The Ultimate King Cake Recipe (Classic Mardi Gras Style)

If you’re looking for the perfect king cake recipe, you’re in the right place. This classic Mardi Gras dessert is soft, buttery, lightly sweet, and finished with vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar that instantly feels like a celebration. Traditionally enjoyed during Carnival season—from Epiphany (January 6) through Fat Tuesday—king cake has become a beloved treat far beyond New Orleans.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make a bakery-quality king cake at home, even if you’ve never worked with enriched yeast dough before. We’ll cover the history, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, filling variations, decorating tips, and storage advice so your king cake turns out fluffy, flavorful, and festive every single time.

What Is King Cake?

King cake is a ring-shaped sweet bread inspired by European Epiphany cakes and brought to Louisiana through French and Spanish traditions. Over time, New Orleans bakers transformed it into the iconic Mardi Gras dessert we know today—soft brioche-style dough, a cinnamon-sugar filling, rich icing, and colorful sanding sugar.

A small plastic baby is traditionally hidden inside the cake, and whoever finds it is crowned “king” for the day and tasked with bringing the next cake to the party. While the baby is optional for home bakers, the symbolism and fun remain an important part of king cake culture.

Why This King Cake Recipe Works

This king cake recipe is designed to be:

• Soft and fluffy, thanks to an enriched dough with butter, milk, and eggs

• Perfectly sweet, without being overpowering

• Customizable, with classic or creative fillings

• Beginner-friendly, with clear steps and tips

• Authentic, inspired by traditional New Orleans bakery styles

Whether you’re baking for Mardi Gras, a themed party, or just because you love cinnamon-filled pastries, this recipe delivers consistent results.

Ingredients for King Cake

For the Dough

• ¾ cup warm whole milk (110°F)

• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 4–4½ cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Filling

• ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 3–4 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decorating

• Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar

• Plastic baby (optional, added after baking)

Step-by-Step King Cake Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and gently stir. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is active and ready to give the dough its rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling

While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside. If using nuts, chop them finely and mix them into the cinnamon sugar.

Shaping the King Cake

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle approximately 10×20 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.

Step 5: Roll and Form

Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Carefully bring the ends together to form a ring, pinching the seams to seal. Place the ring seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffed and nearly doubled.

Baking the King Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the king cake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Allow the cake to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

Decorating Your King Cake

Step 7: Make the Icing

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency as needed—it should drizzle easily but not run off the cake completely.

Step 8: Ice and Decorate

Drizzle the icing generously over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle alternating sections of purple, green, and gold sanding sugar before the icing sets.

If using a plastic baby, gently insert it into the bottom of the cake after decorating.

Popular King Cake Filling Variations

While cinnamon is the classic choice, many bakeries offer creative twists. This king cake recipe adapts beautifully to different fillings:

Cream Cheese Filling

Mix:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Spread over the dough before adding cinnamon sugar.

Fruit Filling

Use cherry, strawberry, or apple pie filling spread thinly over the buttered dough.

Chocolate King Cake

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon sugar for a rich, indulgent version.

Praline King Cake

Add toasted pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce inside for a Southern-inspired twist.

Tips for the Best King Cake

• Use room-temperature ingredients for better dough texture

• Don’t rush the rise—a slow rise gives better flavor

• Seal the seam well to prevent filling leaks

• Cool completely before icing to avoid melting

• Decorate immediately so the sanding sugar sticks evenly

How to Store King Cake

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days

• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in an airtight container

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze (un-iced) for up to 2 months

To refresh, warm slices slightly in the microwave for that fresh-baked softness.

When to Serve King Cake

King cake is traditionally served during:

• Mardi Gras parties

• Carnival celebrations

• Fat Tuesday gatherings

• Office potlucks

• Family brunches

That said, this king cake recipe is delicious any time you want a festive, cinnamon-filled treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make king cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake a day in advance and decorate just before serving for best appearance.

Do I have to use a baby?

No. The baby is traditional but optional. If serving children, consider leaving it out and placing it beside the cake instead.

Is king cake the same as cinnamon roll dough?

They’re similar, but king cake dough is typically softer and more brioche-like, giving it a richer texture.

Final Thoughts on This King Cake Recipe

This classic king cake recipe brings the joy and tradition of Mardi Gras right into your kitchen. With its soft dough, warm cinnamon filling, and vibrant icing, it’s a show-stopping dessert that feels festive, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you stick with tradition or customize it with cream cheese, fruit, or chocolate, this king cake is guaranteed to become a favorite—during Mardi Gras season and beyond.