Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

1/2 cup melted butter

5 egg yolks

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

1/4 cup melted butter

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar

2–3 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

Purple, green, and gold sugar sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

In a bowl, mix warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and gradually mix in the flour. Knead until smooth, about 8–10 minutes.

Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

3. Make the Filling:

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans.

4. Shape the Cake:

Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 10×16 inches). Spread melted butter on top and sprinkle the filling mixture evenly.

Roll the dough into a log, then shape it into a ring and pinch the ends together.

Place on a baking sheet and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes.

5. Bake:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool before decorating.

6. Glaze and Decorate:

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cake.

Sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sugar to create the traditional Mardi Gras look.

7. Optional: Hide a Baby Figurine

If following tradition, insert a small plastic baby into the cake after baking. The person who finds it is supposed to host the next party!

Enjoy your homemade Mardi Gras King Cake!