King Cake Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to bring a taste of Mardi Gras magic right into your kitchen, look no further than this legendary King Cake. This traditional New Orleans style treat is a tender brioche bread, filled with a heavenly caramelized cinnamon sugar filling, slathered with rich cream cheese icing, and adorned with vibrant green, yellow, and purple sugars that celebrate the spirit of the season. Whether you’re planning a festive party or just want to impress friends with a lively, crowd-pleasing dessert, a King Cake is truly the centerpiece that everyone will remember.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this King Cake are deceptively simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the creamy richness of the butter and cream cheese to the warm, cozy touch of cinnamon sugar, every component makes this cake special.
- Milk (1 cup, warm): Warming the milk activates the yeast for a perfect rise.
- Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): Essential for that light, fluffy brioche texture.
- All-purpose flour (4¼ cups): Provides structure—fluffed and leveled to keep the dough light.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): Balances flavor and enhances the dough.
- Large eggs (2): Bring richness and help bind everything together.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons softened): Keeps the dough tender and moist.
- Brown sugar (¾ cup): The heart of the cinnamon filling’s deep caramel flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1½ tablespoons): Infuses the filling with its iconic spicy warmth.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces softened): Creates a luscious, tangy icing that complements the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the icing to perfection.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Enhances the cream cheese icing with a fragrant note.
- Yellow, green, and purple decorating sugar: These traditional Mardi Gras colors bring festive style to your King Cake.
- King cake baby (optional): A playful tradition that makes serving the cake even more fun.
How to Make King Cake
Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix the Dough
Begin by sprinkling the active dry yeast into the warm milk, then stir to combine. Let it rest for about 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes foamy—that’s your sign that the yeast is ready to work its magic. Meanwhile, mix the flour, sugar, and salt in your mixer bowl to ensure those dry ingredients are evenly combined. Once the yeast is activated, add it along with the eggs to the flour mixture and start kneading with a hook attachment. First mix on medium low speed so everything comes together, then turn up to medium high and knead until the dough is silky and elastic, passing the window pane test.
Step 2: Incorporate Butter and Proof the Dough
Now for the butter—add those softened pieces gradually and continue kneading until every bit has absorbed into the dough, creating that rich brioche texture we’re aiming for. Once done, shape your dough into a ball and place it in a clean bowl, covered, to proof in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. This step is essential for developing that fluffy, airy crumb.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
While your dough is rising, mix the brown sugar with cinnamon in a bowl. For extra decadence, whip your softened butter until fluffy—that gives the filling a creamy texture that helps the sugar stick beautifully to the dough later on.
Step 4: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
Once proofed, gently punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large 13 by 22-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter thinly over the dough’s surface, leaving a half-inch border unbuttered. Then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the butter, pressing it lightly into the surface to make sure it sticks well.
Step 5: Shape the King Cake
Cut your dough lengthwise into two long rectangles. Starting with the top piece, roll it inward from the middle towards the clean edge, sealing the edge as you go. Repeat with the bottom piece but roll downwards. Now, intertwine these two logs into a braided rope and pinch the ends together to form the classic circular or oval King Cake shape. Place it on a parchment-lined sheet pan and cover for a second proofing until nearly doubled—about 45 minutes to an hour.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the King Cake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and an internal thermometer reads 190°F (88°C). Let it cool completely before moving on to the icing and decorating.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
Beat the cream cheese in a mixer until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well between additions. Add vanilla if you like, and continue mixing until the icing is smooth, fluffy, and irresistible.
Step 8: Decorate Your King Cake
If you’re adding a king cake baby, poke a hole underneath the cooled cake and insert it carefully. Then, slather the icing across the top and sprinkle the decorating sugars in traditional Mardi Gras colors—green, yellow, then purple—as you rotate to cover the icing evenly. This finishing touch not only brightens the cake but brings a hint of festive joy with every slice.
How to Serve King Cake
Garnishes
The classic decorating sugars in green, yellow, and purple are must-haves for that authentic celebration vibe, but you can also add freshly chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon for extra texture and warmth. A dab of extra cream cheese icing on each slice keeps every bite luscious and moist.
Side Dishes
King Cake stands strong as the star of any party, but pairing it with fresh fruit like tangy orange slices or a smooth coffee enhances the flavors beautifully. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a rich cup of café au lait to balance its sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving King Cake with small plates of assorted jams or honey for guests to add their own twists. Wrapping slices in colorful Mardi Gras-themed napkins or placing the whole cake on a festive platter invites celebration and conversation—perfect for Mardi Gras or any festive gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover King Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, it stays fresh for 2 to 3 days, maintaining its tender crumb and moist filling.
Freezing
You can freeze your King Cake to enjoy later by wrapping it well in foil or plastic wrap, then sealing it inside a freezer bag. Frozen King Cake keeps best for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge rather than at room temperature to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds to revive the soft, tender texture and bring the cream cheese icing back to creamy perfection. Avoid overheating to keep the cake from dry edges.
FAQs
What is the significance of the king cake baby?
The king cake baby is a fun tradition born in Louisiana that symbolizes luck and prosperity. Typically hidden inside the cake, whoever finds the baby in their slice is said to be lucky and is often responsible for bringing the next King Cake to the gathering.
Can I make King Cake without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer helps with kneading, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface. It takes a bit more time and elbow grease, but the results will be just as delicious.
What if I don’t have decorating sugar in green, yellow, and purple?
No worries! You can easily make your own by coloring regular granulated sugar with food coloring and letting it dry. This homemade decorating sugar works great to add festive flair to your King Cake.
Is cream cheese icing the only option for King Cake?
Cream cheese icing is traditional and adds a tangy richness that complements the cinnamon filling. However, you can substitute with a simple powdered sugar glaze flavored with vanilla or citrus zest for a different twist.
How long does the dough need to proof?
The initial proof should take about 1 hour until the dough doubles in size, and after shaping, a second proof of 45 minutes to an hour is necessary to ensure a light, airy King Cake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about making and sharing a King Cake, a true symbol of celebration and camaraderie. Whether you’re welcoming Mardi Gras or just craving a festive, sweet treat, this King Cake recipe will fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself eager to share the tradition again and again!
