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The Best Easy King Cake Recipe for Mardi Gras Recipe

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4.6 from 84 reviews

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside the softened butter separately.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Second rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy and slightly risen.
  9. 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.
  10. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
  11. Make the glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
  12. 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.
  13. 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

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/the-best-easy-king-cake-recipe-for-mardi-gras-recipe/