King Cake is a traditional Mardi Gras dessert that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana. This festive cake is typically decorated in the colors of Mardi Gras – purple, green, and gold – and often contains a hidden figurine or bean, representing the King or Queen of the celebration. Making a King Cake is a fun and delicious way to celebrate Mardi Gras or bring a taste of New Orleans to your home. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a classic King Cake from scratch, including the traditional icing and colored sugar toppings.
Ingredients for King Cake:
For the dough:
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
For the icing:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple, green, and gold colored sugars
How to Make King Cake:
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, sugar, eggs, salt, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Stir in yeast mixture.
- Gradually mix in enough flour to make a soft dough. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Punch dough down and roll out on a floured surface into a 6×20-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Roll up dough jelly-roll style, starting from a long side. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet and shape into a ring, pinching ends together to seal.
- Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
- For the icing, combine confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over cooled cake and sprinkle with colored sugars in alternating rows of purple, green, and gold.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Yeast: Yeast is a crucial ingredient in making King Cake, as it helps the dough rise and gives the cake its light and fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm and spicy flavor to the filling, complementing the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the dough.
- Pecans: Pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the filling, making each bite of King Cake a delightful experience.
- Colored Sugars: The purple, green, and gold colored sugars are traditional Mardi Gras colors and add a festive touch to the cake, making it perfect for celebrating the occasion.
