This Mardi Gras King Cake is a soft, buttery delight filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with vibrant icing and sprinkles. Perfect for bringing the Carnival spirit to your kitchen!
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 10x20-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
✅ Yeast Check: Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast. ✅ 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.