A traditional New Orleans-style pastry with a rich, sweet dough, cinnamon filling, and colorful icing, making it the perfect festive treat for Mardi Gras! This King Cake is a must-have for any Mardi Gras celebration, symbolizing the spirit of the season with its vibrant purple, green, and gold sugars.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic flavor – A rich, buttery dough with a classic cinnamon filling.
- Perfect for celebrations – The colorful icing and hidden baby figurine make it fun for parties.
- Soft and fluffy texture – A homemade brioche-style dough that’s both tender and flavorful.
- Easy to customize – Add cream cheese or fruit fillings for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Traditional Mardi Gras treat – A staple dessert during Carnival season in New Orleans.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- Warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- Active dry yeast
- Warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
- Softened butter
- Sugar
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Plastic baby charm (optional)
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- Melted butter
- Packed light brown sugar
- Cinnamon
For the Icing:
- Sifted powdered sugar
- Almond extract
- Milk
- Colored sanding sugars (green, gold, and purple)
Directions
Prepare the Dough
- Dissolve the yeast in warm water in a large bowl.
- Add warm milk, softened butter, sugar, nutmeg, and salt; mix well.
- Stir in 1 cup of flour until smooth.
- Add eggs and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling
- Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
Assemble the Cake
- Roll the dough into a 30×9-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the roll in half lengthwise, keeping the cut sides up.
- Twist the halves together and shape into a ring on a greased baking sheet, pinching the ends together.
Second Rise
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 20-40 minutes.
Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prepare the Icing
- Mix powdered sugar, almond extract, and enough milk for a smooth consistency.
Finish the Cake
- Let the cake cool slightly.
- Drizzle with icing and sprinkle with colored sugars in alternating sections.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
Variations
- Cream Cheese Filling – Mix 8 oz cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 egg yolk for a delicious filling.
- Fruit-Filled King Cake – Add raspberry, apple, or cherry preserves inside the dough before rolling.
- Chocolate Twist – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips with the cinnamon filling for a decadent version.
- Savory King Cake – Swap the sweet filling for cheese and sausage for a unique appetizer.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze before icing for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
What does the plastic baby represent?
The plastic baby symbolizes luck and prosperity. Traditionally, whoever finds it in their slice hosts the next Mardi Gras party.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Puff pastry or canned crescent roll dough can be used for a quicker version, though homemade dough provides the best flavor.
How do I keep the King Cake moist?
Store it in an airtight container and avoid refrigerating it, as the cold air can dry it out.
What’s the best way to shape the dough?
After twisting the dough halves, form a ring and pinch the ends together to keep it secure.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but note that the texture may be slightly different.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
You can use vanilla extract, lemon extract, or rum extract for a different flavor.
Do I have to use colored sugars?
While the green, gold, and purple sugars are traditional, you can substitute with sprinkles or colored icing.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Prepare and bake the cake a day ahead, then ice and decorate just before serving.
Is King Cake served warm or cold?
It’s typically served at room temperature, but warming it slightly enhances the flavor.
How do I prevent the dough from drying out?
Make sure to cover the dough while it rises, and don’t overbake it to keep it soft and fluffy.
Conclusion
Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake is a fun and festive treat that captures the spirit of New Orleans. Whether you’re making it for a party, family gathering, or just to celebrate Mardi Gras at home, this homemade version is sure to impress. Decorate it with vibrant colors, hide a plastic baby, and enjoy a taste of Southern tradition!
Print
Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake
This Authentic Mardi Gras King Cake is a traditional New Orleans-style pastry featuring a soft, sweet dough, cinnamon filling, and festive icing in green, gold, and purple. Perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras, this homemade King Cake is rich, buttery, and fun to make—complete with a hidden baby figurine for tradition!
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¼ cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ tsp almond extract (or vanilla extract)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Green, gold, and purple sanding sugars
Optional:
- 1 plastic baby figurine (for tradition)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add warm milk, softened butter, sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- Stir in 1 cup of flour until smooth, then add eggs and the remaining flour gradually, forming a soft dough.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Assemble the King Cake:
- Roll the dough into a 30×9-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the roll in half lengthwise, keeping the cut sides up.
- Twist the halves together and shape into a ring on a greased baking sheet. Pinch ends together.
4. Second Rise:
- Cover and let rise for another 20-40 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before icing.
6. Prepare the Icing & Decorate:
- Whisk together powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle icing over the cooled cake.
- Immediately sprinkle with green, gold, and purple sanding sugars in alternating sections.
- If using a plastic baby figurine, insert it into the cake before serving.
Notes
- Filling variations: Try adding cream cheese or fruit preserves.
- Storage: Keep at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Make ahead: Bake a day before and decorate just before serving.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: New Orleans, Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
