Introduction

King Cake is a festive, colorful treat traditionally enjoyed during Mardi Gras. This soft, sweet bread filled with creamy cheese and topped with vibrant colors brings a delightful celebration to any table. Perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
Food coloring (purple, green, gold)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit until bubbly, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 2: Gradually mix in melted butter, eggs, and flour to form a smooth dough.
Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about five minutes until elastic.
Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for one hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Meanwhile, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top, then roll the dough tightly into a log.
Step 7: Form the log into an oval shape and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 8: Let the shaped dough rise for another 30 minutes before baking.
Step 9: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until the cake is golden brown.
Step 10: Allow the King Cake to cool before adding glaze and colorful sugar decorations in purple, green, and gold.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly and develop a tender crumb.
Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth and flavor.
For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with coconut cream and use vegan butter.
Create your own glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice or milk for a tangy finish.

Storage

Store King Cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to refresh the texture before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make King Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead, allowing the dough to rise overnight in the fridge for more flavor. Bake fresh on the day you plan to serve it.

What is the significance of the colors purple, green, and gold?

These colors are traditional Mardi Gras symbols: purple represents justice, green stands for faith, and gold symbolizes power. Decorating the King Cake with these colors honors this festive tradition.

King Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 70 reviews

This traditional King Cake recipe offers a delightful homemade version of the iconic Mardi Gras treat. Soft, sweet yeast dough filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese filling is rolled into an oval-shaped cake, baked to a golden perfection, and decorated with festive colored sugar. Perfect for celebrating with family and friends, it delivers the classic flavors and beautiful presentation of this beloved New Orleans dessert.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs

Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar

Decorations

Food coloring (purple, green, gold)

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Make Dough: Gradually add the melted butter, eggs, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well to form a smooth dough that is slightly sticky but manageable.
Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. This develops the gluten for a soft texture.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth and well combined to create the filling.
Shape and Fill: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the dough. Starting from one end, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
Form Cake: Transfer the rolled log onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and carefully form it into an oval shape, the traditional King Cake form.
Second Rise: Cover the cake loosely and allow it to rise again for about 30 minutes, so it becomes slightly puffy before baking.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and cooked through.
Cool and Decorate: Allow the King Cake to cool completely before glazing or decorating with colored sugar sprinkled in purple, green, and gold hues to celebrate Mardi Gras traditions.

Notes

Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Kneading is essential for a light and airy texture in the cake.
Let the dough rise in a draft-free environment to get the best rise.
You can substitute cream cheese filling with cinnamon sugar for a different flavor.
Traditionally, a small plastic baby figurine is hidden inside the cake before baking; if used, insert it after baking to avoid melting or damage.
For best results, use fresh yeast and high-quality ingredients.

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras, yeast cake, cream cheese filling, New Orleans dessert, festive cake