18 Decadent Mardi Gras Dessert Recipes Irresistible

Get ready to indulge in a sweet celebration with these 18 Decadent Mardi Gras Dessert Recipes Irresistible! As the excitement builds for the big parade, we’re trading in our lattes for king cakes and giving into our sweet tooth. From classic New Orleans treats like beignets and pralines to decadent cheesecakes and rich tarts, these indulgent desserts are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Whether you’re a native New Orleanian or just visiting the Big Easy for Mardi Gras, these mouth-watering recipes will transport you straight to the French Quarter. So don your party hat, grab a plate of beignets, and get ready to indulge in the sweetest celebration of the year! In this article, we’ll be counting down our top 18 Decadent Mardi Gras Dessert Recipes Irresistible that are sure to make your taste buds do the two-step.

King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Celebrate Mardi Gras with this classic King Cake recipe, featuring a tangy cream cheese filling and sweet, buttery dough. Perfect for parties or special occasions.

Ingredients:

– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Cream cheese filling ingredients (below)

Cream Cheese Filling:

– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt. Add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness. Spread cream cheese filling over the center, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

New Orleans Style Beignets

These powdered sugar-coated treats are a classic New Orleans staple, perfect for a sweet indulgence. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these delicate and airy beignets in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

– 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water, sugar, and mix until smooth batter forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
4. Preheat oil to 375°F (190°C).
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop small balls of dough into hot oil.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and puffed up.
7. Remove beignets from oil with slotted spoon, place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Dust with powdered sugar while still warm.

Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Elevate your dessert game with this rich and indulgent bread pudding, infused with the flavors of Bananas Foster. This decadent treat is perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups stale French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Caramel sauce and whipped cream for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together bread, bananas, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients; stir until well combined.
5. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish; sprinkle with chopped walnuts (if using).
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
7. Serve warm, topped with caramel sauce and whipped cream if desired.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Praline Pecan Pie

This praline pecan pie combines the rich flavors of caramelized sugar and toasted pecans with the classic filling of a traditional pecan pie. The result is a sweet and nutty dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
– 1/4 cup praline sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together corn syrup, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in pecan halves.
5. Pour filling into a pre-baked pie crust.
6. Drizzle praline sauce over the filling.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is set.

Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Tart

Elevate your dessert game with this indulgent treat that combines the smoothness of chocolate, the depth of bourbon, and the crunch of pecans. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (120g) pecan halves
– 1 cup (200g) semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out puff pastry and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the pastry.
3. Top with pecans and chocolate chips.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is caramelized.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Creole Cream Cheese Cheesecake

This rich and creamy cheesecake combines the bold flavors of Creole cuisine with the velvety texture of cream cheese. With a hint of spice and a touch of sophistication, this dessert is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs, separated
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Prepare crust by mixing crumbs and sugar in a bowl. Add melted butter and stir until combined. Press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
4. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared crust and smooth top.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until center is set.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

French Quarter Fudge Brownies

Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with these indulgent French Quarter Fudge Brownies. Moist and gooey in the center, with a crispy edge and a hint of coffee flavor, these brownies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), plus more for greasing
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup instant coffee powder
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper.
2. Melt butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add chocolate chips and coffee powder; let sit for 1 minute.
5. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Mardi Gras King Cupcakes

Get ready to laissez les bons temps rouler with these vibrant and flavorful Mardi Gras King Cupcakes! These bite-sized treats are the perfect way to mark the festive occasion, with a rich king cake filling and colorful green and purple swirls.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons whole milk
– King cake filling (homemade or store-bought)
– Green and purple frosting for decorating

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, egg, and milk; mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before filling with king cake filling and decorating.

Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

Southern Praline Cookies

These classic Southern treats are a perfect combination of crunchy edges and chewy centers, infused with the rich flavors of pralines. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of these irresistible cookies that will be devoured in no time.

Ingredients:

– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1 cup praline sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans (if using).
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Drizzle with praline sauce before baking.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Banana Pudding with Mardi Gras Sprinkles

Get ready to party with this vibrant Banana Pudding recipe featuring Mardi Gras Sprinkles! This creamy treat is a perfect blend of sweet and festive, sure to bring joy to anyone’s celebration.

Ingredients:

– 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup vanilla pudding mix
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup Mardi Gras Sprinkles (colorful nonpareil sprinkles)
– Whipped cream and additional sprinkles for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, milk, sugar, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
2. Add the melted butter and whisk until well combined.
3. Fold in the sliced bananas.
4. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle Mardi Gras Sprinkles on top of each serving.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Top with whipped cream and additional sprinkles, if desired.

Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a quick refrigerated dessert perfect for any celebration.

Bourbon Street Bread Pudding

This rich and decadent bread pudding is infused with the warmth of bourbon, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its tender crumb and caramelized crust, it’s a must-have dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 4 cups stale French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. If using bourbon, add it to the mixture and stir to combine.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Sweet Potato Praline Cobbler

This Sweet Potato Praline Cobbler is a twist on the classic cobbler recipe, featuring sweet and tender sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy praline crust. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients:

– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, flour, salt, and nutmeg.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth.
4. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the sweet potato mixture.
6. Drizzle melted butter over the pecans.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until cobbler is golden brown and bubbly.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Mini King Cake Bites

Mini King Cake Bites: A Bite-Sized Twist on a Classic Treat

Celebrate Mardi Gras year-round with these adorable mini king cakes, perfect for parties and gatherings. These sweet treats are easy to make and packed with cinnamon-spiced goodness.

Ingredients:

– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
4. Sprinkle each piece with sugar mixture, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Fold pastry over filling, forming a triangle or a crescent shape. Press edges together to seal.
6. Brush tops with melted butter and beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

New Orleans Style Doberge Cake

This iconic cake from New Orleans is a must-try for any dessert lover. Layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy custard, and rich coffee syrup come together to create a truly decadent treat.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling the cake with custard and coffee syrup.

Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling time)

Chocolate Praline Layer Cake

This decadent cake combines the deep flavors of dark chocolate and caramelized pralines with a moist, velvety texture. Perfect for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the praline topping:

– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add sugar and whisk until combined.
4. Melt cocoa powder in the microwave or on the stovetop. Allow to cool slightly.
5. Fold melted cocoa into wet ingredients.
6. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling and topping with praline.

Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Creole Chocolate Mousse

Elevate your dessert game with this decadent Creole-inspired chocolate mousse, infused with the warmth of spices and a hint of bourbon. Perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), broken into small pieces
– 1 tablespoon bourbon whiskey (optional)
– Whipped cream and chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg whites, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
4. Fold the melted chocolate into the sugar mixture until smooth.
5. Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until no white streaks remain.
6. Stir in the bourbon whiskey, if using.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Garnish with whipped cream and chopped pecans, if desired.

Cooking Time: 2 hours (refrigeration)

Pecan Praline Ice Cream

A classic Southern dessert, this creamy ice cream combines the rich flavors of pecans and pralines for a delicious treat. This recipe yields 2 quarts of homemade goodness.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup praline syrup (or caramel sauce)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Pour the chilled mixture into the ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6. During the last 2 minutes of churning, add chopped pecans and praline syrup (or caramel sauce).
7. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (plus chilling time)

Banana Foster Cheesecake Bars

These rich and creamy bars combine the flavors of caramelized bananas, brown sugar, and rum-soaked raisins with a velvety cheesecake filling. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat to brighten up your day.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 ripe banana, sliced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup rum-soaked raisins (optional)
– Caramel sauce, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Prepare crust by mixing crumbs and sugar; add melted butter and press into dish.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth; add sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Arrange banana slices on top of crust; sprinkle with brown sugar and raisins (if using).
5. Pour cheesecake mixture over bananas.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Serve warm with caramel sauce, if desired.

Summary

Get ready to indulge in a sweet celebration with these 18 decadent Mardi Gras dessert recipes! From classic King Cake with cream cheese filling to creative twists like Bourbon Street Bread Pudding and Chocolate Praline Layer Cake, there’s something for every taste. Discover the rich flavors of New Orleans and beyond, from beignets to cheesecakes, pralines to pecan pies. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just looking for a delicious treat, these irresistible desserts are sure to bring joy and indulgence.