A traditional King Cake with white icing and purple, green, and gold sugar, sliced to reveal a cinnamon filling, surrounded by Mardi Gras beads and masks.

King Cake Recipe To Make Your Party Unforgettable

by

Introduction

A King Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a centerpiece of Mardi Gras celebrations. This New Orleans classic features a soft, sweet dough, a rich cinnamon filling, and festive toppings in purple, green, and gold. Traditionally enjoyed on Epiphany and Fat Tuesday, it symbolizes prosperity and luck.

Baking a homemade King Cake ensures a fresher, more flavorful treat. Whether for a party or a family gathering, this recipe delivers a perfectly fluffy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. Follow this guide for a foolproof King Cake that will make your celebration truly unforgettable.

Key Ingredients for King CakeA flat-lay of King Cake ingredients, including flour, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a rolling pin on a kitchen countertop.

Dough Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 sachet (2 ¼ cuillères à café) de levure sèche active
  • ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Filling Ingredients:

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze & Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold sugar

A well-balanced King Cake starts with high-quality ingredients. Using fresh yeast and warm milk helps the dough rise properly, while the cinnamon-sugar filling adds warmth and depth. A sweet glaze and festive colored sugar complete the look.

Step-by-Step Instructions for King Cake

1. Prepare the DoughStep-by-step process of making homemade Mardi Gras cake dough, including mixing yeast, eggs, butter, sugar, and flour in a metal bowl.

In a small bowl, stir the yeast into the warm milk and let it rest for about five minutes until bubbles appear. In a separate large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture, followed by the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Work the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and stretchy.Cover with a clean towel and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 For 2 hours, or until it has expanded to twice its original size.

2. Make the FillingA sheet of rolled-out sweet dough being spread with butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, ready for filling a traditional festival cake.

In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter evenly over it, and sprinkle the sugar mixture across the surface.

3. Shape and BakeHands rolling dough into a log on a floured surface and shaping it into a ring before baking a traditional celebration cake. The finished golden-brown pastry is topped with green sugar.

Roll the dough into a log, then form it into a ring, pinching the ends together. Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns a rich golden color.

4. Add the Glaze and DecorationsA golden celebration cake being drizzled with icing and decorated with purple, green, and gold sugar, capturing the essence of a festive dessert.

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle it with a powdered sugar glaze and top with purple, green, and gold sugar for a classic Mardi Gras look. Don’t forget to hide the baby figurine after baking!

Storage and Safety for King Cake

How to Store King Cake

To maintain the freshness and flavor of your King Cake, use these storage guidelines:

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container and consume within three days.
  • Refrigeration: If the cake contains cream cheese filling, refrigerate it in a well-sealed container for up to five days.
  • Freezing Option: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Before serving, allow it to defrost at room temperature.

Food Safety Tips

  • Wash hands before handling the cake, especially when adding decorations.
  • If using a baby figurine, insert it after baking to prevent melting or burning.
  • Cakes with dairy-based fillings should not be left out for more than two hours.

For official food safety guidelines, visit the FDA A partially eaten festive sweet bread stored in a plastic container, with a wrapped slice and a small figurine beside it on a kitchen counter.

What to Serve with King Cake

A King Cake is best enjoyed with drinks and side dishes that complement its rich flavors.

Drink Pairings

  • Freshly brewed coffee enhances the sweet and spiced flavors of the cake.
  • Hot chocolate adds a cozy, indulgent pairing.
  • Sparkling wine or champagne gives it a celebratory touch.

Food Pairings

  • Beignets for an authentic New Orleans experience.
  • Fresh fruit like berries or citrus for a light contrast.
  • Whipped cream for an extra creamy, sweet finish.

Pairing your King Cake with the right drinks and side dishes makes your celebration even more special!A festive dessert ring topped with icing and colorful sugar, served with coffee, champagne, fresh berries, and beignets on a decorated table.

Top Tips for Perfecting King Cake

1. Use High-Quality Yeast

Fresh yeast ensures a soft, fluffy texture. If using dry yeast, activate it in warm liquid until it becomes frothy before adding to the dough.

2. Give the Dough Time to Rise

Allowing the dough to rise fully helps develop its flavor and light texture. A warm, draft-free space works best.

3. Roll and Shape Evenly

Spread the filling evenly and roll the dough carefully to maintain a consistent thickness.

4. Look for the Perfect Bake

A fully baked King Cake will have a deep golden crust. Tap the bottom of the cake—it should produce a hollow sound, indicating it’s cooked through.

5. Add the Baby After Baking

Place the baby figurine inside once the cake has cooled to avoid melting or altering its texture.

Following these steps will give you a flawless homemade King Cake every time!

Conclusion

Making a King Cake from scratch is a rewarding experience that brings the joy of Mardi Gras into your kitchen. The soft dough, warm cinnamon filling, and festive sugar topping make it the perfect centerpiece for celebrations.

By following this detailed guide, you’ll master the technique and create a cake that rivals the best bakeries. Serve it with your favorite New Orleans treats, and enjoy the tradition with family and friends.

For more comforting recipes, try Porcupine Soup, a hearty dish perfect for a cozy meal. You might also enjoy Beef Kidney Recipe, Chickarina Soup, Purple Black Bean Soup, or Taipei Cuisine Quincy Beef Noodle Soup for more delicious options.

Now, gather your ingredients and start baking your own King Cake!

FAQs About King Cake Recipe

1. Can I prepare King Cake in advance?

Yes, it can be baked a day before serving. Keep it covered to maintain freshness.

2. What is the meaning of the baby inside King Cake?

The baby figurine symbolizes luck and prosperity. The person who finds it is expected to host the next King Cake celebration.

3. Can I substitute store-bought dough?

Yes, but homemade dough offers a richer flavor and better texture.

4. How can I prevent the cake from drying out?

Seal it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to retain moisture.

5. Is it possible to freeze King Cake?

Yes, freeze individual portions for up to three months and thaw before serving.

This comprehensive guide ensures your King Cake turns out perfect every time!

Print
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A traditional King Cake with white icing and purple, green, and gold sugar, sliced to reveal a cinnamon filling, surrounded by Mardi Gras beads and masks.

King Cake Recipe

  • Author: Monica
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This King Cake recipe is a traditional Mardi Gras dessert, featuring a soft, buttery dough, a warm cinnamon-sugar filling, and a vibrant sugar topping in purple, green, and gold. This festive treat is a staple in New Orleans celebrations, bringing joy and tradition to every bite. Whether for Fat Tuesday, Epiphany, or any special occasion, this homemade sweet bread is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze & Topping:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

  1. In a small bowl, stir the yeast into the warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbles form.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla to the dry ingredients.
  4. Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Make the Filling

  1. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
  2. Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  3. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
  4. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly across the buttered surface.

3. Shape and Bake

  1. Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long edge.
  2. Shape the log into a ring, pinching the edges together to seal.
  3. Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let it rise for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown.

4. Add the Glaze and Decorations

  1. Once the cake has cooled, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cake, letting it slightly drip down the sides.
  3. Immediately sprinkle the purple, green, and gold sugar over the glaze before it sets.
  4. Optionally, insert a small baby figurine into the bottom of the cake before serving.

Notes

  • Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If using a cream cheese filling, refrigerate it.
  • Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Substitutions: You can use store-bought pizza or brioche dough if short on time.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or champagne for a festive touch.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: New Orleans, French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: king cake recipe, Mardi Gras cake, New Orleans dessert, traditional king cake, cinnamon sweet bread

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