king cake for mardi gras recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best king cake for mardi gras recipe

I’ve been making king cake for Mardi Gras for years, and it’s a tradition my family has come to love. The first time I made it, I was inspired by the rich history of this sweet bread, which originated in medieval Europe and was brought to the Americas by French colonizers.

The dough is made with yeast, which gives it a light and airy texture that’s perfect for a special occasion. When I take a bite of the cake, I’m transported to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where music and food fill the air.

My kids love helping me mix the dough and shape the cake into its signature ring shape. They’re always excited to see the baby Jesus hidden inside, which is a fun part of the tradition.

We like to enjoy our king cake with a warm cup of coffee or tea on chilly mornings, or as a sweet treat after dinner. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be frozen for up to two months.

This makes it perfect for busy families who want to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert without too much fuss. As we celebrate Mardi Gras each year, I’m reminded of the joy that food brings to our lives and the connections we make through sharing meals together.

Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just looking for a tasty dessert recipe, I hope you’ll give this king cake a try and enjoy it as much as we do.

Traditional King Cake for Mardi Gras

4.7 from 1153 votes

King Cake is a classic Mardi Gras tradition. This recipe features a sweet, cinnamon-filled dough shaped into a ring, topped with colorful sugar.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup warm milk
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt

For the Filling

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Topping

2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Purple, green and gold sugar or sprinkles

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar.
2Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, eggs, and melted butter.
4Mix until well combined.
5Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and stir well.
6Gradually add the flour and salt to the bowl, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
7Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
8Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
9While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining the brown sugar, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and softened butter in a small bowl.
10Mix until well combined.
11Preheat the oven to 350°F.
12Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
13Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
14Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side, to form a log.
15Pinch the seam to seal.
16Place the log on a greased baking sheet and shape it into a ring, pinching the ends together to seal.
17Cover the ring with a clean towel and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
18Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
19While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
20Once the cake is done, let it cool for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack.
21Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cake.
22Sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sugar or sprinkles in a festive pattern.
23Allow the glaze to set for 5-10 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Oven
Rolling pin
Plastic wrap

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 300mg🌾Total Carbs: 65g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Adding a small plastic baby to the cake is a traditional Mardi Gras custom.

This king cake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just want a delicious dessert for family gatherings. My family loves helping me mix the dough and shape the cake into its signature ring shape.

The best part? It’s easy to make ahead of time and can be frozen for up to two months, making it perfect for busy families who want to enjoy a homemade dessert without too much fuss.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About King Cake for Mardi Gras

Q: What is king cake?

King cake is a sweet bread that’s traditionally eaten during Mardi Gras season in Louisiana. It’s made with yeast dough, which gives it a light and airy texture, and is often filled with cinnamon or other spices.

Q: Where did king cake come from?

The origins of king cake are unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in medieval Europe and was brought to the Americas by French colonizers.

Q: What’s the deal with the baby Jesus inside?

In many traditional king cakes, a small plastic baby is hidden inside the dough before baking. Whoever gets the piece with the baby is said to have good luck for the year!

Q: Can I make king cake without yeast?

No! Yeast is what gives king cake its light and airy texture. You can try using a quick rise yeast or rapid rise yeast if you don’t have time for traditional yeast rising.

Q: How long does king cake keep?

King cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for up to two months.

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