Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe brings the spirit of New Orleans to your kitchen! This soft, buttery cake is swirled with spiced brown sugar and pecans, then crowned with a vibrant glaze and traditional colored sugars. A hidden baby doll inside completes the festive tradition.
Ingredients for this Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 (¼-ounce) envelopes active dry yeast
- ½ cup white sugar, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 5½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅔ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons water (plus more as needed)
Decoration:
- 2 plastic baby dolls
- Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar
Directions for this Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
- Prepare the Dough:
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan until steaming. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Cool to about 110°F.
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 2 tablespoons sugar in warm water. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the milk mixture, remaining sugar, eggs, salt, and nutmeg. Stir in 3 cups of flour until smooth.
- Gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1–2 hours.
- Make the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, pecans, flour, raisins, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Shape the Cake:
- Punch down dough and roll into a 10×28-inch rectangle.
- Spread filling evenly, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll tightly from the long side.
- Shape into a ring, pinch ends together, and place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Decorate:
- Mix confectioners’ sugar and water into a smooth glaze.
- Insert a plastic baby underneath the cake.
- Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and sprinkle immediately with purple, green, and gold sugars.
Nutrition (Per Serving, estimated for 16 servings):
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 56g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
Prep Time:
- Prep: 30 minutes
- Rise: 2–2½ hours
- Bake: 30 minutes
- Total: 3–3½ hours
Note: Whether you’re hosting a Mardi Gras party or simply craving something festive, this Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe guarantees delicious results with a true touch of New Orleans!
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Source: www.allrecipes.com
