Easy Mardi Gras King Cake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Dough
01 -
3 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 -
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
04 -
3/4 cup warm milk
05 -
1/4 cup butter, melted
06 -
2 eggs
07 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Filling
08 -
1/3 cup butter, softened
09 -
2/3 cup brown sugar
10 -
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
→ Icing & Decoration
11 -
2 cups powdered sugar
12 -
2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
13 -
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
14 -
Purple, green, and gold colored sugar or sprinkles
15 -
Small plastic baby figurine (optional, for tradition)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast; let sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
02 -
Add melted butter, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, and half the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well and gradually incorporate remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
03 -
Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm area for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
04 -
While dough rises, mix brown sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl for the filling and set aside.
05 -
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle (approximately 10×20 inches). Spread softened butter over it and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll tightly from one long side to form a log.
06 -
Shape the rolled dough into an oval ring on a lined baking sheet, pinching the ends together to seal. Let rise again for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C).
07 -
Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown. If desired, insert the plastic baby figurine into the bottom of the cake after baking.
08 -
Cool slightly before mixing powdered sugar with milk or cream and vanilla (if using) until smooth for frosting. Drizzle over the cooled cake and immediately decorate with purple, green, and gold colored sugars or sprinkles in sections.
# Notes:
01 -
Mardi Gras king cake is a vibrant and festive dessert that embodies the spirit of Carnival celebrations. This delightful treat features rich, buttery dough swirled with warm cinnamon, complemented by sweet cream cheese or fruity fillings.
02 -
The traditional Mardi Gras colors used to decorate the cake represent justice (purple), faith (green), and power (gold).
03 -
By tradition, whoever finds the plastic baby in their slice is crowned 'king' or 'queen' for the day and is responsible for bringing the king cake to the next gathering.
04 -
You can customize your fillings—try cream cheese, fruit preserves, or praline filling for different variations.