Mardi Gras King Cake is a colorful and delightful pastry that celebrates the festive season of Mardi Gras. This cake is not just a treat; it’s a fun tradition in New Orleans and many other places. Filled with sweet goodness and topped with vibrant icing, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family during celebrations!
Why make this recipe
This King Cake is not only delicious but also super fun to make! You can get the whole family involved in rolling the dough and decorating it. Plus, finding the tiny baby hidden inside the cake adds an exciting surprise for everyone. It’s a wonderful way to bring joy to your Mardi Gras festivities!
How to make Mardi Gras King Cake
Ingredients :
1 cup milk
0.25 cup butter
0.66666668653488 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
0.5 cup white sugar, divided
2 eggs
1.5 teaspoons salt
0.5 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
5.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
0.66666668653488 cup chopped pecans
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 cup raisins
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
0.5 cup melted butter
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon water
1 plastic baby doll
purple, green, and gold sanding sugar
Directions :
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Gather all ingredients.
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To make the dough: Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often until steaming and small bubbles form around the edges, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted and fully combined, about 2 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.
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Meanwhile, stir together warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar in a large bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 10 minutes.
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Add cooled milk mixture, eggs, salt, nutmeg, and remaining 7 tablespoons sugar to the yeast mixture, whisk until combined, about 30 seconds.
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Beat flour into the yeast mixture, 1 cup at a time, with an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook on medium speed until the dough comes together, about 3 minutes.
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Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, adding additional flour as needed, 8 to 10 minutes.
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Place dough in a lightly oiled large bowl; turn to coat. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1.5 hours. When risen, punch down and divide the dough in half.
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Return dough to a lightly floured work surface, roll out each half into a 10×16-inch rectangle, dusting the work surface and rolling pin with additional flour if needed.
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To make the filling: Combine brown sugar, pecans, flour, raisins, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Pour melted butter on top and mix until crumbly.
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Sprinkle filling evenly over dough, about 1 cup per cake, using your hands or a spatula to press into the dough.
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Starting at one of the long ends, roll each dough rectangle into a tight log.
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Bring the ends of each roll together, pinching the seams to form 2 individual oval-shaped rings. Transfer each ring, seam side down, onto a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment. With scissors, make cuts 1/3 of the way through the rings at 1-inch intervals.
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Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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Bake both rings in the preheated oven in the upper and lower thirds until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, or when a thermometer inserted into the center of the dough reads 190 F, about 25 minutes, rotating sheet trays halfway through baking for even browning. Some filling might leak out during baking.
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Remove cakes and carefully push 1 doll into the bottom of each warm cake. Let cool slightly, about 30 minutes.
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To make the glaze: Whisk confectioners’ sugar and 2 tablespoons water together in a small bowl until smooth, adding 1 tablespoon of water if needed to reach desired consistency.
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Spread glaze evenly over the tops of both warm cakes.
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Sprinkle sanding sugar immediately over the glaze if desired.
How to serve Mardi Gras King Cake
Cut the King Cake into slices to serve. It’s great for parties, gatherings, or enjoying at home with family. Don’t forget to watch for the tiny baby doll—whoever gets it has to host the next 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, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying again!
Tips to make Mardi Gras King Cake
- Make sure the milk and butter mixture is cool when mixing with the yeast so it doesn’t kill the yeast.
- Don’t skimp on the filling; it’s what makes the cake delicious!
- Be patient while the dough rises for the best results—it helps create a soft and fluffy cake.
Variation (if any)
You can try different fillings like cream cheese or fruit preserves for a new twist on the classic King Cake. Get creative with your sprinkles too—use whatever colors you like!
FAQs
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What does the baby doll mean?
It’s a fun tradition! The person who finds the baby has to host the next King Cake party. -
Can I make King Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a day in advance and store it overnight. Just glaze before serving. -
What if I can’t find sanding sugar?
You can use regular colored sugar or sprinkles instead to decorate your cake.