Why Make This Recipe
Mardi Gras King Cake is a fun and colorful treat that brings excitement to any celebration. This festive cake is not only delicious but also represents the spirit of Mardi Gras. With its sweet cinnamon filling and vibrant icing, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during this lively season. Making your own King Cake adds a special touch to the festivities, allowing you to customize it just the way you like.
How to Make Mardi Gras King Cake
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) Quick Rise yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (120 to 130 degrees)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, cut into 12 pieces)
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered or confectioners sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Dark green, purple, and yellow or gold sugars (about 1/8 cup of each)
- Miniature plastic baby
Directions:
- Mix 2 1/2 cups of flour and yeast in a mixing bowl on low for about 30 seconds.
- Heat milk, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved and the milk is between 120 to 130 degrees.
- Pour in the heated liquids and mix until combined. Add eggs one at a time.
- Switch to a dough hook, add the remaining flour gradually, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add softened butter pieces and knead until fully absorbed.
- Knead for eight minutes on low until the dough clears the sides of the bowl.
- Knead by hand, form a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling and mix with butter.
- Roll the dough into a 10×20 inch rectangle, spread the filling on one half, fold the dough, and braid it into three strips.
- Shape it into a ring and let it rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake until golden (20-35 minutes).
- Let cool, then press the miniature baby into the cake.
- For icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spoon over the cake and sprinkle with colored sugar.
How to Serve Mardi Gras King Cake
Slice the King Cake into wedges for serving. It’s a delightful treat for breakfast, dessert, or snacks at your Mardi Gras party. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the plastic baby hidden inside, as tradition holds that the person who finds it is expected to host the next party or provide the next King Cake!
How to Store Mardi Gras King Cake
Store any leftover King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, placing it in the freezer for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Mardi Gras King Cake
- Make sure your milk is warm, but not too hot, for the yeast to activate properly.
- Kneading well helps develop the dough’s texture, so don’t skip that step!
- Feel free to adjust the fillings or toppings. Some like to add cream cheese or fruit fillings for a twist!
Variation
You can add different fillings like cream cheese, nuts, or fruits. Additionally, try using different colors of sugar for decoration to match your own theme or personal taste.
FAQs
1. What is the origin of King Cake?
King Cake has its roots in the early Christian tradition celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany. It has become a central symbol of the Mardi Gras celebration, especially in New Orleans.
2. Can I make King Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and the filling a day in advance. Just follow the steps up to shaping the ring, cover the dough, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature and rise before baking.
3. What do I do if I don’t have Quick Rise yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead, but you will need to proof it before adding it to your dough. Mix it with warm water and a little sugar, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s bubbly.
Mardi Gras King Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Mix 2 1/2 cups of flour and yeast in a mixing bowl on low for about 30 seconds.
- Heat milk, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan until the sugar is dissolved and the milk is between 120 to 130 degrees.
- Pour in the heated liquids and mix until combined. Add eggs one at a time.
- Switch to a dough hook, add the remaining flour gradually, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add softened butter pieces and knead until fully absorbed.
- Knead for eight minutes on low until the dough clears the sides of the bowl.
- Knead by hand, form a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the filling and mix with butter.
- Roll the dough into a 10×20 inch rectangle, spread the filling on one half, fold the dough, and braid it into three strips.
- Shape it into a ring and let it rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake until golden (20-35 minutes).
- Let cool, then press the miniature baby into the cake.
- For icing, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spoon over the cake and sprinkle with colored sugar.