Introduction

King Cake is a delightful, festive bread often enjoyed during Mardi Gras celebrations. This rich, sweet treat is filled with a creamy cheese mixture and finished with vibrant colored glaze. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, it brings joy and flavor to any gathering.

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 the mixture becomes bubbly, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: Gradually mix in the melted butter and eggs into the yeast mixture. Then, add the flour slowly, stirring to form a smooth dough.
Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
Step 4: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise for one hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5: While the dough rises, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until the filling is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface.
Step 7: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Then, form the log into an oval and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 8: Let the dough rise again for 30 minutes before baking.
Step 9: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the King Cake for 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
Step 10: Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing with colored sugar or icing in purple, green, and gold to celebrate tradition.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough before kneading.
Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly.
Try adding chopped pecans or raisins to the cream cheese filling for texture.
If you prefer, glaze the cake with a simple powdered sugar and milk icing tinted with festive colors.

Storage

Store the King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, though it may dry out slightly. To refresh, warm slices briefly in the microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have food coloring in purple, green, and gold?

You can use any food coloring colors you have on hand, or simply dust the cake with powdered sugar for a more neutral look. The traditional colors add festive spirit but aren’t required for deliciousness.

King Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 135 reviews

This classic King Cake recipe is a festive and delicious treat, perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras or any special occasion. Featuring a soft, sweet yeast dough filled with creamy, sweetened cream cheese, and adorned with the iconic purple, green, and gold colors, this King Cake offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, making it tender and flavorful, and the final baked cake boasts a golden crust with a luscious cream cheese swirl inside.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern US, Cajun

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

Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar

Decoration

Food coloring (purple, green, gold)

Instructions

Activate the yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for several minutes until it becomes bubbly, indicating that the yeast is activated and alive.
Make the dough: Gradually mix the melted butter and eggs into the yeast mixture. Then, slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes until it is elastic and smooth. This develops the gluten for a tender structure.
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the filling: Mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a sweet filling for the cake.
Shape the cake: Roll out the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape, then form it into an oval on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Second rise: Allow the shaped cake to rise for an additional 30 minutes to develop more volume and a light texture.
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 the dough is fully cooked.
Cool and decorate: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the traditional colorful glaze or sprinkles using the purple, green, and gold food coloring to complete the festive look.

Notes

Ensure the milk temperature is around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
For easier rolling, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
You can add a hidden figurine inside the dough before baking for a traditional King Cake surprise.
Use vibrant food coloring to create the iconic Mardi Gras colors in your glaze or sugar decorations.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras Cake, Cream Cheese Filling, Yeast Bread, Southern Dessert, Holiday Bread