If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing a slice of Mardi Gras magic right into your kitchen, this King Cake Recipe is your golden ticket. Rich, aromatic, and beautifully braided with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, this classic New Orleans treat combines tender, yeasty dough with a luscious cream cheese glaze and vibrant yellow, green, and purple sugars that celebrate the spirit of the season. Baking this King Cake Recipe is as much about the joy of the process as the delicious reward—a centerpiece that’s perfect for sharing stories, laughter, and that unbeatable aroma that welcomes everyone to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards magic. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor balance, and appearance of this King Cake Recipe. From the creamy butter that enriches the dough to the colorful sugars that crown the final masterpiece, these simple components come together to delight every sense.
- 1 cup warm milk (around 105-110°F): Activates the yeast and creates a soft dough base.
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast: The essential leavening agent that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- 4¼ cups all-purpose flour (fluffed, spooned, leveled): Provides structure and the right chewiness for the cake.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Balances flavors perfectly and enhances the dough’s taste.
- 2 large eggs: Contribute richness and help bind the dough.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened and cut): Adds tenderness and flavor to the dough.
- ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark): The heart of the cinnamon filling with its deep molasses notes.
- 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon: Warms the cake with its fragrant spice.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened for filling): Used to carry the cinnamon sugar filling, creating a luscious layer.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened): The base for a dreamy, tangy glaze to top the cake.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Adds warmth and depth to the icing.
- Yellow decorating sugar: One of the traditional Mardi Gras colors representing gold.
- Green decorating sugar: Symbolizes faith and adds vibrancy.
- Purple decorating sugar: Represents justice, completing the festive color trio.
- King cake baby (optional): A fun tradition that adds a surprise element to the cake.
How to Make King Cake Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by sprinkling the active dry yeast over your warm milk, around 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This gentle warmth wakes up the yeast, letting it dissolve and activate in about 3 to 5 minutes. Watching those tiny bubbles form is the first sign that your dough will rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In your stand mixer bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt thoroughly. This creates a balanced base where the yeast and eggs will work their magic.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Once the yeast is frothy and ready, add it alongside the eggs to the flour mixture. Use your hook attachment on medium-low speed until everything starts to come together, then turn the speed up to medium-high to knead the dough until it is smooth and supple, passing the window pane test—a sign of perfectly developed gluten.
Step 4: Add the Butter
Gradually knead in the softened butter on medium speed until the dough absorbs all the fat. You can speed this up by folding the dough by hand before finishing it in the mixer. This step ensures the dough becomes soft and rich without losing its elasticity.
Step 5: First Proof
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a clean bowl. Cover it and set it somewhere warm to proof until it doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour. This slow rise helps develop flavor and lightness in your King Cake Recipe.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
Mix together your brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and set it aside. For an extra delicious touch, whip the softened butter until light and fluffy. This will spread more evenly and help the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully to your dough.
Step 7: Shape the Dough and Add Filling
After proofing, punch down the dough and roll it out into a large 13 by 22-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the softened butter thinly across the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly on top. Press it gently so it adheres well, ensuring every bite has that iconic sweet cinnamon swirled inside.
Step 8: Form the Braided Logs
Cut the dough lengthwise into two long rectangles. Roll each half tightly from the cut edge to the clean edge, sealing the seams and ends securely. Twist these two logs together into a braid and shape them into a ring or oval on your parchment-lined sheet pan. This shape lets the King Cake Recipe show off its beautiful layers once baked.
Step 9: Second Proof and Bake
Cover the braided dough and let it rise again until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes to an hour. Then bake it in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes until golden brown and perfectly cooked through. The enticing aroma at this point truly signals that your King Cake Recipe is nearing its delicious finish.
Step 10: Prepare and Apply the Cream Cheese Icing
While the cake cools, whip the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy, adding vanilla extract if you like. Spread the icing generously over the cooled cake, turning it into a velvety, sweet finishing touch perfect for grabbing that festive sparkle.
Step 11: Decorate and Optional King Cake Baby
Scatter your yellow, green, and purple decorating sugars over the icing in a joyful pattern. If you’re embracing tradition, carefully insert the king cake baby into the bottom side of the cake before icing or place it atop the glaze. This adds an extra layer of fun and a surprise guest for your celebrations.
How to Serve King Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The colorful decorating sugars are not just for show; they bring the traditional Mardi Gras spirit with splashes of gold, green, and purple. Adding the optional king cake baby turns serving into a memorable event filled with laughter and anticipation.
Side Dishes
Serve this sweet King Cake Recipe alongside a steaming cup of bold coffee or a festive spiced tea. Light fruit salads or fresh berries also complement the richness, balancing sweetness with natural brightness for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your king cake on a vibrant platter surrounded by Mardi Gras beads and candles for a festive vibe. For parties, cut the cake into individual slices or mini-loaves for easy sharing. You can even serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover King Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and softness, perfect for enjoying as a snack or breakfast the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the King Cake whole or in slices for longer storage. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently warming for that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back the soft, moist texture and enhance the cream cheese icing’s creaminess. This quick step makes every bite taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I make this King Cake Recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It will take a bit more elbow grease but the result will still be fantastic.
What is the window pane test and why is it important?
The window pane test checks if your dough has developed enough gluten. Stretch a small piece of dough—if it stretches thinly enough to let light through without tearing, it’s perfectly kneaded and ready for the next step.
Is the king cake baby edible?
The traditional plastic king cake baby is not edible, so be sure to warn guests about it. Some people use homemade or edible figurines as safer alternatives.
Can I use a different filling besides cinnamon sugar?
Definitely! Variations with cream cheese filling, fruit preserves, or pralines all work beautifully and bring your own spin to this classic King Cake Recipe.
How long does it take to make the King Cake Recipe?
The entire process, including proofing and baking, takes about three hours. Most of that time is hands-off rising, so you can prepare other things or get festive with your decorations while you wait!
Final Thoughts
This King Cake Recipe is truly a celebration in itself, blending tradition and irresistible flavor in one stunning, shareable treat. Whether you’re marking Mardi Gras or just craving something sweet and special, I encourage you to bake this delightful cake from scratch. It’s a fantastic way to bring warmth, color, and happiness to any gathering – and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
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King Cake Recipe
This classic King Cake recipe features a soft, enriched yeast dough rolled with a sweet cinnamon sugar filling, braided into a traditional shape, baked until golden brown, and finished with a creamy cream cheese icing and festive colored sugars. Perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras or any special occasion, this cake offers a delightful combination of tender bread and sweet cinnamon filling, topped with vibrant yellow, green, and purple sugars to bring a festive flair.
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup milk (warm, around 105-110°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 4¼ cup all-purpose flour (fluffed, spooned, leveled)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened and cut into small pieces)
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Cream Cheese Icing
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Decoration
- Yellow decorating sugar
- Green decorating sugar
- Purple decorating sugar
- King cake baby (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm milk (105-110°F) and stir well. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes until the yeast dissolves and becomes foamy.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix to blend evenly.
- Combine dough ingredients: Add the activated yeast mixture and eggs to the flour mixture. Using the dough hook, mix on medium-low speed until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough: Increase speed to medium-high and knead until the dough is smooth, supple, and passes the windowpane test, indicating good gluten development.
- Incorporate butter: Add the softened butter to the dough and continue mixing on medium speed until fully absorbed. You can help incorporate the butter by briefly kneading by hand before returning to the mixer.
- Proof the dough: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a clean bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar filling: In a bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. Optionally, whisk the softened butter until pale and fluffy for spreading.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and fold edges to the center. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 13 x 22 inch rectangle.
- Apply filling: Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter over the dough, leaving ½ inch border. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top and firmly press it into the butter with your hand.
- Form logs: Cut the dough lengthwise into two long rectangles. Roll the top half upwards from the center cut edge toward the clean edge, sealing the seam and ends. Roll the bottom half downwards similarly.
- Braid the dough: Twist the two logs together to form a rope, then join the ends to make a circular or oval shape. Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Second proofing: Cover and let the braided dough rise in a warm place or oven with the light on until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Bake the king cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the cake for about 30 minutes until golden brown and an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) is reached.
- Cool the cake: Remove the king cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before icing.
- Make the cream cheese icing: In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix on medium-low speed until incorporated. Add vanilla extract if using and beat on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until fluffy.
- Insert the baby (optional): Carefully poke a hole on the underside of the cooled cake and place the king cake baby inside. Alternatively, place the baby on top of the icing.
- Decorate: Spread the cream cheese icing over the top of the cake evenly. Sprinkle decorating sugars in classic Mardi Gras colors — yellow, green, and purple — alternating colors for a festive look.
- Serve: Slice the king cake to serve. For optimal texture, briefly microwave individual slices for about 10 seconds before serving to warm slightly.
Notes
- The windowpane test involves stretching a small piece of dough until it’s translucent without tearing; this ensures proper gluten development.
- For fluffier butter spread in the filling, whisk softened butter for a couple of minutes until pale.
- Proofing the dough in a warm environment or an oven with the light on helps achieve consistent rising.
- Be cautious when serving if inserting the king cake baby; inform guests to avoid choking hazards.
- Using parchment paper on the baking sheet prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.
- The king cake shaping technique may take practice; refer to photos or video tutorials for guidance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Louisiana Creole
