Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 21 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, New Orleans
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe is a festive and delicious treat perfect for celebrating Fat Tuesday or any occasion. With a sweet cinnamon filling and colorful sugar topping, this homemade king cake is a must-try dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 2 packets active dry yeast (about 4 1/2 teaspoons)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 5 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)

Glaze:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Colored sugars in purple, green, and gold


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let sit until foamy. Add remaining sugar, melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla. Mix in flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Knead until a soft dough forms.
  2. Rise and Fill: Let dough rise until doubled. Roll out, spread filling, and roll into a ring.
  3. Bake: Let rise, then bake until golden brown.
  4. Glaze and Decorate: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze. Spread over cake and sprinkle with colored sugars.

Notes

  • You can hide a small plastic baby or dried bean in the cake after baking for Mardi Gras tradition.
  • For a shortcut, use refrigerated crescent roll dough instead of homemade dough.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg