MARDI GRAS KING CAKE
Celebrate in style with this festive Mardi Gras King Cake — a soft, buttery brioche filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with colourful icing. Perfect for parties, it’s a sweet symbol of joy, luck, and tradition.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ½ cup warm milk 110°F / 43°C
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
For the Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple green, and gold sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add eggs, remaining sugar, butter, flour, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon. Mix and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Filling: Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Assemble: Roll dough into a 10x20-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, then roll tightly from the long side and shape into a ring. Pinch ends to seal.
- Second Rise: Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool before glazing.
- Decorate: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze. Drizzle over cooled cake and top with coloured sugars.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. Let it rest at room temperature before baking.
- Tradition: Hide a small plastic baby inside before serving — whoever finds it hosts the next party!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with coffee or as a festive brunch treat.
- Storage: Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.