Dessert

King's Cake Recipe

Bring Mardi Gras to your kitchen with this soft, cinnamon scented cake, glazed in festive colors and hiding a tiny baby for surprise.

The moment this King's Cake comes out of the oven, your kitchen smells like warm butter, cinnamon, and vanilla, with a tender, slightly chewy crumb that begs for a first bite.

Make it during Mardi Gras season to share with friends and family, or whenever you want a show stopping dessert that feels like a party long before the celebration begins.

I always crack the cake open on New Year's Day, tuck in a fève, and watch everyone light up when they find the tiny hidden treasure in their slice.

Recipe at a Glance

⏱Prep Time25 mins

🔥Cook Time35 mins

🕐Total Time1 hour 45 mins (includes rise time)

🍰Servings12 slices

🇺🇸CuisineAmerican

🔢Calories~320 per slice

Ingredients

Dough

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

1 1/4 cups warm milk (about 110°F)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling and Finish

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup cream cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Food coloring in traditional Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, gold)

Tiny plastic baby fève (optional)

Substitutions & Variations

★Use gluten free flour blend in place of all purpose flour for a gluten free version.

★Replace milk with any non dairy milk such as almond or oat milk.

★Swap butter for coconut oil to give a slightly tropical note.

★Leave out the plastic baby and hide a paper favor instead.

★Use ground cardamom along with cinnamon for a deeper spice profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Activate the yeast

In a small bowl, whisk warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes until frothy.

2

Mix the dough base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, salt, melted butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until combined.

3

Knead in the flour

Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead gently on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.

4

First rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

5

Prepare the filling

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Beat softened butter and cream cheese together, then fold in powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

6

Shape the cake

Punch down the dough and roll into a rectangle about 16 by 12 inches. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a small border, then sprinkle the brown sugar cinnamon mix over the top.

7

Add the hidden treasure

Place the plastic baby fève in the center of the dough, then carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seam to seal.

8

Second rise and bake

Place the log seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet, cover, and rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F, bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.

9

Make the glaze

Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until smooth. Divide into small bowls and tint with purple, green, and gold food coloring.

10

Glaze and decorate

Let the cake cool slightly, then drizzle the colored glazes over the top in alternating stripes. Sprinkle colorful sanding sugar for extra sparkle.

Pro Baker Tips

✓Warm the milk just until it feels comfortably warm on your wrist for best yeast activation.

✓Chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft to roll out neatly.

✓Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurements to keep the cake tender.

✓Let the cake cool fully before glazing so the colors stay vivid and do not melt.

Storage & Serving Notes

◆Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

◆Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the colorful cake proudly and watch everyone spot the hidden baby, then share stories and smiles over generous wedges.

›Serve with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy gathering

›Place small paper crowns on each plate for a festive touch

›Pair with fresh fruit salad for a lighter contrast

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake and assemble the cake a day in advance, store it covered, and add the glaze on the day you serve it for the brightest colors.

What if I don't have a fève?

Use a small dried bean, a pecan half, or a paper favor token instead, and always warn guests about the hidden item.

How do I get clean stripes in the glaze?

Let the base glaze set slightly, then drizzle the colored glazes in quick lines and gently swirl with the back of a spoon.

Can I freeze the baked cake?

Yes, wrap the completely cooled cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before glazing.

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Go Make It!

This King's Cake carries the joy of Mardi Gras right into your home, with a soft bake, playful colors, and that thrilling moment when the hidden baby is found.