Feast Like Royalty: Jazzy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

Vibrant colors and sweet traditions dance together in this mardi gras king cake that celebrates Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage.

Carnival season bursts with excitement and flavor in every golden, buttery slice.

New Orleans bakers have perfected this festive dessert over generations, creating a treat that sparkles with sugary magic.

Swirls of cinnamon and soft, pillowy dough promise pure indulgence with each bite.

Purple, green, and gold sprinkles transform this cake into a carnival masterpiece that captures the spirit of celebration.

The hidden plastic baby inside adds a playful touch of mystery and tradition.

This recipe brings the joy of mardi gras straight to your kitchen, ready to delight and surprise.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 13

All Ingredients For Mardi Gras King Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the soft, pillowy cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate yeast for perfect rising.
• Active Dry Yeast: Creates magical rise and tender, airy cake consistency.
• Warm Milk: Activates yeast and adds rich moisture to the dough.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast fermentation.
• Nutmeg: Introduces warm, subtle spice that complements sweet cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Delivers deep, aromatic undertone to the dough.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create rich, smooth texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps develop tender crumb.

• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized, deep sweetness in the cake's interior.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic spice flavor throughout filling.
• Softened Butter: Helps distribute filling evenly and adds richness.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze that sets beautifully.
• Milk: Thins glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.
• Green, Purple, Gold Sugar: Represents traditional Mardi Gras colors for festive look.
• Plastic Baby (Optional): Traditional hidden surprise symbolizing luck.

Gear To Make Mardi Gras King Cake

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Perfect for kneading dough smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and mixing dough.
• Small mixing bowl: Needed for activating yeast and preparing filling.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out dough into a thin, even rectangle.
• Baking sheet: Provides space for shaping and baking the king cake.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading filling and scraping bowl sides.
• Cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly after baking.

Steps To Make Mardi Gras King Cake Easy

• Activate the Yeast

Stir warm milk with yeast and wait for it to bubble and become frothy, which signals the yeast is alive and ready to make magic happen.

• Create the Dough Base

Combine flour, sugar, and spices in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs, melted butter, and the activated yeast mixture, blending everything until a soft, pliable dough emerges.

• Develop the Flavor

Roll out the dough into a generous rectangle and generously spread a luscious mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon across the surface.

• Shape the Festive Treat

Carefully roll the dough into a beautiful oval shape, sealing the edges to keep the delicious filling tucked inside. Let the cake rest and rise, allowing the yeast to work its transformative powers.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat the oven and bake the cake until it turns a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of sweet spices.

• Decorate with Carnival Flair

Drizzle a silky glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle with vibrant green, purple, and gold sugars. Traditionally, hide a small plastic figurine inside for a playful surprise.

Tips For Mardi Gras King Cake Flavor

• Foolproof Kneading Technique: Work the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and achieve a smooth, elastic texture without overworking the ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate overnight for a slower rise and deeper flavor development, saving precious morning preparation time.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap traditional flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the cake's signature soft texture for those with dietary restrictions.
• Temperature Tricks: Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure even blending and optimal dough consistency, preventing lumpy or uneven texture.
• Allergen-Friendly Options: Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter substitutes to create a completely plant-based version of this festive treat that everyone can enjoy.

Serve Up Mardi Gras King Cake Boldly

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange the king cake on a vibrant, colorful tray surrounded by traditional New Orleans-style decorations like beads and masks to create an authentic Mardi Gras atmosphere.
• Sweet Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a hot cup of chicory coffee or a chilled glass of sweet tea to complement the cake's rich, cinnamon-filled flavor and enhance the Southern culinary experience.
• Interactive Celebration Slice: Cut the cake into generous wedges and encourage guests to search for the hidden plastic baby, maintaining the classic Mardi Gras tradition of whoever finds it hosting next year's celebration.
• Dessert Buffet Centerpiece: Display the king cake as the star attraction of a dessert table, surrounding it with small purple, green, and gold cupcakes or cookies to create a festive and cohesive themed spread.

Keep Mardi Gras King Cake Fresh

• Refrigerator Guardian: Wrap the king cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Enjoy slightly warmed or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
• Freezer Friendly: Slice the cake before freezing to make future enjoyment easier. Place individual pieces in freezer-safe containers or wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen king cake stays delicious for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature Magic: If enjoying within 1-2 days, store the cake on the countertop in an airtight container. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain its soft texture and vibrant flavor.
• Moisture Management: Add a slice of bread to the storage container to help prevent the cake from drying out. This simple trick keeps your king cake tender and moist for longer.

Festive Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

King cake creates a festive Louisiana tradition celebrating Carnival season with rich, colorful pastry. Sweet dough swirled with cinnamon and decorated in purple, green, and gold delights carnival enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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• 3.5 cups (875 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 eggs
• 0.75 cup (180 ml) warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
• 0.25 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 1.5 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup (57 g) unsalted butter (melted)
• 0.25 cup (57 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) milk
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• green colored sugar
• purple colored sugar
• gold colored sugar
• 1 small plastic baby (optional)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm milk, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for 5 minutes, releasing its full potential.
2. Dough Formation: Merge dry ingredients with eggs, melted butter, and activated yeast in a large mixing bowl, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough develops. Transfer to a warm environment and let rise until doubled in volume, approximately one hour.
3. Filling Preparation: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter to create a rich, aromatic filling that will infuse the cake with depth and warmth.
4. Shaping and Assembly: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangular canvas, generously spread the cinnamon mixture across its surface. Carefully roll into a cylindrical form, then shape into a circular crown, sealing the edges securely.
5. Final Rise and Preheating: Allow the shaped cake to rest and expand, while simultaneously heating the oven to 350°F, creating the perfect baking environment.
6. Baking and Finishing: Bake until the cake achieves a golden, luminous complexion. Once cooled, craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract, drizzling it over the surface.
7. Decorative Flourish: Embellish with traditional Mardi Gras-colored sugars in green, purple, and gold. Discretely nestle the symbolic plastic baby within the cake’s interior for an authentic touch.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Precision: Ensure milk temperature is between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating a perfect rise.
• Dough Consistency Control: Knead until smooth and elastic, avoiding over-mixing which can make the cake tough and dense.
• Rising Environment Matters: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area around 80-85°F to guarantee optimal expansion and soft texture.
• Hidden Baby Placement: Insert the traditional plastic baby after baking to prevent melting, positioning it carefully for safe consumption.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg