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Easy King Cake Recipe – Classic Mardi Gras Dessert

Easy King Cake Recipe – Classic Mardi Gras Dessert

A soft, fluffy, and beautifully braided king cake topped with vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar, this Easy King Cake Recipe brings the festive spirit of Mardi Gras straight to your kitchen. Lightly sweet with warm cinnamon filling and finished with a smooth glaze, this classic dessert is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply indulging in a bakery-style treat at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 Slices
Course: Dessert
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm milk not hot
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling (Optional but Recommended)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons softened butter
For the Icing
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration
  • Purple sanding sugar
  • Green sanding sugar
  • Gold sanding sugar

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Stand mixer (optional but helpful)
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowls for ingredients
  • Pastry brush (optional)
  • Clean kitchen towel

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add eggs, butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
  6. Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread butter over it, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly.
  7. Roll the dough into a log and shape it into a ring. Place on a lined baking sheet.
  8. Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Let the cake cool slightly, then drizzle with icing and decorate with colored sugars in sections.

Notes

Ensure your yeast is fresh for proper rising.
Do not overheat the milk, as it can kill the yeast.
For best flavor, allow the dough to rise fully—this improves texture and taste.
Add a small figurine (king cake baby) after baking if preferred for safety.
The cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later use.