King Cake is more than a treat—it’s a tradition steeped in history and celebration. This homemade version captures the rich, buttery flavor and soft texture of the authentic cake found throughout New Orleans. Whether you make it for Mardi Gras or simply want to share something festive and sweet, this recipe is fun to make, beautiful to present, and delicious to eat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Salt
Active dry yeast
Warm milk
Eggs
Unsalted butter
Ground cinnamon
Brown sugar
Cream cheese (optional, for filling)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk (for glaze)
Colored sanding sugar (purple, green, and gold)
Plastic baby figurine (optional, for tradition)
Directions
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
Add eggs, melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined, then gradually add more flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. If using cream cheese filling, beat softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla.
Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the cinnamon sugar or cream cheese filling over the dough.
Roll the dough lengthwise into a log, then shape it into a ring. Pinch the ends to seal.
Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sugar. Insert the baby figurine underneath the cake from the bottom after baking, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 12–16 slices. Prep time: 30 minutes Rise time: 2 hours Bake time: 30 minutes Total time: about 3 hours
Variations
Cream cheese filling: Blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla for a rich filling.
Fruit-filled: Add a layer of fruit preserves, such as raspberry or strawberry, before rolling the dough.
Nutty version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling for added crunch.
Chocolate twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the cinnamon filling for a decadent variation.
Mini King Cakes: Divide the dough and make individual mini rings for personal-sized servings.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover King Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving if not already decorated. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
What is the significance of the King Cake?
King Cake is traditionally eaten during Mardi Gras season, symbolizing the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus. The hidden baby represents luck and prosperity.
What happens if you get the baby in the cake?
Tradition says the person who finds the baby must host the next party or provide the next King Cake.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after the first rise and shape it the next day. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Can I skip the filling?
Yes, the cake is still delicious with just the cinnamon sugar or even plain with icing and sugar on top.
How do I color the sugar?
If you don’t have colored sanding sugar, mix granulated sugar with a few drops of food coloring and let it dry before using.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, crescent roll or brioche dough can be used for a shortcut, though homemade gives the best texture and flavor.
Is this the same as a coffee cake?
They’re similar in style, but King Cake is more festive with its icing and bright decorations, and it carries special tradition.
What’s the best way to shape the cake?
Roll the dough into a long log, then form it into a ring and seal the ends tightly. You can also braid the dough before shaping into a ring.
Do I have to use yeast?
Yes, yeast is essential for achieving the light, fluffy texture of traditional King Cake.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and adjusting the liquid slightly. Note that texture may vary.
Conclusion
New Orleans King Cake is a festive, flavorful tradition that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just want a sweet treat with cultural flair, this colorful cake brings a sense of joy and community to any table. With its rich history, buttery dough, and vibrant decorations, it’s a dessert that’s made to be shared and celebrated.
New Orleans King Cake is a festive, sweet pastry traditionally served during Mardi Gras. Made with soft brioche-style dough and filled with cinnamon sugar or cream cheese, it’s baked in a ring shape and topped with icing and colorful purple, green, and gold sugar for a vibrant and celebratory treat.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:3 hours (including rise time)
Yield:12–16 slices
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
8 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for cream cheese filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
2–4 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Purple, green, and gold colored sanding sugar
Plastic baby figurine (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
Add eggs, melted butter, remaining granulated sugar, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in one bowl. If using cream cheese filling, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth in another bowl.
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll into a large rectangle (about 10×20 inches).
Spread cinnamon sugar over the dough, or layer cream cheese mixture followed by cinnamon sugar.
Roll dough lengthwise into a log and shape into a ring, pinching ends to seal. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Decorate with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar in alternating sections. Insert baby figurine underneath the cake from the bottom if desired.
Notes
To save time, you can use store-bought brioche dough or crescent roll dough.Cream cheese filling is optional but adds richness and moisture.To color sugar at home, mix granulated sugar with food coloring and let dry before use.Store at room temperature or refrigerate to extend freshness.Traditionally, the person who finds the baby in their slice hosts the next party or provides the next cake.
