mardi gras cake recipe

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

I’m so excited to share my Mardi Gras cake recipe with you all today. This classic dessert is a staple in many New Orleans households, and for good reason – it’s moist, decadent, and perfect for any occasion.

I first tried this recipe at a family gathering when I was a teenager, and it quickly became one of my go-to desserts whenever I need to impress a crowd. The best part?

It’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some basic baking skills. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit my family’s tastes – adding a pinch more cinnamon here, substituting in fresh berries there – but the core ingredients remain the same.

This cake is truly a masterclass in balance and restraint, with each bite delivering an expert blend of sweetness and spice. And did I mention it’s also relatively healthy compared to other rich desserts?

With its wholesome ingredients and lower sugar content, this cake is a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re serving it at a Mardi Gras party or just need a pick-me-up on a Tuesday evening, this cake is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

So grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Mardi Gras King Cake

Mardi Gras King Cake

4.5 from 674 votes

A festive ring-shaped cake traditionally enjoyed during Mardi Gras season. This sweet yeast bread is filled with cinnamon sugar, topped with colorful icing, and sprinkled with purple, green, and gold sugar.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 55 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Icing and Topping

2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine warm milk and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
2Sprinkle yeast on top and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
3If the mixture does not foam, discard and start with fresh yeast.
4In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, and nutmeg.
5Add the yeast mixture and stir until combined.
6Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
7Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
8Alternatively, use a dough hook on low speed for 6 to 8 minutes.
9Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.
5 hours until doubled in size.
10For the filling, mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
11Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 10×20 inch rectangle.
12Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter.
13Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
14Pinch the seam to seal.
15Transfer the log to a parchment-lined baking sheet and shape it into a ring, pinching the ends together.
16Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
17Preheat oven to 350°F.
18Bake the cake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
19Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
20For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
21Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake.
22Immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar in alternating sections to create the traditional Mardi Gras colors.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Stand mixer with dough hook
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Small bowl
Whisk
Spatula
Plastic wrap

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 280mg🌾Total Carbs: 58g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 32g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For an authentic touch, hide a small plastic baby inside the cake after baking. The person who finds it is said to have good luck and must provide the next king cake.

Watch Video Of How Mardi Gras King Cake Works

This Mardi Gras cake recipe is always a crowd-pleaser whether served at family gatherings or everyday meals.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy this cake is toasted with a dollop of whipped cream or topped with fresh fruit – try it both ways and see which one you prefer!

When storing leftover cake, make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and keep at room temperature for up to three days.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mardi Gras King Cake

Q: What kind of flour should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, we recommend using all-purpose flour as it provides the right balance of structure and tenderness to the cake.

Q: Can I substitute the buttermilk with regular milk?

We don’t recommend substituting buttermilk with regular milk as it will affect the texture of the cake. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice.

Q: How do I ensure my cake doesn’t overmix?

To avoid overmixing your batter, mix your wet ingredients separately from your dry ingredients before combining them together. Also, be sure not to overbeat your batter after adding the wet ingredients into the dry ones.

Q: Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen berries?

Yes, you can use fresh berries instead of frozen berries if they’re available in season.

Q: How long does this cake keep once baked?

This cake will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days or can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

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