King Cake is a beloved Mardi Gras tradition—colorful, sweet, and filled with festive flavor. This soft, buttery brioche-style cake is rolled with cinnamon sugar, baked into a ring, and topped with icing and purple, green, and gold sugar. A small plastic baby is traditionally hidden inside for good luck!
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a classic homemade King Cake with step-by-step instructions, filling variations, and tips to ensure a perfect texture every time.
Why This King Cake Recipe Works
This recipe uses a soft, enriched dough that produces a tender, fluffy king cake with buttery layers. The cinnamon filling adds warmth, while the icing and colored sugar bring traditional Mardi Gras flair.
- Soft & fluffy texture: Enriched dough creates a tender, brioche-like crumb.
- Classic cinnamon flavor: Authentic Mardi Gras taste.
- Festive & customizable: Easy to decorate with colored sugars.
- Beginner-friendly: Step-by-step instructions make it simple.
Ingredients for Homemade King Cake
This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create an authentic King Cake.
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk – About 110°F for activating yeast.
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast – One packet.
- 1/2 cup sugar – Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast.
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Filling
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Decoration
- Purple, green, and gold sugar sprinkles
- Plastic baby (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make King Cake
Follow these steps to make a festive, delicious King Cake from scratch.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, remaining sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
Step 3: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside the melted butter for brushing.
Step 5: Shape the Cake
Roll dough into a large rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Roll into a log and form a ring, pinching ends to seal.
Step 6: Second Rise
Let the shaped dough rise for 30–45 minutes.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 8: Add Icing
Let the cake cool slightly, then drizzle icing over the top.
Step 9: Decorate
Sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sugar. Insert the plastic baby after cooling if using.
Pro Tips for the Best King Cake
Make your King Cake even better with these expert tips:
- Do not oversoak the dough with butter: Too much will cause leaking.
- Let the cake cool fully before icing so it doesn’t melt off.
- Use strong colors for a festive Mardi Gras look.
- Don’t skip the second rise: It makes the cake extra fluffy.
King Cake Variations
1. Cream Cheese Filled King Cake
Mix 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and spread over dough before adding cinnamon sugar.
2. Pecan Praline King Cake
Add chopped pecans to the filling for a Southern twist.
3. Strawberry King Cake
Spread strawberry preserves inside for a fruity variation.
4. Chocolate King Cake
Add chocolate chips or Nutella before rolling the dough.
How to Store King Cake
King Cake stays delicious for several days if stored properly.
Room Temperature
Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Refrigerate for up to 1 week—best for cakes with cream cheese filling.
Freezer
Freeze undecorated cake for up to 2 months. Thaw and ice before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the meaning of the plastic baby?
The person who gets the slice with the baby is said to have good luck and must bring the next King Cake!
Can I use pre-made dough?
Yes—brioche or sweet roll dough works well for shortcuts.
Is King Cake a cake or bread?
It’s more like a sweet, enriched bread similar to brioche.
Final Thoughts
King Cake is a festive and flavorful treat that brings the joy of Mardi Gras to your table. With its soft dough, sweet filling, and colorful topping, it’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Try this recipe today and customize it with your favorite fillings! Don’t forget to share this King Cake with friends and family—after all, that’s the heart of the Mardi Gras tradition.