Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Best Traditional King Cake Recipe

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Traditional King Cake is a soft, brioche-style pastry filled with cinnamon sugar, topped with a sweet lemon glaze, and decorated in classic purple, green, and gold. This festive dessert is traditionally enjoyed during Epiphany and Mardi Gras celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water (100–110°F)
  • 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 3–3 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (filling)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (filling)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let foam for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat sour cream, sugar, butter, and salt until butter melts. Cool to 100–110°F.
  3. Combine yeast mixture, sour cream mixture, egg, and flour to form dough.
  4. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
  5. Place dough in greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
  6. Mix cinnamon and sugar for filling.
  7. Divide dough in half, roll into rectangles, spread butter, and sprinkle filling.
  8. Roll each into logs, twist together, and form a ring.
  9. Let rise again for 20–30 minutes.
  10. Bake at 350°F for 25–35 minutes until golden.
  11. Mix glaze ingredients until smooth.
  12. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake and decorate with sprinkles.

Notes

Traditionally, a small fève or bean is hidden inside the cake before baking. Whoever finds it becomes the king or queen for the day.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French / Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 48g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 68g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: traditional king cake, mardi gras cake, epiphany cake, new orleans dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://bensrecipes.com/best-traditional-king-cake-recipe/