Traditional Louisiana King Cake

Traditional Louisiana King Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a vibrant symbol of the festive season in New Orleans, especially during Mardi Gras. Imagine the sweet smell of cinnamon filling your home as you prepare this delightful cake. With its rich, braided brioche dough and colorful icing, it’s a feast for the senses and a centerpiece for gatherings. Each bite is a connection to tradition, a piece of history shared among friends and family. Whether you’re new to this beloved treat or a seasoned baker, making a Traditional Louisiana King Cake brings joy and celebration into your kitchen. So grab your mixing bowls, and let’s create something special!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Traditional Louisiana King Cake
• Ingredients
• Preparing the Dough
• Activating the Yeast
• Mixing the Dry Ingredients
• Combining Ingredients
• Kneading the Dough
• First Rise
• Preparing the Filling
• Making the Filling
• Shaping the Cake
• Punching Down the Dough
• Assembling the King Cake
• Second Rise
• Baking the Cake
• Baking Process
• Preparing the Icing
• Making the Icing
• Decorating the Cake
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• FAQs
• More Easy Desserts Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

Traditional Louisiana King Cake is a celebration of culture, flavor, and community. The unique combination of enriched brioche dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, and vibrant decorations not only defines the treat but also its significance during the Mardi Gras season. This recipe embraces the time-honored techniques while ensuring an accessible approach for modern home bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Louisiana King Cake

This recipe for Traditional Louisiana King Cake captures the essence of New Orleans festivities, evoking joyous memories and meaningful gatherings. With its sweet aroma filling your kitchen and the delightful taste of cinnamon and sugar, this cake promises to be the highlight of any celebration, bringing friends and family together in a whirlwind of color and flavor.

Ingredients

• ½ cup whole milk, warm
• 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar, divided
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
• ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
• 2 tablespoons whole milk (for icing)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
• Colored sanding sugars (purple, green, and gold)

Preparing the Dough

Activating the Yeast

To start, heat ½ cup of whole milk until it reaches around 110°F. This is the perfect temperature to activate the yeast without killing it. Add the packet of yeast along with a spoonful of white sugar. Now, let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy. Don’t rush this step; it’s essential for a fluffy cake!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together well and set the bowl aside for now. The nutmeg adds a wonderful warmth to the flavor profile.

Combining Ingredients

Once your yeast has bloomed beautifully, it’s time to combine it with the other ingredients. Add the yeast mixture to a stand mixer bowl alongside 2 large eggs, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, and the remaining ¼ cup of white sugar. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage.

Kneading the Dough

Next, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in 2-3 portions, mixing on low speed. After that, increase the speed, and knead for about 5-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and soft but still slightly tacky. If you prefer to knead by hand, work it for 10-15 minutes on a floured surface.

First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball, and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, rolling it around to coat it with oil. Cover it up with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size. This step is where the magic happens!

Preparing the Filling

Making the Filling

While the dough rises, let’s prepare the filling. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a heatproof container. In a separate bowl, combine ⅔ cup of light brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This mixture will provide that lovely, sweet burst of flavor we all love.

Shaping the Cake

Punching Down the Dough

Once the dough has risen, give it a gentle punch down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a large rectangle, aiming for approximately 10” x 22”. This creates the perfect canvas for our filling.

Assembling the King Cake

Brush the flattened dough with the melted butter you prepared for the filling. Now sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the dough, leaving about a ½” gap around the edges. Then, roll the dough up from the long side, creating a log shape. Pinch the edges to seal it tight. Now, form the log into a circle or oval and place it on a lined baking sheet.

Second Rise

Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap and allow it to rise for another 30-45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F during this rise. Double the rise means double the fluffiness!

Baking the Cake

Baking Process

Your cake is almost ready! Bake the king cake for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown. To be sure it’s cooked through, the internal temperature should reach 190°F. Once baked, allow it to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Preparing the Icing

Making the Icing

As you wait for the cake to cool, let’s whip up the icing. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well and adjust the consistency as needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk.

Decorating the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, generously pour the icing over the top. Let it drip down the sides for a beautiful effect. Now comes the fun part; decorate with alternating bands of colored sanding sugar – purple, green, and gold. These colors symbolize justice, faith, and power, adding a festive sparkle.

Serving Suggestions

Slice up your King Cake and serve it alongside coffee or hot chocolate, especially during Mardi Gras celebrations. It also makes a delicious festive dessert for any winter gathering. Everyone will love this sweet treat!

Tips for Success

• Ensure your yeast is fresh for the best rising.
• If the dough springs back while rolling it out, give it a minute to relax.
• Adjust your icing thickness depending on your preference. More sugar thickens it, while adding milk makes it thinner.

Variations

• Cream Cheese Filling: Try adding a sweetened cream cheese mixture as a fun twist on the traditional filling.
• Fruit Filling: Incorporate your favorite fruit preserves for a fruity touch that’s perfect for those hot summer days.
• Savory King Cake: If you’re feeling adventurous, add herbs and cheese for a savory take on the classic recipe.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of the King Cake?
King Cake is traditionally linked to the Mardi Gras celebration. Often, a small figurine is hidden inside, and whoever finds it is responsible for hosting the next gathering.

2. Can I make King Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator after the first rise. Just let it come back to room temperature before shaping.

3. How long does King Cake stay fresh?
It’s best enjoyed at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it!

4. What can I use instead of sanding sugar for decoration?
Feel free to use colored sprinkles or edible glitter as fun alternatives to sanding sugar for decorating your cake.

5. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may change the texture and flavor a bit. Mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour can create a nice balance.

Traditional Louisiana King Cake is a delightful way to celebrate the festivities of Mardi Gras or simply brighten any cold winter day. With each slice, indulge in the rich flavors and heritage of New Orleans. Whether enjoyed with friends at a lively gathering or savored solo with a warm cup of coffee, this cake embodies joy, community, and good times. Recapture the spirit of tradition with this easy-to-follow recipe and make your own king cake that brings together family and friends in a beautiful celebration of culture and flavor.

More Easy Desserts Recipes:

• Easy Strawberry Fluff
• Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
• Lemon Raspberry Cake
• Lemon Olive Oil Honey Cake

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