Description
Discover how to make a delicious Mardi Gras King Cake with this step-by-step recipe. Easy to bake, best flavor, and perfect for your celebration!
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warm (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, divided
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional)
- 4 ½ cups (540g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1 small plastic baby or pecan
- For the Icing:
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple, green, and gold gel food coloring
- Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar or sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions
- 1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir and let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2. Mix Dough: In a stand mixer, combine proofed yeast, remaining granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and citrus zest. Gradually add flour and salt. Knead with dough hook for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 3. First Rise: Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours, or until doubled.
- 4. Prepare Filling: While dough rises, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
- 5. Shape Cake: Punch down dough. Roll into an 18×12 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread filling evenly, leaving a small border. Hide baby/pecan if using.
- 6. Form Braid: Roll dough tightly into a log. Pinch seam. Form into a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pinching ends to seal. Make 1-inch deep cuts around the outside edge, 1 inch apart. Gently twist each section.
- 7. Second Rise: Cover loosely and let rise for 45-60 minutes, or until puffy.
- 8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (190-200°F internal temp). Cool completely on a wire rack.
- 9. Make Icing: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Divide into three bowls and tint with purple, green, and gold gel food coloring.
- 10. Decorate: Drizzle colored icings over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar. Let icing set before serving.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins