Celebrate Mardi Gras with This Delicious King Cake Recipe
What Is a King Cake and Why Is It So Special?
If you’ve ever asked yourself, what’s a king cake, you’re not alone. This eye-catching, ring-shaped pastry is a cherished symbol of Mardi Gras tradition, especially in Louisiana and other parts of the American South. A king cake is typically made from a sweet, enriched dough, filled with cinnamon sugar or cream cheese, and decorated in festive purple, green, and gold sanding sugar each color representing justice, faith, and power. But more than just a dessert, this cake carries deep cultural meaning. Inside, you’ll often find a small plastic baby, symbolizing luck and prosperity for the person who finds it in their slice.
Why You’ll Love This Traditional King Cake Recipe
This traditional king cake recipe is rich in flavor and history. The dough is soft, buttery, and lightly spiced with cinnamon. It’s rolled with a sweet filling, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a simple glaze and vibrant sugars. The result is a festive showstopper that’s perfect for sharing.
What makes this version extra special? It’s an easy king cake recipe designed for home bakers of all levels. You don’t need any fancy tools or bakery experience just a little time and some Mardi Gras spirit.
Make It Your Own with a Cream Cheese Twist
Add Flavor and Richness with Cream Cheese Filling
If you love extra indulgence, try making a king cake recipe cream cheese version. Simply whip up a quick filling using softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then spread it over the dough before rolling. It adds a creamy, tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze and cinnamon swirl.
Host a Celebration with This Fun and Festive Treat
Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this recipe for king cake is more than just a dessert it’s an experience. It brings people together, sparks conversation, and makes any gathering more joyful. Serve it for brunch, dessert, or as the centerpiece of your Mardi Gras celebration.
So gather your ingredients, dust off your baking sheet, and get ready to enjoy this colorful, crowd-pleasing cake. This king cake is guaranteed to impress and is the perfect way to say “Laissez les bons temps rouler” let the good times roll!
King Cake Recipe
Description
This festive King Cake Recipe is a delicious homemade treat perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations. Featuring a soft, buttery dough swirled with cinnamon sugar, this traditional dessert is baked into a beautiful ring and topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sanding sugars. It’s a beginner-friendly, nut-free, and freezer-friendly recipe you can prepare with ease. Whether for a holiday party or a taste of New Orleans tradition, this King Cake Recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Dough
For the Cinnamon Filling
For the Glaze
For Decorating
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer:
Combine the rest of the sugar, flour, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Add eggs, vanilla, and yeast mixture.
Mix until a dough forms, then add the softened butter gradually.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If sticky, add a little flour.
Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and butter until crumbly.
Shape the Cake
Punch down dough and roll it into a 10×20-inch rectangle.
Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
Roll it up tightly (like a jelly roll) from the long side.
Shape into a ring and seal the ends. Place on a lined baking sheet.
Optional: insert a plastic baby from the bottom after baking.
Second Rise
Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.
Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
Let cool completely before glazing.
Make the Glaze
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Decorate
Immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars in alternating sections.
Equipment
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
Note
Traditional Colors: Purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power) are the official Mardi Gras colors use sanding sugar or colored sprinkles for authentic flair.
Plastic Baby: Insert the baby after baking to avoid melting. Push it up into the bottom of the cake.
Make Ahead: You can make the dough a day ahead. Let it rise overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before shaping.
Dough Texture: If the dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time while kneading. It should be soft but not wet.
Flavor Twist: Add a bit of orange zest or use cream cheese filling for a twist on the classic version.
Don’t Overbake: Check at 25 minutes; it should be golden brown. Overbaking makes it dry.
Glaze Tip: Apply glaze when the cake is completely cool or it will melt and slide off.
No Stand Mixer? Knead the dough by hand for about 10–12 minutes on a lightly floured surface.
