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Easy King Cake Recipe – One Dish Mardi Gras Dessert

Easy King Cake Recipe – One Dish Mardi Gras Dessert

A soft, fluffy, and beautifully golden King Cake made in one dish, filled with a warm cinnamon-sugar swirl and topped with a smooth glaze and vibrant Mardi Gras-colored sugars. This easy homemade version delivers bakery-quality flavor with a festive, eye-catching finish perfect for celebrations, parties, or indulgent baking at home.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 10 Slices
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
  • Purple green, and gold colored sugar

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or dough hook (if using a mixer)
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet or large baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Small mixing bowls (for filling and glaze)
  • Pastry brush or spatula
  • Clean kitchen towel

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, combine warm milk and a small amount of sugar, then sprinkle yeast over it. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  6. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  7. Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly.
  8. Roll tightly into a log and shape into a ring. Seal the ends.
  9. Place on a lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over slightly cooled cake.
  12. Sprinkle colored sugars in sections for a festive finish.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
Proper kneading is essential for a soft, airy texture.
You can hide a small trinket inside the cake for tradition—just ensure it is food-safe and inform guests.
Adjust glaze thickness by adding more or less milk depending on your preference.
For extra richness, add cream cheese filling or chocolate chips to the center.