Description
Celebrate Mardi Gras with this soft, fluffy, and flavorful King Cake, inspired by the famous Dong Phuong Bakery in New Orleans! This overnight King Cake recipe features a rich, buttery dough filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a creamy glaze and festive purple, green, and gold sprinkles. Perfect for Fat Tuesday celebrations or any time you crave this iconic Louisiana dessert!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Refrigerated:
- 4 large eggs
Condiments:
- 1/4 cup honey
Baking & Spices:
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups confectioner’s sugar (packed)
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- Sanding sugar or sprinkles (purple, green, and gold)
Dairy:
- 16 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 tbsp salted butter (melted, for brushing)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 6 tbsp heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough (Overnight Option Recommended)
- In a small saucepan, warm the milk until lukewarm (about 110°F). Stir in honey and instant yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the eggs, softened butter, and milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 ½ – 2 hours, or until doubled in size. (For overnight dough, refrigerate it at this stage and bring it to room temperature before shaping.)
2. Make the Cinnamon Filling
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, 2 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tbsp cinnamon until combined.
3. Shape the King Cake
- Roll out the dough into a 10×24-inch rectangle.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, then shape it into a ring, sealing the edges together.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 45 minutes – 1 hour until puffy.
4. Bake the King Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush the dough with melted butter and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze & Decorate
- Beat together cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and heavy cream until smooth.
- Spread the glaze over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar for the classic Mardi Gras look!
Notes
- Overnight Option: Let the dough rest in the fridge overnight for even more flavor.
- Traditional Surprise: Hide a small plastic baby figurine inside the cake before baking for a fun Mardi Gras tradition!
- Filling Variations: Add pecans or fruit preserves for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
