Description
Celebrate Mardi Gras with this authentic homemade King Cake! This festive treat is a soft, brioche-like pastry filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with vibrant purple, green, and gold icing. It’s a delicious tradition that brings joy to any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 5 – 5½ cups all-purpose flour (705-776g)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- ⅓ cup water, warmed
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 8 ounces cream cheese (optional, for a richer filling)
For the Icing & Decoration:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple, green, and gold colored sugar
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Add the yeast mixture.
- Gradually mix in flour, kneading for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon. If using cream cheese, blend it in for a creamy filling.
Shape the Cake:
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly, then roll the dough into a log.
- Form into an oval and pinch the ends together.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Let the shaped dough rise for another 45 minutes.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Decorate:
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the icing.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake, then sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sugar.
Add the Baby (Optional):
- Once the cake cools, insert a small plastic baby from underneath for tradition!
Notes
- For a fruit filling: Swap the cinnamon mixture for a fruit jam of your choice.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Serving Suggestion: Pairs perfectly with café au lait or chicory coffee.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Creole, New Orleans
Keywords: Mardi Gras, King Cake, New Orleans, Cinnamon Bread, Carnival Dessert