Classic Mardi Gras King Cake
A festive and traditional Mardi Gras King Cake with a cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with a colorful glaze in purple, green, and gold.
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Rolling Pin
- baking sheet
- oven
Ingredients
- 500 g flour All-purpose flour.
- 100 g sugar Granulated white sugar.
- 1 packet active dry yeast About 7g or 2 1/4 teaspoons.
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon For the dough.
- 2 large eggs Room temperature.
- 240 ml milk Warm, about 40°C (105°F).
- 75 g unsalted butter Melted.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For added flavor.
- 100 g brown sugar For the filling.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon For the filling.
- 50 g chopped walnuts or almonds Optional, for added crunch.
- 50 g raisins or dried fruit Optional, for extra sweetness.
- 200 g powdered sugar For the glaze.
- 3 tablespoons milk Adjust for desired consistency.
- 1 assorted food coloring Gel colors in purple, green, and yellow (gold).
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar and the dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture.
- Mix everything until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and raisins (if using) to make the filling.
- Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 30x40 cm (12x16 inches).
- Evenly spread the filling mixture over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Pinch the edges together to seal and shape it into a ring.
- Place the dough ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely before decorating.
- To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and decorate with purple, green, and yellow (gold) colored icing or sprinkles.
Notes
Traditional King Cakes sometimes include a small plastic baby inside to symbolize luck. If using one, insert it into the cake before serving!