King Cake Recipe
King Cake Recipe
Table of Contents
King Cake Recipe
Celebrate Mardi Gras with this authentic New Orleans style King Cake recipe; A soft, buttery cinnamon swirled brioche dough is topped with vibrant purple, green, and gold sugars and sweet icing. This step by step guide ensures a showstopping dessert perfect for Fat Tuesday or any festive occasion.
DescriptionÂ
The King Cake Recipe is a beloved Mardi Gras tradition steeped in history, symbolizing the Epiphany and the Carnival season in New Orleans. This iconic King Cake Recipe, often shaped into a ring and adorned with colorful sugars, hides a tiny plastic baby inside a nod to luck and prosperity for whoever finds it. Our recipe stays true to its roots with a tender, enriched dough, a cinnamon sugar filling, and a creamy glaze.
The History of King Cake: Originating in medieval Europe, the King Cake evolved in Louisiana to become a centerpiece of Mardi Gras celebrations. The cake’s colors purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power) reflect the festival’s spirit.
Why This Recipe Works: We balance richness and simplicity. The dough uses active yeast for a fluffy texture, while the filling combines cinnamon and brown sugar for warmth. A cream cheese glaze adds tanginess, contrasting the sweet sugars.
Step by Step Tips: Learn how to proof yeast properly, braid the dough for a bakery worthy look, and safely hide the plastic baby. We’ve also included substitutions for dietary needs, like dairy free butter or gluten-free flour.
Serving Suggestions: Pair slices with coffee or chicory tea for an authentic NOLA experience. Store leftovers (if any)in an airtight container for up to three days.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup softened butter
For Decoration:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars
- Optional: plastic king cake baby
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a stand mixer. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.
- Make the Filling:
- Roll risen dough into a 20×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly.
- Shape the Cake:
- Roll dough tightly into a log. Form into a ring on a baking sheet, pinching ends to seal. Insert the plastic baby (optional) from the bottom.
- Cover and let rise 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake:
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Decorate:
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze. Drizzle over cake, then sprinkle colored sugars in alternating sections.
Notes
- Plastic Baby: Add after baking to avoid melting. Warn guests about choking hazards.
- Make Ahead: Prepare dough overnight; refrigerate during the first rise.
- Vegan Option: Use plant based butter and flax eggs.
King Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup warm milk 110°F
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup softened butter
- For Decoration:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Purple green, and gold sanding sugars
- Optional: plastic king cake baby
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.Combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt in a stand mixer. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth.Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–2 hours until doubled.
- Shape the Cake:Roll dough tightly into a log. Form into a ring on a baking sheet, pinching ends to seal. Insert the plastic baby (optional) from the bottom.Cover and let rise 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- BAKE :Bake 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Decorate:Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze. Drizzle over cake, then sprinkle colored sugars in alternating sections.
Notes
- Plastic Baby: Add after baking to avoid melting. Warn guests about choking hazards.
- Make Ahead: Prepare dough overnight; refrigerate during the first rise.
- Â Vegan Option: Use plant based butter and flax eggs.
