This king cake recipe brings the heart of Mardi Gras straight into your kitchen with a soft, brioche-style dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and colorful sugar topping. Whether you are baking for a party or keeping it traditional with a hidden baby inside, this homemade king cake is festive, fluffy, and easier than it looks.
If you enjoy baking celebratory desserts, you may also love this easy Rosca de Reyes recipe, which shares similar traditions and flavors.
Why You’ll Love This King Cake
- Authentic texture: Soft, rich dough with a tender crumb.
- Festive look: Purple, green, and gold sugar topping.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Customizable: Cream cheese or fruit fillings work well.
Classic King Cake Recipe for Mardi Gras
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 king cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This king cake recipe brings the heart of Mardi Gras straight into your kitchen with a soft, brioche-style dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and colorful sugar topping.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add eggs, butter, remaining sugar, salt, and vanilla. Mix well, then gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Roll dough into a large rectangle. Spread butter over the surface and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll into a log, shape into a ring, and place on a lined baking sheet. Cover and rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Cool before icing.
Notes
Brush the warm cake with melted butter for extra richness. Try a cream cheese or fruit filling for variation. Traditionally enjoyed from Epiphany through Mardi Gras.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: New Orleans
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: king cake, Mardi Gras, cinnamon roll, brioche, traditional cake
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add eggs, butter, remaining sugar, salt, and vanilla. Mix well, then gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Roll dough into a large rectangle. Spread butter over the surface and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll into a log, shape into a ring, and place on a lined baking sheet. Cover and rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Cool before icing.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, brush the warm cake with melted butter before icing.
- Add cream cheese filling for a bakery-style twist.
- Fans of shortcut baking may enjoy a tres leches cake recipe with box cake for busy celebrations.
Substitutions
- Use almond milk instead of dairy milk.
- Swap cinnamon filling for fruit preserves.
- For a spiced alternative, try flavors inspired by this carrot cake recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Slice and serve at room temperature with coffee or chicory coffee. King cake is traditionally enjoyed from Epiphany through Mardi Gras.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slices gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.
FAQs
Do I need to put a baby inside the king cake?
The baby is traditional but optional. If used, insert it from the bottom after baking and cooling.
Can I freeze king cake?
Yes. Freeze without icing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and ice before serving.
More to Try
Conclusion
This classic king cake recipe is the perfect way to celebrate Mardi Gras with family and friends. Soft, sweet, and full of tradition, it is a dessert that always brings joy to the table.