No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without a King Cake
The festive pastry symbolizes tradition, community, and indulgence which is at the heart of every Mardi Gras celebration. Of course, you can buy your King Cake but a homemade one is well worth the time and effort!
Never had a King Cake? You are missing out as this dessert is sublime! Mardi Gras King Cake is a ring-shaped pastry that’s more brioche than cake. Enjoyed during the Carnival season, it symbolizes the celebration of Epiphany and leading up to Lent. Decorated with purple, green, and gold colors, it often hides a small trinket or baby, bringing luck and the responsibility of hosting the next party to whoever finds it. Don’t let all the steps dissuade you from making a homemade King Cake—every bite will thank you for the effort. We’re partial to the cream cheese filling with a splash of almond extract added.
Don’t feel like baking? No problem! Try this delicious Mardi Gras pound cake that’s hand made in Alabama.
Ingredients
For The Dough:
- 1/2 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For The Cinnamon Sugar Filling (See below for Cream Cheese Filling):
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or raisins (optional)
For The Icing/Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar (or food coloring)
Directions
Step 1: Activate the yeast
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Prepare the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups flour, sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Stir in yeast mixture, warm milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, adding flour as needed until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
- Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, softened butter, and optional pecans or raisins in a bowl.
Step 4: Shape the cake
- Form the log into a ring, pinching the ends together. Place on a greased baking sheet. If using a plastic baby, hide it inside the dough (after baking, is safer).
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle (about 10×20 inches). Spread the filling evenly over the surface.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from a long side. Pinch the seams to seal.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Cover the ring and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
Step 7: Decorate
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle purple, green, and gold sanding sugar in alternating sections.
Slice and serve the King Cake. The person who finds the baby is crowned “king” or “queen” and is responsible for bringing the next King Cake! Enjoy your festive and delicious creation!
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or raisins (optional)
