Name: Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk (110°F); ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 packets (4 ½ teaspoons) active dry yeast; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 5 large egg yolks, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon salt; 4 ½–5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3–4 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Purple, green, and gold colored sugars for decoration

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The Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe is pure, edible celebration—a dazzling centerpiece inspired by the spirit of New Orleans. This luscious, cinnamon-swirled brioche with its festive glaze and sparkling sugars practically shouts party, but don’t let its gorgeous appearance fool you; every step is approachable and totally doable at home. Whether you’re new to baking or ready to weave a little Mardi Gras magic in your kitchen, this is the kind of recipe that turns your table into a parade and invites everyone to join the fun.

Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients form the backbone of this classic treat, each one pulling its weight in flavor, texture, or the signature color that makes this King Cake such a showstopper. Gather up these staples for an unforgettable dessert that’s just as easy to love as it is to make.

Warm milk (1 cup, 110°F): Kickstarts the yeast for a fluffy, tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens both the dough and the overall King Cake vibe.
Active dry yeast (2 packets, 4 ½ teaspoons): Lifts everything to pillowy heights; make sure it’s fresh for a strong rise.
Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): Adds richness and irresistible softness to every bite.
Egg yolks (5 large, room temperature): Give the dough a golden hue and extra tenderness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, plus 1 teaspoon for glaze): Builds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor in both cake and icing.
Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Sneaks in a touch of classic New Orleans flavor—don’t skip it!
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances everything else.
All-purpose flour (4 ½–5 cups): The sturdy, reliable base for gorgeous dough.
Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Gives the filling its rich, caramel-like sweetness.
Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The soul of the filling—warm, aromatic, and quintessentially King Cake.
Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup, for filling): Ensures each roll is buttery and flavorful.
Powdered sugar (2 cups, for glaze): Whips up to the classic, snowy-white drizzle.
Milk (3–4 tablespoons, for glaze): Loosens the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.
Purple, green, and gold colored sugars (for decoration): Mardi Gras isn’t complete without these: justice, faith, and power!

How to Make Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let this mixture hang out for 5–10 minutes. Watch for bubbles and foam—this is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to bring serious lift to your Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe!

Step 2: Build Your Dough

Now, pour in your melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until smooth, then gradually add the flour, one cup at a time. Keep mixing until a soft, shaggy dough forms. If you love being hands-on, switch to kneading on a floured surface, working for 8–10 minutes until it’s beautifully smooth and elastic.

Step 3: The First Rise

Drop your dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a cozy spot for about an hour. It should double in size, getting plump and puffy—the anticipation will be real!

Step 4: Filling and Rolling

Punch down the dough and roll it into a 10×20-inch rectangle. Slather on that soft butter (be generous!), then sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture over every inch. Roll it up tightly from the long side, just like a cinnamon roll, then shape it into a ring and pinch the ends to seal.

Step 5: The Second Rise

Transfer the ring to a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover again. Let it rise for another 30 minutes so the Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe bakes up tender and airy, not dense or heavy. Get that oven preheated to 350°F while you wait!

Step 6: Baking Time!

Bake your masterpiece for 25–30 minutes, until the King Cake is golden and sounds hollow when tapped. Your kitchen will smell like a New Orleans bakery. Allow it to cool slightly—you want the glaze to hold but not melt.

Step 7: Glazing and Decorating

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and dreamy. Drizzle this over the barely warm cake, then immediately finish with joyful stripes of purple, green, and gold sugars. This is your moment to get colorful, festive, and a little bit wild!

How to Serve Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

Garnishes

The best finishing touch? A rainbow of colored sugars in classic Mardi Gras shades. Add a sprinkle of edible glitter if you want even more sparkle, or nestle in a plastic baby for luck (just remind guests about this King Cake tradition!).

Side Dishes

While Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe is the highlight, pair it with strong chicory coffee, a sweet Sazerac cocktail, or fresh-cut fruit for contrast. A side of whipped cream is never unwelcome, either—especially for brunch crowds.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your King Cake on a big platter surrounded by beads and masks for a full-on Mardi Gras feel. For parties, slice ahead of time and nestle each piece into a cupcake liner for grab-and-go fun. Or, miniaturize the recipe for individual King Cake rolls; perfect for sharing and party favors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe can be kept at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to two days. For longer freshness, seal it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The glaze will keep it moist, but a quick cover prevents drying.

Freezing

King Cake is freezer-friendly before you glaze it! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, add your glaze and colored sugars just before serving for a bakery fresh look and taste.

Reheating

To serve your Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe warm, gently heat slices in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds. If already glazed, use low heat to avoid melting your beautiful decorations.

FAQs

Do I have to use colored sugars for decoration?

While the classic Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe shines brightest with purple, green, and gold sugars, you can use sprinkles or colored coconut in a pinch. The colors are part of the tradition, but it will be delicious either way!

Can I hide the plastic baby in the cake before baking?

It’s best to nestle the baby in after baking and cooling to avoid melting. Simply push it into the cake from underneath so your guests can discover it without biting into hot plastic.

Is it possible to make this King Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in a 1:1 ratio, and be sure to check your yeast and decorative sugars for hidden gluten. Expect a slightly different texture, but all that festive flavor.

Can I prepare the dough a day ahead?

Yes, you can! After you shape the dough into a ring, cover it well and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature and complete its second rise before baking for fresh flavor and an easy morning assembly.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer for kneading?

No problem! This Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe has a dough that’s super approachable by hand. Just dust your work surface and get into a steady rhythm; you’ll have smooth dough in about 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a sense of celebration or just want to bring some New Orleans charm to your table, give this Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe a whirl. It’s festive, fragrant, and fun for sharing—the perfect excuse to gather friends and make sweet memories. Let this cake be the highlight of your Mardi Gras, wherever you are!

Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with this Easy Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe. A delectable sweet treat perfect for celebrating the carnival season!

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 cup warm milk (110°F)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 packets (4 ½ teaspoons) active dry yeast
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
5 large egg yolks, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
4 ½–5 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened

Glaze and Decoration:

2 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Purple, green, and gold colored sugars for decoration

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Add melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt. Mix in flour to form a dough. Knead, let rise.
Make the Filling: Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll out dough, spread with butter, sprinkle with sugar mixture, roll up.
Bake and Glaze: Bake the cake until golden. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze. Drizzle over cake and decorate.