King Cake Recipe – A Fun, Festive Treat for Mardi Gras

King Cake Recipe is a must-have for Mardi Gras, but honestly, you don’t need to wait for a parade to enjoy it. I started making this King Cake at home a few years ago, and now it’s a sweet staple in our family tradition. It’s kind of like a mix between a cinnamon roll and a brioche — all wrapped into a gorgeous, golden ring of sugary happiness.

If you’ve never had a King Cake before, trust me, you’re missing out. It’s sweet, colorful, and comes with a fun little surprise hidden inside (usually a tiny plastic baby or a bean). It’s dessert… with a built-in game!

Let’s get into the recipe. I promise this version is easier than it looks — and the results? Totally worth it.

Why You’ll Totally Love This Cake

• It’s super soft and fluffy on the inside
• The cinnamon filling is basically heaven
• That colorful sugar topping? Total showstopper
• Plus, it’s just fun to make, especially with kids

Here’s What You’ll Need

For the dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 packet instant yeast (that’s about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• A pinch of salt

For the cinnamon filling:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soft butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

For the fun part:

• Purple, green, and yellow (or gold) colored sugar
• A small plastic baby or almond (optional but classic)

Let’s Bake This Beauty

1. First up, we’re making dough. In a big bowl, mix your warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for like 5 minutes so the yeast can get all foamy and excited.
2. Add the eggs, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Then slowly stir in the flour until it turns into a sticky dough. Knead it for 5 to 8 minutes (you can do this by hand or with a mixer). The dough should be soft but not crazy sticky. If it is, just sprinkle in a little extra flour.
3. Cover your bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot. You’re looking for it to double in size, which usually takes about an hour. Use this time to chill or clean your mess (or pretend to).
4. Once it’s nice and puffy, roll out the dough into a big rectangle. Spread that cinnamon filling all over like you’re icing a giant cookie. Then roll it up like a jelly roll and shape it into a ring on a baking sheet.
5. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. Almost there!
6. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for around 25 to 30 minutes. It should be golden on top and smell amazing.
7. Let the cake cool completely. Don’t skip this step unless you want melted icing chaos (been there, done that).
8. Mix your icing and drizzle it over the top. Then sprinkle the colored sugar in sections — purple, green, yellow — go crazy. If you’re hiding a baby or a bean inside, tuck it in from underneath after it’s baked.

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Little Tips From Me to You

• If your dough is too sticky, don’t panic. Just add flour a tablespoon at a time.
• No colored sugar? Mix regular sugar with food coloring or grab some sprinkles.
• Want it extra special? Add cream cheese to the filling. You’ll thank me later.

FAQs (aka “Wait, what if…?”)

Can I make this ahead of time?
Totally. Make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge. Just bring it to room temp before baking.

Can I freeze it?
Yep. Wrap it up after baking and skip the icing until you’re ready to serve.

What’s the deal with the baby inside?
King Cake Recipe is a must-have for Mardi Gras! It’s soft, sweet, and so much fun to make with your family.

. The person who finds it is “king” or “queen” for the day and usually has to bring the next cake. Fun and slightly risky depending on your crowd.

This King Cake is more than just a dessert. It’s a party on a plate. I hope you give it a try and make it part of your own family fun. And if you find the baby… don’t forget to bake the next one!

Let me know in the comments if you try it — or tag me on Insta @wiamrecipes. I love seeing your kitchen creations.