This colorful and delicious traditional king cake is the perfect way to celebrate Mardi Gras! With a tender cinnamon-filled dough, sweet glaze, and festive sprinkles, this homemade treat will transport you straight to New Orleans. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your first king cake, this recipe makes the celebration extra special!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 hours (includes rising) | 30 minutes | 2.5 hours | 12 slices | Medium |
My Special King Cake Story 👑
I’ll never forget the first time I tasted a traditional king cake! It was during my trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras when I was just a little girl. The bakery was buzzing with people, and the sweet smell of cinnamon and sugar filled the air. My eyes widened as I saw the beautiful, colorful ring of pastry topped with purple, green, and gold sprinkles. When I bit into that soft, sweet bread with its cinnamon swirl filling, I was hooked forever!
Now, every year when Mardi Gras comes around, I make my own homemade king cake using this recipe that I’ve perfected over the years. It brings all those magical New Orleans memories right back into my kitchen! The excitement of finding the hidden baby (representing baby Jesus) in your slice makes eating this festive treat even more fun! 💜💚💛
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💕
- 🌈 It’s colorful and festive – perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras in style!
- 🍽️ Super impressive looking but actually easier to make than you might think
- 🥮 The soft, fluffy texture of the bread is absolutely divine
- 🧁 You can customize the filling to suit your taste (cinnamon, cream cheese, or both!)
- 👶 Fun tradition of hiding a little plastic baby inside for good luck
- 🎉 It’s a party showstopper that everyone will talk about
- 🥄 The sweet icing and colorful sprinkles make it extra special
- 👨👩👧👦 Great recipe to make with kids – they love decorating with the colored sugar!
Ingredients List
For the Dough:
- Flour
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Instant yeast
- Milk
- Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter
- Cream cheese (optional)
- Pecans (optional)
For the Icing:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice
For Decoration:
- Purple sugar sprinkles
- Green sugar sprinkles
- Gold/yellow sugar sprinkles
- Plastic baby figurine (optional)
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
Substitutions Table
| Ingredient | Possible Substitution |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Bread flour or gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) |
| Whole milk | Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk (for vegan king cake) |
| Butter | Vegan butter, coconut oil, or shortening |
| Eggs | Flax eggs (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water per egg) |
| Cream cheese | Vegan cream cheese or mascarpone |
| Brown sugar | Coconut sugar or turbinado sugar |
Equipment Checklist
| Equipment | Purpose | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Stand mixer with dough hook | For easy dough kneading | KitchenAid Stand Mixer |
| Large mixing bowls | For mixing ingredients | Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl Set |
| Measuring cups & spoons | For accurate measurements | OXO Good Grips Measuring Set |
| Rolling pin | For rolling out dough | French wooden rolling pin |
| Pastry brush | For applying egg wash | Silicone pastry brush |
| Baking sheet | For baking the cake | Nordic Ware Aluminum Sheet |
| Parchment paper | For easy cleanup | Reynolds Parchment Paper |
| Cooling rack | For cooling after baking | Wilton 3-Tier Cooling Rack |
| Small knife | For inserting the baby | Any small paring knife |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your King Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
First, I warm up my milk until it’s just lukewarm (not hot!), then I add my yeast and a pinch of sugar to wake it up. While that’s getting foamy (about 5 minutes), I mix my flour, sugar, and salt in my big bowl. Then I add my softened butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture before pouring everything into the dry ingredients. I mix it all up until it forms a soft dough. Then comes the fun part – kneading! I knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
PRO TIP: The dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a tiny bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a little milk.
Step 2: First Rise
I place my dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This is a great time to clean up the kitchen or make a cup of tea!
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, I mix together my brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. If I’m feeling extra fancy, I’ll soften some cream cheese to spread on the dough before the cinnamon mixture. Sometimes I also chop some pecans to add for crunch!
PRO TIP: For a cream cheese king cake recipe variation, beat 8 oz cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth before spreading on the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Cake
After the dough has risen, I punch it down gently and roll it out into a big rectangle (about 24×12 inches). Then I spread melted butter all over it and sprinkle my cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly. Starting from the long edge, I roll the dough up tightly like a cinnamon roll. Then I bring the ends together to form a ring and pinch them to seal.
Step 5: Second Rise and Bake
I place my ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover it again, and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it’s puffy. Then I bake it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 25-30 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 6: Decorate!
After letting the cake cool for about 20 minutes, I make my simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a splash of lemon juice. I pour this all over the cake and quickly sprinkle with bands of purple, green, and gold sugar before the glaze sets. If I’m using a plastic baby, I carefully insert it from the bottom of the cake once it’s completely cool.
Pro Tips for Perfect King Cake 👑
- 🌡️ Make sure your milk is warm but not hot when adding yeast – too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it
- 🕰️ Don’t rush the rising times – this is what gives your cake that amazing soft texture
- 🔄 Roll the dough tightly when forming your log to avoid gaps in the final cake
- 🥚 Brush the dough with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 Tbsp water) before baking for a shiny, golden crust
- 🧁 For the perfect king cake icing, add just a tiny splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness
- 🧈 Make sure your butter is room temperature for the dough – not melted and not cold
- 🍯 For an easy king cake recipe shortcut, use refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and shape into a ring
- 🎨 Apply the icing while the cake is still slightly warm so it melts a little and creates a smoother finish
- 🌈 Sprinkle the colored sugars immediately after icing while it’s still wet so they stick properly
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
This traditional king cake is absolutely perfect for your Mardi Gras celebration, but it’s so yummy you might want to enjoy it any time! I love serving mine slightly warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. It’s also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
If you’ve got leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), you can store your king cake at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cool before storing to prevent sogginess.
For longer storage, you can freeze your king cake either whole or in slices. I wrap mine tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. It keeps well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight at room temperature and warm it slightly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
You can also prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time for easier Mardi Gras party prep. The dough can be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator for its first rise overnight. This actually improves the flavor! Just let it come to room temperature before shaping.
If you’re making this for a large party, you might want to make mini king cakes instead! Just divide the dough into 2-3 portions and make smaller rings – they bake a bit faster, so keep an eye on them!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 24g |
| Protein | 5g |
This king cake recipe does contain dairy and eggs, making it a treat rather than an everyday food. However, the joy and tradition it brings to your Mardi Gras celebration is worth the splurge! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can try using reduced-fat cream cheese in the filling and less sugar in the glaze.
For those following special diets, check out my vegan king cake recipe variation mentioned in the substitutions table. You can also make this recipe with gluten-free flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
Classic Homemade King Cake
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer or hand mixer with dough hooks
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk 110°F
- 2 1/4 teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Purple green, and yellow/gold sanding sugar
Instructions
For the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a medium mixing bowl, add warm milk and sprinkle active dry yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and activated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Mix together until well incorporated.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the activated yeast, eggs, and melted butter to the dry mixture. Mix until dough begins to come together.
- Knead the Dough: Knead using a stand mixer with dough hooks or your hands for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rest: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
For the Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a thick paste. Set aside.
- Assemble the King Cake:
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a rectangle approximately 10×16 inches.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar filling over the rolled-out dough.
- Form the Ring: Starting from the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal the seam. Shape the log into a ring and pinch the ends together to close.
- Second Rise: Transfer the ring to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the King Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the King Cake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool completely before glazing.
For the Glaze and Decoration:
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable—add more milk if needed.
- Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled King Cake. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle purple, green, and yellow/gold sanding sugar in sections to create the iconic Mardi Gras colors.
Video
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings or celebrations.
More Mardi Gras Treats You’ll Love
If you enjoy this traditional king cake recipe, you’ll definitely want to try some of my other Mardi Gras-inspired treats! My king cake bread pudding recipe is perfect for using up leftover king cake (if you have any!). For a quicker option, try my king cake bites recipe – they have all the same flavors but in cute, portable form!
For those who don’t have time to make a yeast dough, my king cake recipe no yeast version uses a quick bread method that’s ready in half the time. And don’t forget to check out my special king cake glaze recipe that works wonderfully on all kinds of baked goods.
Have you tried this recipe? I’d LOVE to see your creation! Leave a comment below with your experience or any questions. Did you find the baby in your slice? 👶
Essential Tools
Must-Have Items for King Cake Success
| Tool | Why It’s Essential | Recommended Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Stand Mixer | Makes dough preparation much easier | KitchenAid Artisan Series |
| Digital Scale | For precise measurements | Escali Primo Digital Scale |
| Silicone Baking Mat | For easy cleanup and perfect baking | Silpat Premium Baking Mat |
| Quality Cinnamon | Makes all the difference in flavor | Ceylon Cinnamon (True Cinnamon) |
| Mardi Gras Colored Sugars | For authentic decoration | Wilton Purple, Green & Gold Set |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the king cake during Mardi Gras?
The king cake is a special pastry associated with the Carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). It represents the three kings who visited baby Jesus. The circular shape symbolizes a crown, and the traditional colors – purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power) – are the official colors of Mardi Gras. Finding the baby hidden inside the cake is considered good luck, and traditionally means you’ll host the next party!
Can I make king cake without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can definitely make this easy king cake recipe by hand. Just mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon until combined, then turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for about 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic. Your arms will get a good workout, but the results will be just as delicious!
What’s the best way to insert the baby into the king cake?
The safest method is to wait until the cake is completely baked and cooled before inserting the plastic baby. Simply flip the cake over, make a small slit in the bottom with a knife, and push the baby in. This way, there’s no risk of the plastic melting during baking. Just make sure to tell your guests about the baby so no one accidentally swallows it!
How do I know when my king cake is properly baked?
A perfectly baked authentic king cake should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The internal temperature should read about 190°F on an instant-read thermometer if you want to be precise. If the top is browning too quickly but the inside isn’t done, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Can I make king cake ahead of time for a party?
Yes! This traditional king cake recipe can be made 1-2 days ahead of your celebration. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and if you want to freshen it up, you can warm individual slices for 10-15 seconds in the microwave before serving. For the freshest taste, you might want to add the icing and colored sugars the day of your party.
Let’s Celebrate Mardi Gras Together! 🎭
I just love how this homemade king cake brings the spirit of New Orleans and Mardi Gras right into my kitchen! There’s something so special about continuing this colorful tradition, whether you’ve been to New Orleans or just dream of going someday. The moment when everyone gathers around to see who gets the slice with the baby is always filled with laughter and excitement!
If you try this recipe, I’d be super duper happy to hear how it turned out for you! Did you stick with the traditional cinnamon filling or try the cream cheese version? Did someone in your family find the baby? Share your King Cake stories and photos in the comments below!
And pretty please with sprinkles on top, if you love this recipe as much as I do, save it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it easily next year when Mardi Gras rolls around again! Just click the pin button and spread the King Cake love! 📌
Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!) 💜💚💛
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