why make this recipe
Mardi Gras King Cake is a festive and delicious treat that brings rich flavors and a touch of fun to any celebration. This sweet, colorful cake is a symbol of Mardi Gras and is perfect for gatherings, parades, or simply enjoying at home with family and friends. Its soft, cinnamon-spiced dough combined with a creamy filling and colorful icing makes this cake not just a delight to eat, but also a treat for the eyes. The tradition of hiding a small figurine or bean inside adds an element of surprise and excitement, making it a cherished part of the festivities.
how to make Mardi Gras King Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) box Pillsbury Hot Roll Mix
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup hot water (120 to 130 degrees)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted (for icing)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (for icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (for icing)
- purple, green, and yellow sugar sprinkles
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the hot roll mix and the yeast packet with 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Add hot water, the egg, and softened butter; stir until combined and the dough pulls away from the sides.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes on a floured surface, then let it rest for 5 minutes.
- For the filling, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle. Sprinkle with cinnamon, then spread the cream cheese filling evenly on top.
- Roll the dough in a jelly-roll fashion and form it into an oval shape on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
- For the icing, mix together powdered sugar, melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake and sprinkle with colored sugar.
how to serve Mardi Gras King Cake
Serve slices of King Cake on a large platter at your gathering. It’s great for sharing! You may also want to hide a small figurine or dried bean inside the cake. Traditionally, the person who finds it is crowned “king” for the day and is expected to host next year’s King Cake party.
how to store Mardi Gras King Cake
Store any leftover King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze King Cake by wrapping it well and keeping it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
tips to make Mardi Gras King Cake
- Make sure the water is the right temperature (120 to 130°F) to activate the yeast properly.
- Kneading the dough well helps create a light and fluffy texture.
- Don’t skip the resting time; it allows the dough to rise and develop flavor.
- Experiment with the filling by adding chocolate chips or fruit if you like.
- If you want a brighter icing color, use food coloring.
variation
You can create different flavor variations by adding lemon or almond extract to the cream cheese filling or by swapping in different spices in the dough like nutmeg or cardamom.
FAQs
1. What is a King Cake?
A King Cake is a traditional pastry associated with Mardi Gras celebrations. It is usually a sweet, brioche-like bread with a cinnamon filling and topped with colored icing and sprinkles.
2. Why is there a little baby in the King Cake?
Traditionally, a small figurine or a dried bean is hidden inside the cake. The person who finds it is usually crowned “king” for the day and must host the next Mardi Gras party.
3. Can I make King Cake in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the King Cake in advance. Bake it, cool it, and store it in the refrigerator, then ice it just before serving for the best flavor and decoration.
4. Is King Cake gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can adapt the recipe by using gluten-free flour blends if necessary.
5. How can I make King Cake dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free King Cake, substitute non-dairy cream cheese for the filling and use plant-based butter and milk in the icing.
Mardi Gras King Cake
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the hot roll mix and the yeast packet with 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Add hot water, the egg, and softened butter; stir until combined and the dough pulls away from the sides.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes on a floured surface, then let it rest for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle. Sprinkle with cinnamon, then spread the cream cheese filling evenly on top.
- Roll the dough in a jelly-roll fashion and form it into an oval shape on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix together powdered sugar, melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake and sprinkle with colored sugar.