New Orleans King Cake Recipe

Try our New Orleans King Cake Recipe for a colorful and sweet treat commonly served during Mardi Gras celebrations! The cake’s tradition dates back to New Orleans’ French roots and is associated with the Epiphany and Carnival season. The cake contains a hidden figurine that represents good fortune and prosperity for the finder.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs

For the filling and decoration:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 plastic baby figurine (for hiding inside the cake)
• Colored sugar or icing for decorating (purple, green, and gold)

Instructions

1. Mix 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a big bowl. 
2. In a small pot, warm the milk and water until heated but not boiling. Take it off the heat and add the melted butter. Wait a few minutes to let the mixture cool down a bit.
3. Add the milk mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients. Beat with a mixer on medium speed until well combined.
4. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and set aside for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled.
7. Punch the risen dough down and place it on a floured surface. Make a large rectangle out of it.
8. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving an edge border.
9. Combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
10. Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long side, then shape it into a ring and pinch the ends together.
11. Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
12. To bake the King Cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake it for around 25-30 minutes until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
13. After baking, let the cake cool entirely on a wire rack. Once it’s cooled, insert the plastic baby figurine into the cake from the bottom.
14.  Decorate the cake with icing or colored sugar in purple, green, and gold – representing Mardi Gras. 
15. Finally, slice and serve the New Orleans King Cake, savoring the festive flavors and traditions of Mardi Gras!

The New Orleans King Cake is a Mardi Gras treat with a sweet and spiced filling. Decorate it with vibrant colors and enjoy the tradition of finding the hidden figurine! Enjoy this festive treat!