King Cake Latte & Truffles

Indulge in the flavors of Mardi Gras with a rich King Cake Latte and decadent King Cake Truffles. Inspired by the beloved New Orleans tradition, these treats combine warm cinnamon, vanilla, and creamy textures, bringing the spirit of carnival to your cup and plate. Perfect for a festive brunch, holiday gathering, or simply treating yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Mardi Gras-Inspired – Brings the festive flavors of New Orleans into your kitchen.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with barista-style results at home.
• Rich & Creamy – A smooth latte paired with indulgent truffles.
• Visually Stunning – Vibrant green, purple, and gold sugar make these treats eye-catching.
• Perfect for Parties – Great for entertaining during Carnival season.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Latte:

• Espresso
• Steamed milk
• Vanilla syrup
• Cinnamon
• Whipped cream
• Green, purple, and gold sugar sprinkles

Truffles:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Crushed king cake
• White chocolate, melted
• Green, purple, and gold sugar for garnish

Directions

King Cake Latte

1. Brew the Espresso: Prepare 1 shot of espresso using an espresso machine or strong brewed coffee.
2. Mix the Flavors: Stir in vanilla syrup and cinnamon until blended.
3. Steam the Milk: Heat 1 cup of milk until frothy, then pour over the espresso.
4. Top it Off: Add whipped cream and sprinkle with green, purple, and gold sugar for a festive touch.

King Cake Truffles

1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and crushed king cake until fully combined.
2. Shape the Truffles: Roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
3. Dip in Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate and dip each truffle, coating evenly.
4. Decorate: Immediately sprinkle with Mardi Gras-colored sugar before the chocolate sets.
5. Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1 latte & about 12 truffles
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour (truffles)
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Iced Latte Version – Serve the latte over ice for a chilled treat.
• Boozy Twist – Add a splash of Baileys or spiced rum to the truffle mixture.
• Dark Chocolate Coating – Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate.
• Extra Cinnamon Flavor – Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for more warmth.
• Vegan Option – Use oat or almond milk for the latte and dairy-free chocolate for truffles.

Storage/Reheating

• Truffles Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Latte Storage: Best served fresh; if needed, reheat in a microwave for 30 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze truffles for up to 1 month and thaw before serving.

FAQs

What does a King Cake Latte taste like?

It has warm cinnamon, sweet vanilla, and creamy espresso flavors, inspired by Mardi Gras king cake.

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?

Yes! Use 1 teaspoon of instant coffee mixed with 2 tablespoons of hot water for a similar effect.

What type of king cake should I use for truffles?

Any store-bought or homemade king cake works, but a classic cinnamon-flavored one is best.

How do I keep my truffles from being too soft?

Chill the mixture before rolling and refrigerate the truffles immediately after dipping in chocolate.

Can I use colored white chocolate instead of sprinkles?

Yes! Use green, purple, and gold candy melts for a festive look without sugar sprinkles.

Can I make the truffles ahead of time?

Yes! They taste even better after chilling overnight, making them perfect for party prep.

What’s the best way to steam milk at home?

If you don’t have a steamer, heat the milk in a microwave or on the stovetop, then whisk or froth it with a hand frother.

How can I make the truffles less sweet?

Use dark chocolate for dipping or reduce the amount of cream cheese for a denser texture.

Can I serve these truffles warm?

They’re best chilled, but you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Are these truffles gluten-free?

If made with gluten-free king cake, then yes! Otherwise, standard king cake contains gluten.

Conclusion

This King Cake Latte & Truffles duo is a deliciously festive way to celebrate Mardi Gras! Whether you’re sipping a creamy latte or biting into a rich, king cake-infused truffle, these treats bring the flavors of New Orleans right to your home. Try them for your next Carnival party, coffee break, or holiday gathering, and let the good times roll!