Hey there, party people! 🎉👑 Picture this: You’re at a Mardi Gras celebration, surrounded by bright colors, laughter, and a gorgeous, golden cake topped with purple, green, and gold sugar. That’s right—it’s Mardi Gras King Cake time! Last year, I made this for my friend’s party, and they screamed, “This tastes like New Orleans threw a party in my mouth!” If you’re ready to bring the Carnival spirit to your kitchen, let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This King Cake
Tradition made easy: This recipe keeps the fun of Mardi Gras alive without complicated steps.
Sweet & spicy: Soft, buttery dough + cinnamon sugar + colorful icing = pure joy.
Hide the baby! Don’t forget to tuck a tiny plastic baby inside—it’s good luck for whoever finds it!
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, brunches, or just treating yourself.
Fun Fact: My first King Cake looked like a rainbow exploded on it—I used way too much food coloring. Learn from my mess! 😅
What You’ll Need to Make Mardi Gras King Cake
(For 1 festive cake, serves 10–12)
For the Dough:
- 240ml warm milk (whole milk works best, but almond milk is okay too!)
- 7g active dry yeast (or 1 packet—check the expiration date!)
- 100g granulated sugar (sweetens the dough perfectly)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature, please!)
- 115g softened butter (plus extra for greasing the bowl)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the secret to cozy flavor)
- 500g all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 tsp salt (balances the sweetness)
For the Filling:
- 150g brown sugar (light or dark—your choice!)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (adds that warm, spicy kick)
- 115g softened butter (for spreading)
For the Decoration:
- 200g powdered sugar (for the glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (to thin the glaze)
- Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar (traditional Mardi Gras colors!)
- 1 plastic baby figurine (hide it after baking!)
How to Make Mardi Gras King Cake
1. Wake Up the Yeast
In a big bowl, mix the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp of the granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it’s frothy like a latte. If it doesn’t bubble, your yeast is sleepy—start over!
2. Make the Dough
Whisk in the eggs, softened butter, vanilla, and remaining sugar. Slowly add the flour and salt. Mix until it forms a shaggy dough.
3. Knead Until Smooth
Dump the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes. It should feel soft like Play-Doh. If it’s sticky, add 1 tbsp flour at a time.
4. Let It Rise!
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours. It should double in size—I like to put mine near the oven!
5. Roll & Fill
Punch down the dough and roll it into a 10×20-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter all over, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon.
6. Shape the Cake
Roll the dough tightly into a log (like a giant cinnamon roll!). Bend it into a circle, pinching the ends together. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Second Rise
Cover the dough ring with a towel and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you wait!
8. Bake to Golden Glory
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown. Let it cool completely before decorating—no one likes melted icing!
9. Decorate Like a Pro
Mix the powdered sugar and milk to make a thick glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cake, then sprinkle the colored sugars in alternating sections. Hide the plastic baby underneath (shhh!).
More Relative Recipes:
- Super Bowl Party Food: 20+ Crowd-Pleasing Recipes
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- Crispy Bang Bang Chicken – So Easy and So Yummy!
- Easy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe for Busy Moms
- Galentine’s Party Snack – Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries & Heart-Shaped Sandwiches
- Cinnamon Honey Butter Sourdough Bread – Warm, Spiced & Irresistibly Fluffy
Pro Tips for King Cake Success
- Yeast fears heat: Too-hot milk will kill the yeast. Test it on your wrist—it should feel warm, not hot.
- Color smart: Use gel food coloring for vibrant sugars without the mess.
- Baby safety: Tell guests about the hidden baby to avoid surprises!
- Make ahead: Bake the cake 1 day ahead, but add glaze and sugars right before serving.
FAQ – Your King Cake Questions, Answered
Can I use store-bought dough?
Sure! Use 1 lb of thawed frozen bread dough. Roll, fill, and bake as directed.
What if I don’t have a plastic baby?
Use a whole pecan or coin instead—it’s all about the fun!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep it covered at room temp for 2 days. Freeze slices (without glaze) for up to 1 month.
Can I make it vegan?
Swap butter for coconut oil, milk for almond milk, and use flax eggs.
Why is my cake dry?
Overbaking! Pull it out when the top is golden, not dark brown.
Serving Ideas – Let the Good Times Roll!
- Brunch star: Serve with coffee and fresh fruit.
- Party centerpiece: Add Mardi Gras beads and masks around the cake.
- French toast: Use leftover slices dipped in custard—next-level delicious!
My Biggest King Cake Fail
I once forgot to tell my guests about the hidden baby. My aunt almost swallowed it! Now I always warn everyone. 😬
Flavor Twists – Mix It Up!
- Cream cheese filling: Mix 100g cream cheese + 50g sugar into the cinnamon layer.
- Chocolate lovers: Add cocoa powder to the filling or drizzle with chocolate glaze.
- Fruity vibe: Sprinkle dried cranberries or raisins before rolling.
Why This Recipe Works
This Mardi Gras King Cake is more than dessert—it’s a celebration! Soft, sweet, and loaded with tradition, it’s the perfect way to bring joy to your table. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something fun, this cake delivers. Now go grab your sprinkles—it’s time to let the good times roll! 🎭🍰
Mardi Gras King Cake
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 240 ml warm milk
- 7 g active dry yeast
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 115 g softened butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Filling:
- 150 g brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 115 g softened butter
For the Decoration:
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 2 –3 tbsp milk
- Purple green, and gold sanding sugar
- 1 plastic baby figurine
Instructions
- Mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar in a bowl and let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
- Add eggs, butter, vanilla, and remaining sugar to the yeast mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a 10×20-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and shape it into a ring, pinching the ends together to seal.
- Place the dough ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover with a towel for a second rise of 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough rises.
- Bake the cake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown, then let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a thick glaze, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle purple, green, and gold sugar over the glaze in sections and hide a plastic baby underneath the cake before serving.
Notes
✅ Decorate Fresh: Add glaze and sprinkles just before serving for best results.
✅ Storage: Keep covered at room temp for 2 days or freeze slices for up to 1 month.
