Introduction
Have you ever wondered why a simple dough ring decorated in purple green and gold can stop an entire city in its tracks every February? It is more than just a dessert because it is a symbol of history and celebration that brings everyone together. Today I am sharing my Easy New Orleans Style King Cake for Mardi Gras Delicious Mardi Gras Tradition which captures all that magic without the stress of a professional bakery. I still remember the first time I tried a slice of authentic King Cake at a local street parade. That perfect blend of soft brioche and sweet cinnamon stayed with me forever. As a husband and father I wanted to bring that same joy to my kids Adams and Jana. This recipe is designed for busy parents who want to create lasting memories in their own kitchen. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner who is just learning the ropes this guide will help you produce a masterpiece that tastes like it came straight from the French Quarter. Let us dive into this colorful journey and make some kitchen magic together.
Why You Will Love This Easy New Orleans Style King Cake for Mardi Gras Delicious Mardi Gras Tradition
- It is incredibly beginner friendly because we use simple techniques that take the intimidation out of yeast dough.
- The flavor is out of this world with a rich buttery texture and a warm cinnamon swirl that everyone loves.
- It is a wonderful way to involve the kids especially when it comes to decorating with the vibrant colored sugars.
- You can customize the fillings based on your family preferences from classic cinnamon sugar to cream cheese or fruit.
- It creates a beautiful centerpiece for any party or family gathering making your table look festive and professional.
- This recipe uses pantry staples so you probably already have most of what you need in your kitchen right now.
Ingredients for Easy New Orleans Style King Cake for Mardi Gras Delicious Mardi Gras Tradition
To make this festive treat you will need the following items divided into the dough the filling and the icing.
- For the Dough: 1 package active dry yeast or 2 and a quarter teaspoons plus a half cup warm water and a half cup warm milk. You also need a half cup granulated sugar a half cup melted butter one large egg and 4 cups of all purpose flour.
- For the Filling: a half cup softened butter one cup brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon.
- For the Icing and Decor: 2 cups powdered sugar 3 tablespoons whole milk one teaspoon vanilla extract and sanding sugar in purple green and gold.
If you are looking for other festive ideas you might also enjoy my king cake cinnamon rolls mardi gras breakfast which uses similar flavors for a quick morning treat.
How to Make Easy New Orleans Style King Cake for Mardi Gras Delicious Mardi Gras Tradition
Step by Step Instructions
- First you need to bloom the yeast. In a large bowl combine the warm water and a pinch of sugar then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and alive.
- Add the warm milk melted butter sugar egg and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk these together until they are well combined.
- Gradually add the flour one cup at a time. Mix with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl cover it with a warm damp cloth and let it rise in a draft free spot for about an hour or until it has doubled in size.
- While the dough rises mix your filling by combining the softened butter brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until it forms a spreadable paste.
- Once the dough has risen punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 10 by 15 inches.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough leaving a small border at the edges. Starting from the long side roll the dough up tightly into a log.
- Bring the two ends of the log together to form a ring or oval shape. Pinch the ends together to seal them. Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the ring and let it rise again for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cake is golden brown. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before you start the icing process.
Pro Tips and Variations
To ensure your cake is perfect every time make sure your liquids are warm but not hot. If the milk or water is too hot it will kill the yeast and your cake will not rise. For a richer flavor you can swap the milk for heavy cream. If you want to try an even easier version of this flavor profile check out my king cake poke cake recipe mardi gras dessert for a different spin on the tradition.
For variations you can add a cream cheese layer to the filling by mixing 8 ounces of cream cheese with a half cup of powdered sugar. If you are feeling adventurous you can even hide a small plastic baby inside the cake after it is baked but please warn your guests so no one accidentally bites it! For more inspiration on festive baking you can see this traditional king cake guide from King Arthur Baking.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is best served at room temperature with a fresh pot of chicory coffee to really lean into that New Orleans vibe. If you are hosting a full party consider pairing it with a savory dish like a fat tuesday pasta salad recipe to balance out the sweetness. It also goes beautifully with fresh fruit or a light sparkling cider for the kids. If you want to provide a variety of handheld treats alongside the cake try making these mardi gras candy melt pretzels recipe easy dessert which add a nice salty crunch to your dessert table.
Storage and Reheating for Easy New Orleans Style King Cake for Mardi Gras Delicious Mardi Gras Tradition
If you have leftovers you can store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the un iced cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. To reheat simply pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This will revive the soft texture and make the cinnamon filling gooey and delicious again just like it was fresh out of the oven.
FAQ about Easy New Orleans Style King Cake for Mardi Gras Delicious Mardi Gras Tradition
What do the colors purple green and gold represent?
In the tradition of Mardi Gras purple represents justice green represents faith and gold represents power. These colors are essential for making your cake look authentic and festive.
Can I use store bought dough instead of making it from scratch?
Yes if you are in a time crunch you can use refrigerated cinnamon roll dough or brioche dough. However making it from scratch provides a much better texture and flavor that your family will notice. You can find more tips in my amazing mardi gras treats recipe guide.
Is this cake supposed to be dry?
No a good King Cake should be soft and almost bread like similar to a cinnamon roll. If yours is dry it might have been overbaked or too much flour was added during the kneading process. For more detailed tips check out this classic King Cake tutorial.
Final Thoughts on Easy New Orleans Style King Cake for Mardi Gras Delicious Mardi Gras Tradition
Creating this Easy New Orleans Style King Cake for Mardi Gras Delicious Mardi Gras Tradition is such a rewarding experience because it brings so much color and joy into the home kitchen. I hope this recipe helps you celebrate with your loved ones and start a new tradition of your own. If you enjoyed this recipe please save it on Pinterest and leave a comment below telling me how yours turned out. Do not forget to subscribe to Mister Recipes for more family friendly meals and kitchen hacks. Grab your apron and let us get started on your next delicious adventure!
Easy New Orleans Style King Cake for Mardi Gras-Delicious Mardi Gras Tradition
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup warm water and a pinch of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle 1 package active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and alive.
- Add 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 tsp salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk together until well combined.
- Gradually add 4 cups all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a warm damp cloth, and let rise in a draft-free spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, in a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp ground cinnamon until it forms a spreadable paste.
- Punch down the risen dough. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 10x15 inches. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border at the edges.
- Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log.
- Bring the two ends of the log together to form a ring or oval shape. Pinch the ends together to seal. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the ring and let it rise for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a bowl, mix 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tbsp milk, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake and immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar.