Description
This Easy Mardi Gras King Cake recipe offers a deliciously sweet and festive treat perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras. Featuring a soft, cinnamon-filled dough topped with a sweet glaze and vibrant colored sprinkles, this homemade King Cake is a delightful centerpiece for any party or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Frosting and Decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- Colored sprinkles (purple, green, and gold suggested)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready for use.
- Make Dough: Add melted butter, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, and half of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling.
- Shape Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
- Form Cake and Second Rise: Shape the rolled dough into an oval on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the King Cake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Make Frosting: While the cake cools slightly, combine the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk or cream until smooth and pourable.
- Decorate: Drizzle the frosting over the cooled cake and sprinkle with colorful Mardi Gras colored sprinkles such as purple, green, and gold to finish.
Notes
- You can substitute half the all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Ensure your milk is warm but not hot to prevent killing the yeast.
- For an extra moist cake, brush the baked king cake with melted butter right after it comes out of the oven.
- Leftover cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Traditional Mardi Gras colors for sprinkles are purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
