King Cake Recipe

King Cake is a festive, colorful, and delicious pastry that’s a must-have for Mardi Gras celebrations. With its soft, sweet dough and traditional filling, this cake is as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re celebrating or just in the mood for something special, this King Cake will bring the party to your table! 🍰🎉🎭

Why You’ll Love King Cake

King Cake is a fun and delicious treat to serve at any Mardi Gras party. The sweet dough is filled with cinnamon and topped with icing and colorful sugar that represents the spirit of Mardi Gras. It’s not only a treat for your taste buds but also a beautiful addition to your celebrations. Plus, there’s a hidden surprise inside (traditionally a baby figurine or small trinket), making this cake even more fun to share with family and friends!

What You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• 1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
• 1/2 cup sugar, divided
• 1 cup milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, softened

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Purple, green, and gold sugar sprinkles (for decoration)

Optional: A plastic baby figurine or a small trinket (traditionally hidden in the cake)

How to Make King Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, combine the remaining sugar, warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Mix well.

Add the yeast mixture to the bowl with the milk mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Filling

While the dough is rising, make the filling by mixing the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll the dough up tightly from one long side, forming a log. Pinch the ends together to seal.

Step 4: Shape the Cake

Carefully shape the dough into a ring and place it on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Pinch the ends together to form a circle. If you’re using a baby figurine, gently tuck it into the bottom of the dough ring (make sure it’s covered by dough so it’s hidden while baking).

Cover the cake with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the King Cake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Decorate the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sugar in alternating bands.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the King Cake at room temperature, and enjoy this delicious and festive treat! If you’re following tradition, the person who finds the baby (or trinket) inside the cake is said to have good luck and is expected to host the next Mardi Gras party.

More Relative Recipes:

• Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice Recipe – A Magical Fall Drink
• Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball
• Creamy Reuben Soup
• Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup
• Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Fun Variations

• Filling Twist: Add a little cream cheese filling, pecans, or chocolate chips for a different flavor.
• Make it Vegan: Swap the milk and butter for plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg substitute for the eggs.

FAQs

Can I Make This Cake in Advance?

Yes! You can make the dough and let it rise the night before. Simply punch it down, shape it, and let it rise again in the morning before baking. This can help save time on the day you plan to serve it.

How Long Will the King Cake Last?

The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it for up to a month.

Where Can I Find a Baby Figurine?

You can find small plastic baby figurines at most party supply stores, online retailers, or specialty baking shops. If you can’t find one, you can use a small trinket, coin, or even a dried bean (just be sure to warn your guests to check their slice).

King Cake is not only delicious, but it’s also a great way to celebrate Mardi Gras with friends and family. Enjoy the sweet and festive flavors of this traditional cake and have fun with the celebration! 🎉🍰