Mardi Gras King Cake

King cake might seem intimidating, but once you let the yeast dough rise, the good times roll together quickly.

Similar to coffee cake, king cake is as rich in tradition and history as it is in color and taste. Trademark decorations—sanding sugars in the royal colors of purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power)—honor the three kings who visited the Christ child on Epiphany, the 12th day after Christmas. Also known as King's Day, Mardi Gras marks the start of merrymaking that continues until the grand finale on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.

While it's made in the traditional ring shape, this classic king cake recipe doesn't need braiding or filling. It's topped with a simple powdered sugar, lemon juice, and water glaze, and sprinkled with sanding sugar as you'd traditionally see on the streets of New Orleans.

Instead of hiding a plastic baby inside, you can use a pecan half or a dried bean for an all-natural option. Per tradition, if you end up with the pecan (or baby) you get to be in charge of bringing the king cake to the next Mardi Gras party.

Learn how to make a king cake at home, and bring the party to your house this year.

What Is King Cake?

King cake is a traditional dessert served for Mardi Gras, particularly in Louisiana and other Southern states. It is said to have originated in France and Spain, and was brought over to the New World, where the tradition continued to evolve. King cakes can vary based on where they're made, featuring a variety of fillings and flavors.

A small baby figurine, or other symbolic item like a pecan, coin, or bean, is often hidden inside the cake. Getting the slice with the hidden item is said to bring good luck, making the finder a "king" or "queen" for the day, and often symbolizes that they become the host of the next king cake celebration.

Ingredients for Mardi Gras King Cake

Don't let the long ingredient list fool you—the bulk of this celebratory cake is made up with pantry staples like butter, sugar, flour, egg yolks, and milk. Active dry yeast, a few special flavorings, powdered sugar, and sanding sugars round out the list. To make Mardi Gras king cake, you'll need:

For the cake:

• Warm water: Helps activate the yeast to start the fermentation process.
• Active dry yeast: A leavening agent used to give the cake its rise. Active dry yeast can be substituted with instant yeast in an equal quantity, if preferred.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives the yeast something to feed on.
• Table salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds warmth and traditional spice to the dough. Can substitute with cinnamon if preferred.
• Lemon zest: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dough that balances the sweetness of the glazed cake.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its structure.
• Large egg yolks: Add richness and color to the dough.
• Warm milk: Helps create a cake with a tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness, tenderness, and flavor, and used to grease the baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
• Finely chopped candied citron (optional): Adds a citrusy flavor and contrasting texture and color in the cake.
• Pecan half or dried bean: Hidden within the king cake before baking. Whoever finds it is said to have good luck or be "king" for the day.

For the glaze:

• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and creates a base for the glaze. Sifted to avoid lumps.
• Fresh lemon juice: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
• Water: To thin the glaze to the right consistency.

You'll also need purple, green, and gold sanding sugar for a traditional, colorful finish.

How To Make Mardi Gras King Cake

This cake might be a labor of love, but we promise it's worth it. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Activate yeast: Stir together warm water, yeast, and 2 teaspoons sugar; set aside until foamy.
• Step 2. Make dough: Beat salt, nutmeg, zest, 4 cups flour, and remaining sugar in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add yolks, milk, melted butter, and yeast mixture; beat until smooth.
• Step 3. Knead dough: Transfer to a lightly floured surface; knead in additional flour as needed until dough is no longer sticky. Knead until smooth and elastic.
• Step 4. Let dough rise: Place into greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled in bulk.
• Step 5. Shape dough: Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. If using, knead in citron. Shape into a 30-inch-long cylinder.
• Step 6: Make a dough ring: Transfer cylinder to a buttered baking sheet and shape into a ring, pinching ends to seal. Press in pecan half from underside of dough. Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk. Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Step 7. Bake cake: Bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet.
• Step 8. Prepare glaze: Stir together glaze ingredients until smooth.
• Step 9. Add glaze and sugar: Drizzle cake with glaze and sprinkle with colorful sanding sugar.

Tips for the Best Mardi Gras King Cake

For the best Mardi Gras king cake, keep these tips in mind—particularly if you're new to working with yeast:

• Make sure your yeast is active: If your yeast mixture still looks the same after about 10 minutes, check the expiration date of your yeast to make sure it's still active.
• Don't watch the clock: Remember that rise times are only a guide. Cooler temperatures will cause your dough to rise more slowly. Look at the volume of the dough rather than the clock.
• Add flavor: Feel free to amp up the flavor of the dough with orange zest, almond or vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, or other spices as desired.
• Flavorful fillings: Some versions of king cake are filled with a cinnamon or cream cheese filling, then twisted up into a ring.
• Get creative: Level up your presentation by adorning the king cake with classic Mardi Gras decorations, like colorful beads, for a festive touch.

What To Serve With King Cake

King cake can be served for dessert or as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea. Pair with celebratory cocktails, hot chocolate, or other favorite beverages, and a side of whipped cream or fresh fruit for a sweet touch.

Can I Make Mardi Gras King Cake Ahead?

To prepare king cake ahead, prepare the dough through Step 3. Instead of setting the dough aside to rise, cover and transfer to the refrigerator to rise slowly overnight. The next day, bring the dough to room temperature and continue with the recipe as written.

King cake can also be baked up to one day ahead. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature. Glaze fresh before serving for the best presentation.

How To Store Leftover King Cake

Store leftover king cake well-wrapped or in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze for up to two months. Bring to room temperature before serving. Note that the sanding sugar may begin to bleed over time.

More Mardi Gras-Inspired Dessert Recipes You'll Love

If you can't make it to the Big Easy, recreate the flavors of Mardi Gras in your own kitchen with these decadent dessert recipes:

• King Cake Monkey Bread
• Praline-Cream Cheese King Cake
• King Cake Beignets
• Creole Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
• New Orleans Beignets
• King Cake Bread Pudding with Chicory Ice Cream
• Mini King Cake Cupcakes
• Pecan Pralines
• Homemade Moon Pies
• Praline Bread Pudding
• Brennan's Bananas Foster

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.