Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake (Print Version)
Sweet, spiced cake filled and topped with festive glaze and color, perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 -
1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
02 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 -
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
04 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 -
2 large eggs
06 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 -
4 cups all-purpose flour
08 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
09 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 -
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
→ Filling
11 -
1/2 cup light brown sugar
12 -
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
13 -
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
14 -
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
→ Glaze and Toppings
15 -
2 cups powdered sugar
16 -
3 tablespoons milk
17 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 -
Colored sugar (purple, green, and gold) for decoration
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Combine the warmed milk and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.
02 -
Incorporate melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract into the yeast mixture and mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually combine dry mixture into wet ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
03 -
Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
04 -
In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. If using, add chopped pecans and raisins and combine well.
05 -
Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a floured surface to a large rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick. Evenly spread the filling over the dough, leaving a small border. Roll tightly from the long side to form a log and seal the ends by pinching. Curve the log into a ring and pinch ends to seal.
06 -
Place ring-shaped dough on a greased baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and allow to rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
07 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack completely.
08 -
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Adjust consistency as needed. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake, then immediately sprinkle alternating sections with purple, green, and gold colored sugar.
09 -
Once decorated, slice and serve the King Cake at room temperature. Optional: Insert a small plastic baby into the cake after baking and before glazing for tradition.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Maintain milk temperature between 105°F and 115°F to activate yeast effectively and ensure a high rise in your dough. Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting off.
02 -
If your kitchen is cold, proof the dough in an unheated oven with the light on. Begin checking doneness a few minutes before the recommended bake time, as ovens may vary.
03 -
Decorate with festively colored sugars while the glaze is wet for best adherence and classic Mardi Gras presentation.