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Best Traditional King Cake Recipe

A classic Mardi Gras dessert made with rich brioche-style dough, cinnamon sugar filling, and a festive purple, green, and gold glaze that celebrates tradition and flavor.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 packet active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons
  • 1/4 cup warm water 100–110°F
  • 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 8 oz full-fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 3 to 3 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cream cheese softened
  • 2 –4 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple green, and gold sprinkles

Method
 

  1. Combine yeast, warm water, and sugar and let stand until foamy.
  2. Heat sour cream, sugar, butter, and salt until butter melts, then cool slightly.
  3. Mix sour cream mixture with yeast mixture, egg, and half of the flour.
  4. Gradually add remaining flour and knead until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
  6. Mix cinnamon and sugar for the filling.
  7. Roll dough into rectangles and spread with softened butter.
  8. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar and roll into logs.
  9. Twist logs together and form into a ring.
  10. Let dough rise again until puffy.
  11. Bake at 350°F until golden brown and cooked through.
  12. Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
  13. Pour glaze over warm cake and decorate with colored sprinkles.
  14. Cool completely before serving.

Notes

Do not bake the plastic baby inside the cake; insert it after baking and cooling for safety.