King Cake

King Cake is what I make when I want to bring the Mardi Gras celebration straight to my kitchen. Each slice reveals soft, pillowy bread with sweet cinnamon filling swirled inside, and that iconic purple, green, and gold sugar sparkling on top. The glaze is sticky-sweet while the texture pulls apart like the best cinnamon roll you’ve ever had.

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I make this for Mardi Gras celebrations, parties, potlucks, or anytime I want to bring New Orleans vibes home. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and looks impressive. Plus, it’s festive, kid-friendly, and everyone loves the tradition of finding the hidden baby inside. It stays fresh at room temperature for 2 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for 2 months.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

How to Make King Cake with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

I’ll walk you through each step, so your King Cake turns out perfectly golden and fluffy.

Activate the Yeast

Combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl. You can substitute warm water for the warm milk if needed, though milk creates a richer dough.

Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until you see foam forming on top. The foam means your yeast is alive and ready to make the dough rise.

Use a mixing bowl for this step, and a half-cup measuring cup is helpful for accurately portioning the milk and butter.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together extra flour, remaining sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. I like using a balloon whisk to make this step quick and prevent clumps.

Ensure everything is evenly distributed before adding the wet ingredients.

Combine and Knead the Dough

Add eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture, then pour in the foamy yeast mixture. If you’re using salted butter, reduce the salt to ½ teaspoon to avoid an overly salty taste. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.

The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. I use this stand mixer with a dough hook attachment when I don’t want to knead by hand. If using a stand mixer, knead at medium speed for the full time.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the sweet dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size. You’ll know it’s ready when you press a finger into it, and the indent stays.

Keep it in a warm place, like near your stove or in a turned-off oven with the light on.

Make the Cinnamon Filling

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter in a small or medium bowl until smooth. It should be spreadable but thick enough to stay in place when you roll the dough.

For a richer flavor, you can substitute almond paste for the cinnamon filling if you prefer a more traditional variation.

Roll and Fill the Dough

Roll the dough with a rolling pin into a 10-by-20-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. I use my rolling pin to roll out the dough evenly and smoothly.

Spread the cinnamon butter filling evenly over the surface, leaving about a half-inch border on the edges.

Shape Into a Ring

Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Shape it into a ring and pinch the ends together to seal. Cover loosely with a towel and let it rise for 30 minutes. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 375°F. I always grab this oven thermometer to make sure the temperature is accurate for even baking.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cake sounds hollow when tapped. Let it cool slightly before glazing.

If you’re making two king cakes for a large party, double all ingredients and divide the dough in half after the first rise, then shape each portion into its own ring.

Glaze and Decorate

Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable. Some people prefer a thicker icing instead of a glaze for more coverage. Drizzle it over the cooled cake, then immediately sprinkle purple, green, and gold sanding sugar on top while the glaze is still wet. The colors represent justice, faith, and power in Mardi Gras tradition.

You can also add a few drops of food coloring to the glaze itself if you want extra vibrant colors. King Cake is traditionally served during carnival season and special occasions, which runs from Twelfth Night (January 6) to Ash Wednesday. King Cake is the centerpiece of Mardi Gras parties, where the good times roll.

If you’re transporting this baked good to a party, I use a cake carrier with a lid to protect the glaze and colorful sugar from smudging.

How to Store Leftovers

Keep King Cake at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. The glaze may get slightly sticky, but the cake stays soft.

For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a container for up to 2 months. I use freezer-safe glass containers to keep the slices fresh and prevent freezer burn.

To thaw, leave the slices at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds. The texture stays soft, and the filling remains gooey. If the glaze looks dull after freezing, you can make a fresh drizzle to brighten it up.

What to Serve With King Cake

King Cake is sweet enough to serve on its own with coffee or hot chocolate at Mardi Gras parties. I like setting it out on a large platter as a centerpiece so everyone can grab a slice of cake throughout the day. It pairs well with café au lait, chicory coffee, or mimosas for brunch. King Cake has a similar texture to coffee cake, so fans of that style will love it.

You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit, such as strawberries or orange slices, to cut through the sweetness. Some people hide a tiny baby figurine, such as a plastic toy baby or a dried bean, inside before baking, following the tradition that whoever finds it hosts the next party and wears the paper crown. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and adds a fun element to celebrations.

More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home

Here are more cake recipes perfect for celebrations and gatherings.

• Irish Apple Cake
• Chocolate Cake
• Fruit Cake
• Strawberry Crunch Cake
• Glazed Lemon Pound Cake