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A full traditional New Orleans King Cake decorated with purple, green, and gold sugar sprinkles and white icing on a festive platter.

Traditional King Cake Recipe Made Easy

This traditional king cake recipe brings authentic Mardi Gras flavor to your kitchen with simplified steps perfect for home bakers. Sweet cinnamon filling wrapped in tender yeasted dough and topped with iconic purple, green, and gold sugar.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, cajun
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup + 1 tsp granulated sugar, divided
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Filling:
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • Topping:
  • 1½ cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2-3 Tbsp milk
  • Purple, green, and gold-colored sugar

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with dough hook
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix yeast mixture with melted butter, ¼ cup sugar, eggs, and vanilla in stand mixer.
  3. Add flour, salt, and nutmeg. Knead with dough hook for 6-8 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1½ hours until doubled.
  5. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon for filling. Melt 4 Tbsp butter.
  6. Roll dough into 22x12-inch rectangle. Brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  7. Roll tightly from long side, pinch seam. Form into ring and seal ends.
  8. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and rise 30-45 minutes.
  9. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
  10. Mix confectioners' sugar with milk. Drizzle over cake and immediately top with colored sugars.
  11. Insert plastic baby from bottom if using. Serve and enjoy!