Simple King Cake Recipe for Mardi Gras Fun

King Cake is an iconic dessert that epitomizes the spirit of Mardi Gras, a vibrant celebration known for its colorful parades, bead-throwing, and festive traditions. This rich, sweet pastry, often adorned with green, purple, and gold sugars, is a symbol of the holiday that's as fun to make as it is to eat. If you're looking to bake a traditional Simple King Cake at home, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through every step to create your own piece of Mardi Gras magic.

Ingredients for King Cake

To make a traditional King Cake, you'll need:

• For the Dough:
  • 1 cup of warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast
  • 1 stick of unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 5 cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons of lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • Vegetable oil, for greasing
• For the Filling:
  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter
• For the Icing and Decoration:
  • 3 cups of powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup of milk
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold decorating sugars

Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step ensures that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
2. Make the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the yeast mixture with the butter, egg yolks, 3 cups of flour, lemon zest, nutmeg, and salt. Beat until smooth.
   • Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, mixing until the dough comes together. You might need a bit more or less flour, so keep an eye on the consistency.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface or with a dough hook for about 10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic.
   • Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in it, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours.

Shaping and Filling the Cake

After the dough has risen, you can proceed with the fun part of shaping and filling your King Cake:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the dough to release the air. On a floured surface, roll it into a rectangle, about 1/2-inch thick.
2. Add the Filling:
   • Brush the dough with the melted butter.
   • Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the filling and sprinkle it evenly over the butter.
3. Form the Cake:
   • Roll the dough into a log, starting from the long side. Pinch the seam to seal.
   • Form the log into a ring, shaping it to hide the seam where the ends meet.
   • Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

📌 Note: If you're hiding a small plastic baby figurine in your cake to continue the Mardi Gras tradition, place it at the bottom of the cake after forming the ring, before baking. Warn your guests about the hidden prize!

Baking and Glazing

Here's how you'll turn your formed dough into a deliciously golden King Cake:

1. Proof Again: Let the shaped dough rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise helps the dough achieve its final shape.
2. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cake turns golden brown.
3. Cooling: Allow the King Cake to cool completely on the baking sheet before moving it to a wire rack.
4. Icing:
   • Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth glaze.
   • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides.
5. Decorate: Before the glaze sets, sprinkle the cake with the colored sugars, alternating the colors to create the iconic Mardi Gras pattern.

Your homemade King Cake is ready to serve, becoming a centerpiece of any Mardi Gras celebration or a delightful treat for any festive occasion.

In summary, making a King Cake at home is not only a culinary experience but also a way to partake in cultural festivities. It's a testament to the joy of baking and the importance of tradition, combining the warmth of the kitchen with the spirit of Mardi Gras. This simple recipe keeps the essence of the King Cake alive, making it easy for anyone to contribute to the festivities. Enjoy this delicious journey into Mardi Gras with friends and family, sharing a slice of the tradition.

Can I use a different type of filling for my King Cake?

+

Yes, you can experiment with various fillings. Popular alternatives include cream cheese, fruit jams, or even a combination of these with the traditional cinnamon-sugar mix.

What if I don’t find the plastic baby figurine?

+

You can either place a small, heat-resistant toy inside the cake after baking or simply omit this tradition. The main focus is enjoying the cake itself.

How can I make my King Cake ahead of time?

+

You can prepare the dough and shape the cake a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge overnight, then bake it fresh the next day.