Have you ever wondered how to recreate that iconic Mardi Gras dessert that brings joy and celebration to every table? Making a traditional king cake recipe at home is not only rewarding but also allows you to customize flavors and share authentic Louisiana culture with family and friends. This vibrant, cinnamon-swirled bread topped with colorful purple, green, and gold icing is the centerpiece of Fat Tuesday festivities. 

Ingredients List

    • 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F)
    • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 4 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • Zest of 1 lemon
    • 5 large eggs, room temperature
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 small plastic baby figurine (traditional)

For the Cinnamon Filling:

    • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Icing and Decoration:

    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 3–4 tablespoons milk
    • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar or sprinkles
    • Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract for icing

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Total time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including rising time)

Plan ahead for this recipe since the dough requires two rise periods totaling about 2.5 hours. Perfect for preparing the night before and baking fresh for your celebration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is alive and active.

Step 2: Mix the Dough In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with dough hook, combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Add yeast mixture, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Mix on low speed for 2 minutes, then increase to medium and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but pull away from the bowl.

Step 3: First Rise Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours until doubled in size. This king cake recipe easy approach ensures a tender crumb.

Step 4: Shape and Fill Punch down dough and roll into a 30×10-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll tightly lengthwise into a log, pinch seam to seal, then form into an oval ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pinch ends together firmly.

Step 5: Second Rise Cover loosely and let rise 45–60 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F during the last 15 minutes.

Step 6: Bake Bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 7: Decorate Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake, then immediately sprinkle alternating sections with purple, green, and gold sugars. Insert the plastic baby from the bottom if using.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 12):

    • Calories: 385
    • Protein: 7g
    • Carbohydrates: 62g
    • Fat: 12g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 2% DV
    • Iron: 12% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Flavor Variations: Add ½ cup cream cheese mixed with the cinnamon filling for tanginess, or substitute pecans and brown sugar for a praline version.

Dietary Swaps: Use plant-based butter and almond milk for a dairy-free version. Gluten-free all-purpose flour works but may require additional xanthan gum.

Make-Ahead: Prepare dough through Step 4, refrigerate overnight, then bring to room temperature before the second rise.

Beginner Tip: If your kitchen is cold, create a proofing box by placing dough in an unheated oven with a pan of hot water underneath.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using Hot Milk Liquid above 120°F kills yeast. Always test temperature with a thermometer to ensure it's between 105–115°F.

Mistake 2: Skipping the Rise Time Rushing the proofing results in dense, heavy cake. Be patient and let dough double fully.

Mistake 3: Overbaking King cake dries out quickly if baked too long. Check at 30 minutes and use a thermometer for accuracy.

Mistake 4: Decorating While Warm Icing will melt and slide off. Always cool completely, at least 1 hour, before decorating.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your finished king cake recipe at room temperature, loosely covered with foil or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. The cake stays moist and flavorful during this time. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

To refresh day-old cake, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds or warm the whole cake in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes. The icing may soften slightly, but the texture remains delightful. Avoid refrigerating unless your kitchen is very warm, as refrigeration can dry out this brioche-style bread. When properly stored, this king cake recipe easy method keeps your festive dessert tasting bakery-fresh long after Mardi Gras ends.