Name: Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and still warm); 5 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided into 4 tablespoons & 1 tablespoon); Pinch salt; 8 ounces sour cream; 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast; ¼ cup warm water (between 100 and 110 degrees); 1 egg egg; 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour; Oil for your hands and the bowl; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; ½ cup granulated sugar; 4 tablespoons butter (melted); 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons whole milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch salt; sanding sugar (in yellow, purple, and green)

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There’s something truly special about celebrating Mardi Gras with a Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. Each year, as the festivities approach, I find myself reminiscing about the vibrant parades, the lively music, and of course, the delicious cakes that are an essential part of this festive season. Growing up in a place where Mardi Gras was celebrated with so much enthusiasm, I learned early on how to make this colorful cake that brings friends and family together. The moment I pull the warm, aromatic cake out of the oven, I can almost hear the laughter and joy of those gathered around the table, ready to enjoy a slice. The rich flavors and the beautiful icing make every bite a delightful experience, reminding us of the joy of togetherness.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
35 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Wooden Spoon, Whisk

What You’ll Enjoy About This Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake

It’s a Creative Canvas

One reason I love making a Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake is that it’s a blank canvas for creativity. The colorful icing, adorned with festive sanding sugar in hues of yellow, purple, and green, transforms it into a masterpiece that not only tastes great but looks incredible too. Each cake can be uniquely decorated, making it a fun project for families and friends.

A Tradition Worth Celebrating

This cake is more than just dessert; it’s a symbol of tradition during the Mardi Gras season. The custom of hiding a baby figurine inside the cake brings an exciting twist to the celebration. Whoever finds the baby is expected to host the next gathering, adding a delightful layer of fun and anticipation!

Perfect for Sharing

Sharing a Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake is one of my favorite parts of the experience. Whether it’s at a family gathering or a casual brunch with friends, this cake is perfect for serving a crowd. Its generous portions make it an ideal centerpiece for celebrations, inviting everyone to enjoy a slice (or two).

Flavorful and Festive

The flavor profile of this cake is simply delightful. The combination of rich butter, warm spices like cinnamon, and the sweetness from sugar creates a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist. Plus, the creamy icing adds a luscious finish that elevates it to another level.

Customizable for All Tastes

One of the best aspects of making a Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake is the ability to customize it. You can experiment with different fillings, from fruit preserves to cream cheese, allowing everyone to find their favorite flavor combination. This versatility ensures that everyone at your gathering will leave satisfied.

It’s All About the Experience

Culinary experiences like making this cake can create lasting memories. The process of mixing and kneading the dough, allowing it to rise, and finally decorating the cake is filled with anticipation and excitement. Involving family members or friends in the process only enhances the joy, making it a cherished tradition for years to come.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake

The ingredients for a Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake are thoughtfully chosen to create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the fluffy dough to the sweet filling and vibrant icing. Here’s a closer look at the key players:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and still warm
5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided into 4 tablespoons & 1 tablespoon
Pinch salt
8 ounces sour cream
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
¼ cup warm water, between 100 and 110 degrees
1 egg
3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
Oil for your hands and the bowl
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons whole milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt
Sanding sugar in yellow, purple, and green

Instructions for Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake

Making a Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake can be a rewarding experience. The sweet aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is just the beginning of the joy this cake brings. Follow these detailed steps to create a cake that’s sure to impress.

Make the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 4 tablespoons of sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Then, whisk in the salt and sour cream until the mixture is smooth. Set this aside while preparing the yeast mixture.
Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup warm water, instant yeast, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar; stir gently. Allow the yeast to sit for about five minutes until it bubbles, indicating that it’s active and ready.
Combine Ingredients: Whisk the warm butter and sour cream mixture into the yeast mixture. Then, add the egg and 1 cup of flour, mixing until the batter is smooth. Gradually add more flour, using an oiled wooden spoon, until you form a soft dough; this process will take about another 2 cups of flour.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a clean surface lightly dusted with flour. Knead it until smooth and elastic, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes. You may add more flour by the teaspoon if it’s too sticky; the dough should feel tacky but not overly sticky.
First Rise: Place the dough ball into a large, well-oiled bowl, flipping it to ensure all surfaces are oiled. Cover the bowl with oiled plastic wrap and a hand towel, then set it in a warm, draft-free area, allowing it to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Make the Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by combining melted butter, cinnamon, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until fully combined and set aside.
Roll Out and Fill the Dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Lightly flour both the dough and a rolling pin, then roll the dough into a rectangle about 18 inches long by 14 inches wide. Spread the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border all around.
Shape the Cake: Roll the dough up jellyroll-style and pinch the seams to seal. Carefully transfer the roll to a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam-side down, and bring the ends together to form an oval shape. Press the edges together to seal completely.
Second Rise: Cover the cake with oiled plastic wrap and a hand towel, allowing it to rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375 degrees F.
Bake the Cake: Once the second rise is complete, remove the plastic wrap and towel. Bake in the upper third of the oven until the cake is golden brown, about 25 minutes. After baking, transfer the cake (with the parchment paper) to a cooling rack and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before icing.
Make the Icing: Once the cake has cooled for 15 minutes, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, whole milk, salt, and vanilla until smooth. The icing should drizzle easily; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar, and if too thick, add a little more milk until reaching the desired consistency.
Decorate the Cake: Transfer the cooled cake to your desired serving platter. If you wish, insert a dried bean or plastic baby into the cake from the bottom for tradition. Drizzle the icing over the cake, allowing it to ooze down the sides. Before the icing sets, sprinkle colored sugar on top. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Leftover cake can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Things Worth Knowing

Timing is Important: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the sour cream and butter, for better mixing.
Rising Tips: Keep dough in a warm, draft-free area to promote ideal rising conditions.
Texture Check: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky after kneading, not sticky, to achieve that pillowy texture.
Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding icing to prevent melting.

Helpful Hints

Baking a Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake can be a joyful experience, but a few helpful hints can make it even better. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfect:

Storage: Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to three days.
Freezing: You can freeze the uniced cake; wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw it at room temperature before icing.
Pairing: Serve slices of king cake with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful treat any time of day.
Variations: Experiment with different fillings such as cream cheese, fruit jams, or chocolate to customize your king cake.
Presentation: Use vibrant colored sugars to enhance the festive look of your cake for Mardi Gras celebrations.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving a Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake, there are several delightful ways to enjoy it. Here are some ideas:

Breakfast Treat: Serve slices of king cake alongside fresh fruit and a hot cup of coffee for a festive breakfast option.
Brunch Buffet: A perfect centerpiece for a brunch gathering, this cake pairs well with savory dishes like quiches and fresh pastries.
Snack Time: Enjoy a slice in the afternoon with tea or milk for a satisfying snack.
Celebration Desserts: It’s a fantastic dessert option for parties, especially during Mardi Gras, but can be enjoyed year-round!
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, wrap them well and store them for up to three days at room temperature.

FAQ

A king cake is a traditional dessert associated with the Mardi Gras celebration, particularly in New Orleans. It is a sweet, braided cake often decorated with bright icing and colored sugars. This cake not only tastes delicious but also holds a fun tradition of hiding a small figurine or bean inside. The person who finds the figurine is expected to host the next gathering or provide the king cake for the following year’s celebration.

To keep your leftover Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to keep it longer, you can freeze the uniced cake wrapped securely and thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and fill it the day before, then let it rise and bake it the next day. This makes it easier to fit this delightful treat into your schedule, especially during busy Mardi Gras festivities. Just remember to store it properly after baking to maintain its freshness.

The traditional filling for Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake is a cinnamon-sugar mixture, but you can get creative! Cream cheese, fruit preserves, or chocolate spreads are wonderful alternatives. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to cater to your preferences and those of your guests!

Conclusion

The Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake is more than just a dessert; it embodies the spirit of carnival celebrations and brings people together. Its unique flavors and vibrant decorations make it a show-stopper at any gathering. I encourage you to try making this delightful cake and share it with your loved ones during Mardi Gras or any festive occasion. It’s an experience that will surely create lasting memories around the table.