The Best Easy King Cake Recipe for Mardi Gras Recipe
Introduction
Celebrate Mardi Gras with this easy homemade King Cake recipe that features a soft, buttery brioche dough filled with sweet cinnamon swirls. Perfect for parties or any festive occasion, this cake brings the vibrant colors and flavors of New Orleans right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- For the Glaze and Decoration:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple, green, and gold colored sugar (for traditional Mardi Gras colors)
- 1 small plastic baby figurine (optional, traditional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, mix flour, remaining sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3: Knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes or with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside the softened butter for the filling.
- Step 6: Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle about 24 by 12 inches. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
- Step 7: Roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log. Form an oval ring by bringing the ends together and pinching to seal. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 8: Cover the dough and let it rise again for 45-60 minutes until puffy.
- Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the King Cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
- Step 10: Cool the cake completely on a wire rack before glazing.
- Step 11: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable to make the glaze.
- Step 12: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. While still wet, sprinkle purple, green, and gold colored sugars in alternating sections to create the traditional Mardi Gras pattern.
- Step 13: If using, insert the small plastic baby figurine under the cake from the bottom. Note: Warn guests about the hidden plastic baby as it is a choking hazard.
Tips & Variations
- Make sure not to rush the rising times to achieve a fluffy, tender texture.
- Keep your kitchen warm but not hot (around 75-80°F) for ideal yeast activity.
- When rolling the dough, maintain even thickness for uniform baking and beautiful spirals.
- Adjust the glaze consistency by adding milk or powdered sugar to get a smooth, pourable texture that drapes well.
- You can omit the plastic baby figurine for safety and still enjoy the delicious cake.
Storage
Store the King Cake at room temperature, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh softness before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Is it necessary to use the plastic baby figurine?
No, the figurine is traditional but optional. If you use it, be sure to inform your guests to avoid any choking hazard. You can also place the figurine beside the cake instead of inside.
PrintThe Best Easy King Cake Recipe for Mardi Gras Recipe
Celebrate Mardi Gras with this easy and authentic King Cake recipe featuring buttery brioche-style dough, a sweet cinnamon filling, and traditional purple, green, and gold colored sugar decoration. Perfect for Fat Tuesday parties or any festive occasion, this King Cake offers a soft, pillowy texture combined with vibrant colors and classic flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Creole, Southern, Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze and Decoration:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple, green, and gold colored sugar (for traditional Mardi Gras colors)
- 1 small plastic baby figurine (optional, traditional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, mix the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or 5-6 minutes using a dough hook until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky but manageable.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside the softened butter separately.
- Roll and fill: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle approximately 24×12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly on the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
- Shape the cake: Roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log. Join the ends together to form an oval ring and pinch the seam to seal it. Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy and slightly risen.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the King Cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. While still wet, sprinkle alternating sections with purple, green, and gold colored sugar to mimic traditional Mardi Gras colors.
- Add the baby: If using, carefully insert the small plastic baby figurine into the bottom of the cake from underneath before serving. Warn guests about the plastic piece as a choking hazard.
Notes
- Ensure rising times are not rushed; a warm but not hot environment (75-80°F) is ideal for dough rising.
- Maintain even dough thickness when rolling to achieve uniform baking and a beautiful swirl pattern.
- If the dough is sticky, lightly dust the work surface with flour without overdoing it to avoid a tough cake.
- Adjust glaze consistency by adding milk or powdered sugar to achieve a thick but pourable texture.
- Warn guests explicitly about the plastic baby figurine hidden inside to prevent choking hazards.
Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras, Brioche, Cinnamon Swirl, Mardi Gras Cake, Holiday Dessert, New Orleans, Fat Tuesday, Festive Dessert
