If you’re ready to bring a burst of color and a slice of Southern tradition to your kitchen, this Traditional King Cake Recipe is your perfect go-to. This vibrant dessert is more than just a cake—it’s a celebration in every bite, filled with tender dough, a warm cinnamon swirl, and a luscious glaze, all crowned with festive purple, green, and gold sprinkles. Whether you’re honoring Mardi Gras or just craving a sweet treat that’s steeped in history and flavor, this recipe captures the heart of the festivities with a recipe that’s truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Traditional King Cake Recipe lies in its wonderfully simple but essential ingredients. Each part is carefully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that iconic colorful finish that everyone loves.
- Active dry yeast (1/4 oz or 2 1/4 tsp): This is the secret to a fluffy, light dough that rises beautifully.
- Warm water (1/4 cup, 100° to 110°F): Needed to activate the yeast and start the dough rising process.
- Granulated sugar (total 1/2 Tbsp + 2 Tbsp + 1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and the cinnamon filling, balancing flavors perfectly.
- Full fat sour cream (8 oz): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough for a moist texture.
- Unsalted butter (2 Tbsp melted for dough + 1/3 cup softened for filling): Brings softness and a buttery flavor you’ll want in every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without ever overpowering.
- Large egg (1, lightly beaten): Helps bind everything together while adding richness.
- Bread flour (3 to 3 ½ cups, or all-purpose as substitute): The base of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 ½ teaspoons): Fills the cake with that unmistakable warm spice swirl inside.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups for glaze): For the sweet, smooth icing that melts perfectly on top.
- Cream cheese (3 Tbsp softened, or butter as an alternative): Creates a tangy, creamy glaze that brings everything together.
- Milk (2-4 Tbsp): Adjusts glaze consistency to just the right drizzle texture.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 Tbsp): Adds a fresh zing to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (¼ tsp): Adds depth and warmth to the glaze.
- Purple, green, and gold sprinkles: The signature Mardi Gras colors to top your king cake in festive style.
How to Make Traditional King Cake Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start your Traditional King Cake Recipe by dissolving the yeast in warm water along with 1/2 tablespoon of granulated sugar. This step is crucial because the yeast must foam up to confirm it’s active—this foaming means your dough will rise into that light, airy texture you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Prepare the sour cream mixture
In a small saucepan, gently heat the sour cream, butter, salt, and sugar until everything melts together. Once it’s lukewarm rather than hot (this keeps the yeast happy), it’s ready to combine with your yeast mix to enrich the dough with flavor and moisture.
Step 3: Combine the dough ingredients
Using a stand mixer, blend the lukewarm sour cream mixture, the activated yeast mixture, beaten egg, and half the flour. Start mixing briefly to bring ingredients together before gradually adding the remaining flour. Keep the mixer on low to develop a soft, elastic dough that doesn’t stick to the bowl or your hands.
Step 4: Knead and let rise
After mixing, knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes, either by hand or in your stand mixer with a dough hook. Then place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—usually about an hour. This rising time deepens the flavor and ensures a fluffy finish.
Step 5: Roll out and add filling
Once risen, punch down your dough and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture. These layers are what will give your Traditional King Cake Recipe that mouthwatering swirl bursting with sweetness and spice.
Step 6: Shape and second rise
Carefully roll the dough up tightly from the long side to avoid air pockets, then form it into a ring on a prepared baking sheet. Cover it again and let it rise a second time until it looks puffed and inviting—this gives your cake a light, lofty crumb perfect for slicing.
Step 7: Bake to golden perfection
Bake your king cake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 35 minutes, until it’s golden brown and smells irresistibly like cinnamon and butter. Be sure to let it cool completely on a wire rack before the fun part—glazing!
Step 8: Make the glaze and decorate
Mix powdered sugar with softened cream cheese (or butter if you prefer) and add milk little by little until smooth and drizzle-ready. Stir in fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract to brighten the glaze’s flavor. Drizzle lavishly over your cooled cake, then immediately sprinkle those iconic purple, green, and gold sugars for a flash of festive color.
How to Serve Traditional King Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic sprinkles, you can add edible glitter or gold leaf for an extra sparkle that makes your king cake the star of any party. Slicing the cake to reveal the cinnamon swirl inside is a moment to savor and share joy with everyone at the table.
Side Dishes
This Traditional King Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chicory coffee, strong black tea, or even a festive mimosa for brunch. For a heartier spread, contrast the sweetness with savory dishes like ham, cheese platters, or fresh fruit salad to keep taste buds celebrating every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices on a decorative platter with fresh flowers or Mardi Gras beads to create a colorful seasonal centerpiece. You could also turn this king cake into a layered dessert by slicing horizontally and adding cream cheese frosting in between layers, elevating this classic into an eye-catching showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your king cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for savoring a few extra slices without losing that irresistible texture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing quality. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for a few hours before glazing or serving.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness, or heat in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes for a slightly crisp exterior with a tender inside. Always add the glaze fresh if frozen without it for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour in this Traditional King Cake Recipe?
Yes! While bread flour provides a chewier texture, all-purpose flour works perfectly well and will still deliver a delicious, tender cake.
Is there a way to make this king cake dairy-free?
Absolutely. You can replace the sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt or coconut cream, and swap butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil. Your cake will still taste amazing!
Can I add a hidden baby like traditional store-bought King Cakes?
Yes, you can! Traditionally, a small plastic baby is hidden inside the dough before rolling. Just be sure to bake safely so the baby doesn’t melt, or add it after baking for safety.
How long does this Traditional King Cake Recipe take from start to finish?
Including rising and baking, plan for about 2 ½ to 3 hours total. Most of this time is hands-off while the dough rises, making it perfect for multitasking.
What makes a Traditional King Cake Recipe different from regular cinnamon rolls?
The circular ring shape, vibrant glaze colors, and festivities tied to this cake set it apart. The dough is also enriched with sour cream, giving it a distinct tender crumb compared to typical cinnamon rolls.
Final Thoughts
This Traditional King Cake Recipe is a joyful way to bring a taste of celebration into your home any time you want. Baking it from scratch is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and that unmistakable aroma of cinnamon and buttery goodness. Give it a try and share the tradition with your family and friends—once you do, this bright, festive cake will be a beloved favorite for years to come.
Print
Traditional King Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Southern, Mardi Gras)
Description
This traditional King Cake is a festive, sweet bread popular during Mardi Gras celebrations. Made with a soft, tender dough enriched with sour cream and butter, it is filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, shaped into a ring, and baked until golden. Topped with a creamy glaze and colorful purple, green, and gold sprinkles, this cake is perfect for sharing at parties and celebrations.
Ingredients
Dough and Yeast Mixture
- 1/4 oz active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp or 1 packet)
- 1/4 cup warm water (100° to 110°F)
- 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 8 oz full fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 3 to 3 ½ cups bread flour (can substitute all-purpose flour)
Filling
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese (softened; can substitute butter)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- Purple, green, and gold sprinkles to decorate
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast with warm water (100° to 110°F) and 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare sour cream mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the sour cream, 2 tablespoons sugar, unsalted butter, and salt. Heat gently until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm but not hot. Remove from heat and allow it to cool to lukewarm temperature to avoid killing the yeast.
- Mix dough ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the cooled sour cream mixture, activated yeast mixture, and beaten egg. Add half of the flour and mix briefly to combine.
- Add remaining flour: Gradually add the remaining flour while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead and rise dough: Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Prepare filling and roll dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon and granulated sugar mixture evenly on top.
- Shape cake: Roll up the dough tightly from one long edge into a log. Pinch seams to seal. Form the rolled dough into a ring shape on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffed.
- Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
- Prepare and apply glaze: In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar with softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Decorate: Immediately sprinkle the cake with purple, green, and gold sprinkles to finish. Let glaze set before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- The yeast should be activated in warm water, not hot, to ensure it blooms properly.
- If the dough is too sticky, add flour gradually, but avoid making it too dry.
- Sour cream enriches the dough and adds tenderness; full-fat is preferred for best texture.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour if bread flour is unavailable, though texture may vary slightly.
- The traditional colors of the sprinkles – purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power) – are symbolic for Mardi Gras.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the cake.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by varying the milk amount to suit your preference.
- Store leftover cake wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
