Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Get ready to bring a taste of New Orleans to your kitchen with this Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake! This classic celebratory treat, with its soft, buttery dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and vibrant stripes of colored sugar, is at the heart of Carnival tradition. Part bread, part cake, and wholly delicious, King Cake is a must-have centerpiece for Mardi Gras festivities. The magical combo of flavors and colors is a symbol of fun, friendship, and a little bit of friendly party mischief. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious first-timer, this recipe is your ticket to creating unforgettable memories and the ultimate parade of flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of an Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake is that its bold flavors and festive look come from humble, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one plays an important role, from the pillowy soft dough to the dreamy, spiced filling, and the signature candy-colored finish!
- Warm Milk (1 cup, 110°F): Provides moisture and activates the yeast for that fluffy, tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps feed the yeast.
- Active Dry Yeast (2 packets, 4 1/2 tsp): Gives the King Cake its classic rise and airy texture.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted & cooled): Brings richness and tenderness to every bite.
- Egg Yolks (5 large): Add flavor, color, and structure to the dough for a soft, golden finish.
- All-Purpose Flour (4 cups + for kneading): Forms the backbone of the dough, making it sturdy yet light.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Sneaks extra depth and warmth into the dough.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Elevates the aroma with a crowd-pleasing, cozy note.
- Grated Lemon Zest (1 tsp): Lends a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): Ensures a beautiful golden sheen on the finished cake.
- Milk (1 tbsp, for egg wash): Helps the egg wash go on evenly for that bakery-style crust.
- Plastic Baby or Bean (optional): Adds a touch of tradition and fun—someone will be crowned King or Queen of the party!
- Green, Purple, and Gold Colored Sugar: The dazzling finishing touch that brings the Mardi Gras spirit alive.
- Light Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, for filling): Creates a caramelized, gooey swirl inside every slice.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tbsp, for filling): Infuses spicy-sweet warmth into the filling—classic King Cake flavor!
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup, for filling): Keeps the filling from becoming too runny inside the cake.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, softened, for filling): Makes the brown sugar and cinnamon filling irresistibly rich.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups, for glaze): Provides sweetness and the perfect glaze texture.
- Milk (3 tbsp, for glaze): Transforms powdered sugar into a smooth, pourable glaze.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp, for glaze): Adds another cozy vanilla note to that luscious glaze.
How to Make Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake
Step 1: Proof the Yeast
To start your Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake journey, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. You’ll know it’s working when your kitchen fills with a yeasty aroma and a bubbly, foamy layer appears—this is the magic that ensures your cake will rise tall and proud!
Step 2: Mix Up the Dough
Once your yeast is frothy, stir in the melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, lemon zest, nutmeg, and salt. Now, gradually work in the flour until a soft, sticky dough forms. The dough should come together but still be supple and a little tacky—don’t worry, it will smooth out beautifully during kneading.
Step 3: Knead and First Rise
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic texture that’s a joy to handle. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a cozy spot until doubled in size, about 1½ hours. This resting time is when the flavors deepen and your anticipation builds!
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
While your dough is rising, blend the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour together in a small bowl. Work in the softened butter until everything is evenly crumbly. This spiced mixture is what makes every bite of your Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake so dreamy and decadent.
Step 5: Shape, Fill, and Second Rise
Punch down the risen dough, then roll it out into a generous 10×20-inch rectangle on a floured worktop. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly, right to the edges. Roll up the dough lengthwise to form a log, then bring the ends together and pinch to make a ring. Tuck under the seam and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let it rise again, covered, for another 30–45 minutes. The anticipation is real!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare the egg wash by whisking together the whole egg and milk, then gently brush this over your cake for that swoon-worthy golden crust. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until your cake is puffed and beautifully browned. Move it to a wire rack and let it cool completely before you decorate.
Step 7: Glaze and Decorate
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a pourable glaze. Drizzle it liberally over the cooled cake, letting it drape down the sides. While the glaze is still wet, channel your inner artist and sprinkle on the green, purple, and gold sugar in bold stripes! If you’re adding the plastic baby, slip it in from underneath once the cake cools—then watch your friends and family hunt for the lucky slice.
How to Serve Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake
Garnishes
For that truly festive Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake experience, go wild with your garnishing! The colored sugars are a must for authentic flair, but you can also add candied citrus peel, sugared pecans, or edible glitter for extra dazzle and flavor. Don’t forget a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for a whimsical touch.
Side Dishes
This sweet treat is the main event, but it pairs beautifully with strong, dark coffee or café au lait to cut through the richness. For a party spread, offer fresh fruit salad (think citrus and berries) or creamy cheeses to balance the sweetness—your guests will thank you for the variety!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, serve your Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake on a large platter with beads, masks, and party favors for pure New Orleans energy. Cut slices in advance for easy grabbing, or keep it whole and let guests vie for the baby. Mini King Cakes, made by dividing the dough, make adorable, personal servings for brunch or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake (it happens less than you’d think!), simply cover any remaining slices with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and soft for up to three days, maintaining all those luscious flavors.
Freezing
To make your party prep even easier, you can freeze the King Cake after baking but before glazing and decorating. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, let it thaw at room temp before glazing and adding your festive sugars.
Reheating
For that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat slices of King Cake in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. This revives the pillowy texture, making your leftovers taste just-out-of-the-oven delicious!
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! You can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast without any adjustments. Just mix it right into the flour, and your Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake will rise beautifully.
Why is there a baby in the King Cake?
The baby is a nod to tradition—whoever finds it in their slice is crowned King or Queen of the festivities and is responsible for providing the next King Cake. It adds a playful, interactive layer to your Mardi Gras party.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the dough, shape it, and then cover and refrigerate overnight for the second rise. Let it come back to room temperature and finish rising before baking for the freshest texture and best flavor.
What if I don’t have colored sugar for decorating?
You can easily make your own by mixing granulated sugar with a few drops of food coloring in green, purple, and gold. Alternatively, colored sprinkles work in a pinch for a festive, fun finish!
Can I add a cream cheese filling instead?
Yes, cream cheese filling is a popular twist on the original! Just replace the cinnamon filling with a simple blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla for a rich, tangy spin.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like baking an Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake and sharing it with friends and family—it’s a celebration rolled up in a swirl of color and flavor! Don’t be shy: get festive, embrace the sprinkles, and dive in. Your homemade King Cake will be the talk of the party!
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Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with this Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake recipe. A traditional dessert that’s perfect for celebrating the carnival season!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 packets (4 1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 5 large egg yolks
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- 1 plastic baby or bean (optional for tradition)
- Green, purple, and gold colored sugar for decorating
Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla, lemon zest, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl. Cut in softened butter until crumbly.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle. Spread filling evenly over the surface.
- Roll up the dough lengthwise into a log, then form into a ring, pinching the ends to seal. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon milk for the egg wash, and brush over the dough. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake, then sprinkle immediately with green, purple, and gold sugars in alternating stripes.
- If desired, insert the plastic baby into the underside of the cake after baking and before serving.
Notes
- Traditionally, whoever finds the baby in their slice is responsible for bringing the King Cake next year!
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
