise measurements
- Kitchen Thermometer to ensure proper liquid temperature for yeast activation
- Pastry Brush for spreading the melted butter or glaze evenly
- Wire Cooling Rack to cool the cake once it’s out of the oven
Investing in good-quality kitchen equipment not only makes this process easier but helps you create consistent, professional-level results every time.
Note: If you don’t have a stand mixer, hand-kneading the dough works just fine. It may take a little more effort but can be a fun part of the baking process!
Ingredients
This King Cake recipe relies on a few pantry staples, easy ingredients, and some optional variations if you’re feeling adventurous. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional Add-ins: chopped pecans, cream cheese, or dried fruits for extra flavor.
For Decorating:
- Purple, green, and gold sprinkles (or sanding sugar)
- Optional plastic baby or trinket for traditional Mardi Gras fun
How to Make Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe?
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk (110°F) with a teaspoon of sugar. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Mix together the sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually add in the flour, alternating with the activated yeast mixture. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for 5 minutes, or knead by hand until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover the dough with a towel and set it aside to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 14×18 inches) on a floured surface. Brush the surface with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the filling mixture (brown sugar and cinnamon).
Step 4: Shape the Cake
Roll the dough into a log starting from the longer side, then shape it into a circular ring. Pinch the edges to seal the seam, and transfer the ring onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to rise again for another 45 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the King Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Decorate
Once the cake has cooled, whisk together the glaze ingredients (powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla) and drizzle over the top. Finish by decorating with purple, green, and gold sprinkles. For added tradition, hide a small plastic baby or trinket under the cake (make sure to inform your guests before serving).
Quick Cooking Tip: Avoid over-baking your cake to keep it soft and moist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Mardi Gras King Cake with a piping-hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For an even more festive presentation, place your King Cake on a colorful Mardi Gras platter surrounded by beads. Pair it with fruit salads or whipped cream for an added touch of decadence.
Hosting a Mardi Gras party? Set up a dessert table with your King Cake as the star, complemented by mini cupcakes or macarons in matching colors!
Tips for a Better Recipe
- Perfect Dough Texture: If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, add flour one tablespoon at a time. Avoid adding too much at once.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to try chocolate chips, strawberry jam, or even Nutella for a fun twist.
- Healthier Alternative: Cut back on sugar by using unsweetened applesauce in the dough as a substitute.
- Pro Glazing Tip: For an extra glossy finish, add a teaspoon of corn syrup to your glaze.
These tips will ensure your King Cake turns out flawless every time.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving (based on a 10-serving cake):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 20g
Keep in mind that additional fillings or toppings may adjust these values.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Room Temperature: Store your King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm up slices in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- Freeze: Wrap the cake (unglazed) tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.
Proper storage ensures you get the most out of your leftovers without losing flavor or texture.
Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk 110°F
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- Optional Add-ins: chopped pecans cream cheese, or dried fruits for extra flavor.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk adjust for desired consistency
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Purple green, and gold sprinkles (or sanding sugar)
- Optional plastic baby or trinket for traditional Mardi Gras fun
Instructions
- Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm milk (110°F) with a teaspoon of sugar. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
- Mix together the sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually add in the flour, alternating with the activated yeast mixture. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for 5 minutes, or knead by hand until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover the dough with a towel and set it aside to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 14×18 inches) on a floured surface. Brush the surface with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with the filling mixture (brown sugar and cinnamon).
- Roll the dough into a log starting from the longer side, then shape it into a circular ring. Pinch the edges to seal the seam, and transfer the ring onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to rise again for another 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake has cooled, whisk together the glaze ingredients (powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla) and drizzle over the top. Finish by decorating with purple, green, and gold sprinkles. For added tradition, hide a small plastic baby or trinket under the cake (make sure to inform your guests before serving).
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store your King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm up slices in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
- Freeze: Wrap the cake (unglazed) tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.
