King Cake is a fun and festive dessert traditionally enjoyed during the Mardi Gras season. Whether you’re celebrating the joyful spirit of Fat Tuesday or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is a showstopper. Featuring a vibrant, colorful glaze and a hidden surprise inside, King Cake brings both excitement and flavor to the table. This cake has roots in French and Spanish traditions, but it has become a beloved American classic, especially in New Orleans. Learn how to make this iconic treat from scratch with our easy-to-follow recipe that’ll impress guests and keep them coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This King Cake Recipe
King Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every bite! Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Fun Tradition: King Cake is more than just delicious; it’s a fun activity for family and friends. It’s traditionally served with a hidden figurine inside, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck for the year!
- Flavorful Layers: A soft, sweet dough filled with cinnamon and sugar, crowned with colorful icing – this cake has a delicious balance of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
- Customizable: You can make your King Cake as unique as you want, from different fillings to personal decorations that suit your style and preferences.
- Great for Entertaining: King Cake is perfect for celebrations, whether it’s a Mardi Gras party or a special family gathering. It’s a fun dessert to serve with a story behind it, engaging your guests while they enjoy every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A few drops of food coloring (purple, green, and gold)
- For the Decoration:
- 1 small plastic baby figurine (optional, but traditional)
- Sprinkles in purple, green, and yellow (for Mardi Gras-themed colors)
Optional Additions:
- Fruit Fillings: You can add a layer of fruit preserves (like raspberry or strawberry) for extra flavor.
- Nuts: Walnuts or pecans work well for a crunchy element in the filling.
How to Make King Cake
Prepare the Dough:
Mix yeast with warm water and sugar, then combine with flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Knead until smooth, then let rise for 1-1½ hours.
Shape the Cake:
Roll dough into a rectangle, spread with cinnamon-sugar (or desired filling), roll into a ring, and pinch the ends. Let it rise for 30 minutes.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush dough with egg wash or milk, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Glaze & Decorate:
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze, drizzle over the cooled cake, and decorate with purple, green, and gold sugar.
Serve:
Slice and enjoy your festive King Cake! Optional: hide a small baby figurine inside for a traditional touch.
Tips for the Best King Cake
- Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise and texture in your cake.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make the dough tough. Knead until smooth, but avoid going beyond that.
- Let the Dough Rise Twice: The dough needs time to rise for a soft and fluffy texture. Don’t rush the process!
- Experiment with Fillings: While cinnamon is the classic choice, feel free to add fruit preserves, chocolate, or cream cheese for a twist.
What to Serve with King Cake
- Coffee: A bold cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the cake.
- Milk: A glass of cold milk balances out the flavors and makes for a classic pairing.
- Hot Chocolate: If you’re celebrating during colder weather, hot chocolate makes for an extra indulgent treat.
- Mimosas: For a brunch setting, mimosas or sparkling wine adds a festive touch.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: King Cake is best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warm.
Variations on King Cake
- Cream Cheese Filling: For a rich twist, use a cream cheese filling instead of the cinnamon sugar.
- Chocolate King Cake: Swap out the cinnamon for cocoa powder and add chocolate chips for a decadent dessert.
- Fruit-filled King Cake: Add a layer of raspberry, strawberry, or apple filling for a fruity twist.
Conclusion
King Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a symbol of celebration and tradition. This easy-to-follow recipe will help you create a show-stopping cake for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Mardi Gras party or just craving a sweet, festive treat, King Cake will add a fun and flavorful touch to your table. Don’t forget the hidden baby inside – it’s all part of the fun!
King Cake
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 packet active dry yeast 2 ¼ teaspoons
- ¼ cup warm water
- ½ cup warm milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Mix yeast with warm water and sugar, then combine with flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, eggs, milk, and melted butter. Knead until smooth, then let rise for 1-1½ hours.
- Shape the Cake: Roll dough into a rectangle, spread with cinnamon-sugar (or desired filling), roll into a ring, and pinch the ends. Let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Breheat oven to 350°F. Brush dough with egg wash or milk, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Glaze & Decorate:Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze, drizzle over the cooled cake, and decorate with purple, green, and gold sugar.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your festive King Cake! Optional: hide a small baby figurine inside for a traditional touch.
Notes
- Substitute for Filling: You can use a cream cheese filling or add chocolate chips to the filling for a twist on the classic.
- Egg Wash Option: For a shinier finish, brush the dough with a beaten egg before baking.
- Storage: Store leftover King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.