A simple, colorful King Cake to celebrate Mardi Gras.
introduction
This Mardi Gras King Cake is a sweet, soft ring of dough with cinnamon and a bright sugar topping. It makes a good treat for a party or a family breakfast. If you want other sweet bread ideas, see cherry chip cake guide for a classic cake recipe.
why make this recipe
Make this cake for a fun holiday treat. It looks festive and tastes warm and sweet. It is a good way to share at a party. The dough is simple and the topping is bright with purple, green, and gold sugar.
how to make Mardi Gras King Cake
Make the dough, let it rise, fill it with cinnamon sugar, shape it into a ring, bake, and frost. Work in these steps:
- Mix warm milk and yeast and wait until it grows a little.
- Mix dry ingredients in another bowl.
- Add butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mix.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients and knead to a smooth dough.
- Let the dough rise until it doubles.
- Roll it out, add melted butter and cinnamon sugar, then roll and shape into a ring.
- Bake until golden, cool, and add frosting and colored sugar.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5-6 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- Colored sugar (purple, green, and gold)
For a different simple loaf idea, you can also look at banana bread with pancake mix.
Directions :
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll dough into a large rectangle, spread with more melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Roll it up and shape into a ring.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool, then mix powdered sugar with milk to create a frosting. Drizzle over the cooled cake and sprinkle with colored sugars.
how to serve Mardi Gras King Cake
Slice the cake into wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature. The frosting and colored sugar add the festive look. Offer coffee or milk with the cake. If you want small savory bites with the cake, consider pairing with items like those in chicken hearts recipes for a contrast.
how to store Mardi Gras King Cake
Let the cake cool completely before storing. Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. To refresh, warm a slice in the oven for a few minutes.
tips to make Mardi Gras King Cake
- Use warm, not hot, milk to wake the yeast. Hot milk can kill the yeast.
- Knead until smooth; this helps the cake rise well.
- Let the dough double in size for a light texture.
- Cool the cake before adding frosting to avoid a runny glaze.
- If you like fillings, add a layer of cream cheese or cinnamon filling before you roll the dough.
variation (if any)
- Fill with cream cheese or fruit jam before you roll the dough.
- Add raisins or chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar layer.
- Make small individual rings instead of one large ring.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Take it out, bring to room temperature, shape, and bake.
Q: Can I freeze the King Cake?
A: Yes. Freeze the baked and cooled cake without the frosting in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and add frosting before serving.
Q: What if my cake is not sweet enough?
A: Add more powdered sugar to the frosting or brush the baked cake with a simple syrup before frosting for extra sweetness.
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use the same amount but mix it with the dry ingredients and reduce the proofing time slightly.
Q: How do I get the colored sugar to stick?
A: Apply the frosting first and then sprinkle the colored sugar right away so it sticks while the glaze is wet.
Mardi Gras King Cake
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Allow to sit for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll dough into a large rectangle, spread with more melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Roll it up and shape into a ring.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool, then mix powdered sugar with milk to create a frosting.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake and sprinkle with colored sugars.