Traditional King Cake

Celebrate Mardi Gras in style with this Traditional King Cake recipe, a festive and flavor-packed classic that’s sure to impress! Made with a soft, buttery brioche dough and bursting with warm cinnamon-sugar filling, this crown-shaped dessert gets its iconic look from vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar topping. The cake is finished with a luscious vanilla-infused glaze and can even hide a surprise plastic baby figurine for a fun and authentic twist. With its flaky layers, rich sweetness, and striking presentation, this King Cake is perfect for your Mardi Gras party or any special occasion. Easy-to-follow steps and common pantry ingredients make it a joy to bake, while the traditional charm ensures it’s a centerpiece everyone will remember.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:150 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:180 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 0.25 cup warm water
• 2 large eggs
• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.75 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons whole milk (for icing)
• 3 tablespoons colored sugar (purple, green, gold)
• 1 optional plastic baby figurine

Directions

Step 1

In a small saucepan, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, and butter. Heat over low heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat and let cool until lukewarm.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk mixture, yeast mixture, eggs, all-purpose flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

Step 5

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 6

While the dough rises, mix the ground cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl to prepare the filling.

Step 7

Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll into a rectangle roughly 10x20 inches.

Step 8

Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Step 9

Starting on the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.

Step 10

Form the roll into a ring, tucking one end into the other. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 11

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes or until puffy.

Step 12

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the King Cake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.

Step 13

To make the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth.

Step 14

Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with purple, green, and gold colored sugar.

Step 15

If desired, hide the plastic baby figurine by inserting it into the underside of the cake before serving.

Step 16

Slice and serve. Enjoy your Traditional King Cake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1276.6 grams (1276.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3469

Total Fat 48.50g	62%
Saturated Fat 23.00g	115%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 466mg	155%
Sodium 2653mg	115%
Total Carbohydrate 678.70g	247%
Dietary Fiber 18.90g	68%
Total Sugars 258.30g
Protein 79.90g	160%

Vitamin D 203IU	1015%
Calcium 615mg	47%
Iron 29mg	159%
Potassium 1448mg	31%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 12.6%

Protein: 9.2%

Carbs: 78.2%