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Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 20 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl. Cut in softened butter until crumbly.
  5. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle. Spread filling evenly over the surface.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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