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

Scale

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