Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Mardi Gras King Cake is a soft, yeasted pastry filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with sweet glaze.Its bold colors and hidden surprise make it fun and festive.Traditionally enjoyed during Carnival season, it brings people together.A perfect blend of history, flavor, and celebration in every slice.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze & Topping:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple, green, and gold colored sugar
- 1 small plastic baby (optional, traditional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
- Roll dough into a rectangle and spread with softened butter. Sprinkle evenly with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll tightly into a log, shape into a ring, and place on a baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28–30 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly, hide the baby underneath or inside, drizzle glaze, and decorate with colored sugar.
Notes
- Traditionally served from Epiphany (January 6) through Mardi Gras.
- The baby symbolizes luck and prosperity.
- Cake can be filled with cream cheese or fruit for variation.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for 2 days.
- Colors are essential to authentic Mardi Gras presentation.