King Cake for Mardi Gras Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (2024)

• ▢ 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast 7 grams (1 envelope)
• ▢ ¼ cup granulated sugar 50 grams
• ▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ▢ 1 cup warm water 227 grams, about 110°F
• ▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 28 grams, melted (¼ stick)
• ▢ 2¾ cups all-purpose flour 330 grams
• ▢ 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 13 grams

For the Filling

• ▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 28 grams, melted (¼ stick)
• ▢ ½ cup brown sugar 107 grams
• ▢ ¼ cup granulated sugar 50 grams
• ▢ 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 6 grams

For the Topping

• ▢ 1 large egg 50 grams, whisked, for egg wash
• ▢ 1¼ cup powdered sugar 140 grams
• ▢ ¼ cup milk 57 grams
• ▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams
• ▢ Sprinkles green, purple, and gold

• In a small bowl, add the yeast, sugar, salt, and warm water. Gently stir together and allow it to sit while the yeast blooms and becomes foamy, about 5 minutes.

  2¼ teaspoons instant yeast, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 cup warm water

• Once it’s foam-like, transfer the yeast mixture to a large glass mixing bowl, and add in the melted butter and flour. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to stir together until the dough becomes flaky. Remove from the bowl and place on a clean, lightly-floured work surface. Knead until the dough is soft and smooth, adding up to an additional ¼ cup (30g) of flour if needed.

  2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2¾ cups all-purpose flour

• Place the dough back into a large bowl lightly coated with vegetable oil, rolling the dough to coat it with the oil. Place a warm and damp dish towel over the bowl and let the dough sit for about 30 minutes to rise.

  1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• While the dough is rising, prepare the filling: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Stir in the brown sugar, sugar, and cinnamon. Set the bowl aside when done.

  ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Once the dough has risen to about double in size, punch down the dough to release the air. Place the dough on a clean work surface and knead again for about one minute. Roll the dough into a long rectangle shape, about 14-16 inches in length and 9 inches in width. Cut into three equal strips and spoon filling mixture over each strip. Stretch each strip if necessary so they are the same length. Pinch each seam together.

• Gently, braid the strips and then form into a circle shape, pinching off the ends, and tuck them under. Place the bread onto a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in a warm, sheltered area away from cool air or breezes so the dough can continue to rise for 30-45 minutes.

• While the braided dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350°F. Once the dough has risen, gently brush with the whisked egg wash, and then place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top of the bread begins to turn golden brown.

  1 large egg

• While the cake is cooling, prepare the icing drizzle by combining the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Stir the ingredients until it is a white icing.

  1¼ cup powdered sugar, ¼ cup milk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• Drizzle over the cake and while the icing is still wet, sprinkle the individual colors of sprinkles or sugars over the cake.

  Sprinkles

• If you want to hide a “baby” in the cake, cut a small slit in the top of the cake and place the baby inside, before icing.

• Cut into 10-12 slices and serve.

• Don’t skip the time it takes for the dough to rise. This is what gives your King Cake its light and fluffy texture.
• Bake the cake in a fully preheated oven to ensure that it bakes evenly.
• Let the cake cool completely before icing and decorating. You can make the cake the day before you decorate it.

Storage:Store King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Best King Cake Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 442Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 36mg12%

Sodium 165mg7%

Potassium 121mg3%

Carbohydrates 84g28%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 49g54%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 218IU4%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 39mg4%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.