Go Back

Mini King Cakes

Mini King Cakes are delightful, festive treats perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations, featuring a sweet glaze and colorful sugar topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 16 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Festive
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough ingredients
  • 1/3 cup warm milk (110-120F) Activates yeast
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar For dough
  • 1/4 oz yeast Active dry yeast
  • 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular, preferably not fat-free) For moisture
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter For dough
  • 2 large egg yolks For richness
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange or lemon zest Zest for flavor
  • 3 cups whole grain flour For structure
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg Flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor
Filling ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter For filling
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar Sweet filling
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon Flavor for filling
Glaze ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar For glaze
  • 1-3 tablespoons milk Adjust for glaze consistency
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For glaze flavor
  • 6 tablespoons colored sugar (purple, green, and gold) For decoration

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, stir together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Set aside for 5-10 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix yogurt, melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Add the yeast mixture.
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine flour, nutmeg, and salt. Stir.
  4. Add the yogurt-yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Stir until combined, pushing down the sides a few times.
  5. Knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile, lightly oil the inside of a mixing bowl.
  7. Place the dough in the bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise until doubled in size, about 90 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Once ready, punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle, about 18x12 inches.
  2. Spread with softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Roll and cut into 12 pieces.
  3. Shape each piece into a circle and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Set aside for 25-45 minutes until they have nearly doubled in size.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375F.
  6. Bake the mini king cakes for 12-16 minutes until they are lightly golden. Allow to cool.
Glazing
  1. In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, a tablespoon of milk, and vanilla. Add more milk if needed to make the glaze.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled king cakes and sprinkle with colored sugar. Enjoy!

Notes

Serve Mini King Cakes warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for celebrations or family gatherings. Store in an airtight container, best enjoyed within a few days.