Get ready to indulge in the sweet, indulgent world of king cakes! This beloved Mardi Gras tradition has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many, and we’re excited to bring you 18 mouth-watering king cake recipes with a Southern twist. From classic New Orleans flavors to creative twists like chocolate-stuffed and praline-pecan, these decadent desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the South, where rich traditions meet bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a traditional cream cheese-filled king cake or something entirely new like a lemon-blueberry or salted caramel version, we’ve got you covered. So grab your apron and get ready to bake up some Southern magic!
Classic New Orleans King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
This iconic sweet bread is a staple of Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, filled with a tangy cream cheese filling. Our recipe brings the flavors and traditions of the city to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 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 large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes. Add sugar, flour, and salt; mix until smooth.
3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down dough, shape into a circle or oval, and place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Roll out cream cheese filling to fit the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
6. Place filled dough in oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Homemade King Cake with Cinnamon Sugar
Celebrate Mardi Gras or any special occasion with this scrumptious and easy-to-make homemade king cake, topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– Cinnamon sugar topping (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt. Add warm water and stir until smooth.
3. Add sugar, melted butter, and beaten egg; mix well.
4. Knead dough for 5 minutes.
5. Roll out dough into a long rope, about 12 inches.
6. Form into a king cake shape, tucking ends under.
7. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the top of the cake.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate-Stuffed King Cake with Ganache Drizzle
Celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras with this decadent twist on the classic king cake, featuring rich chocolate filling and a velvety ganache drizzle.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 eggs
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Ganache drizzle: 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt.
3. Add warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder; mix until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs and let dough rise for about 1 hour.
5. Punch down dough and roll into a log shape.
6. Slice log into 12-15 pieces and place on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Allow cakes to cool before drizzling with ganache made by heating heavy cream and chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Praline Pecan King Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze
Praline Pecan King Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze: A Southern Twist on a Classic Tradition!
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup praline syrup (see note)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Brown Sugar Glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Proof yeast in warm water for 5 minutes.
2. Mix flour, sugar, and praline syrup in a large bowl.
3. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and chopped pecans; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead dough for 10 minutes, until smooth.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down dough and shape into a king cake ring.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Brown Sugar Glaze:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake before serving.
Strawberry Cream Cheese King Cake
This king cake combines the traditional flavors of cream cheese and strawberry with a sweet, buttery dough. Perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup strawberry jam
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Combine yeast, flour, and sugar in a bowl. Gradually add softened butter, cream cheese, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Spread strawberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Roll up dough, starting from one long side. Place seam-side down in prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bananas Foster King Cake with Rum Glaze
Elevate your Mardi Gras celebration with this decadent Bananas Foster-inspired king cake, smothered in a rich rum glaze. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will leave you and your guests wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 package king cake dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons dark rum
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out the king cake dough and spread with sliced bananas, brown sugar, and melted butter.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
3. While the cake bakes, combine heavy cream and dark rum in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Remove the cake from the oven and drizzle with the rum glaze. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Blueberry King Cake with Citrus Icing
This sweet and tangy king cake is a delightful twist on the traditional Mardi Gras treat, featuring bright lemon and sweet blueberries. Perfect for brunch or dessert, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Citrus icing (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Combine yeast, flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Add milk, melted butter, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice; mix until smooth.
4. Gently fold in blueberries.
5. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Citrus Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
Mix until smooth and drizzle over warm king cake.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Red Velvet King Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Celebrate Mardi Gras with this decadent Red Velvet King Cake, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting and sprinkles of festive fun. This moist and flavorful cake is sure to be the star of your Fat Tuesday party.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; mix until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting (see below).
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Mix all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Apple Cinnamon King Cake with Caramel Drizzle
This sweet and savory king cake is filled with the warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of apples, topped with a rich caramel drizzle. Perfect for a special occasion or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh apple (Granny Smith)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– Caramel drizzle: 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Proof yeast by mixing with 1/4 cup warm water and letting sit for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, and sugar. Add melted butter, beaten egg, and yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead dough for 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
4. Punch down dough and shape into a ring. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Prepare caramel drizzle by combining heavy cream, sugar, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Pumpkin Spice King Cake with Maple Glaze
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this unique twist on traditional king cake. The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm and inviting aroma that’s perfect for the season.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
– Maple glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Combine yeast, flour, sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl.
3. Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Place dough on a floured surface and shape into a ring.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool before glazing with Maple Glaze (see below).
Maple Glaze:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Mix together and drizzle over cooled king cake.
Coconut Cream King Cake with Toasted Coconut Topping
Coconut Cream King Cake with Toasted Coconut Topping: A sweet and indulgent twist on the classic king cake recipe, this treat combines rich coconut cream filling with a crispy toasted coconut topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup coconut cream
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– Toasted coconut flakes for topping (see note)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine yeast, flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add melted butter, egg, and coconut cream; mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead for 5 minutes; place in greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour.
4. Punch down dough; roll into long rope. Form into king cake shape (e.g., crescent or ring).
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Cool completely before topping with confectioners’ sugar and toasted coconut flakes.
Toasted Coconut Topping:
– Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread shredded coconut on a baking sheet; toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
Peanut Butter Cup King Cake with Chocolate Drizzle
Celebrate Mardi Gras with this decadent twist on the traditional king cake. This moist and flavorful peanut butter cup-infused cake is topped with a rich chocolate drizzle, making it the perfect treat for anyone looking to spice up their Fat Tuesday festivities.
Ingredients:
– 1 package king cake mix
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare king cake mix according to package instructions.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Add the peanut butter mixture to the prepared cake batter and mix until combined.
4. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cake to cool completely before drizzling with melted chocolate chips.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Raspberry Almond King Cake with Almond Glaze
Raspberry Almond King Cake with Almond Glaze: A sweet and indulgent treat perfect for special occasions or brunch gatherings. This show-stopping cake combines the flavors of fresh raspberries, crunchy almonds, and rich almond glaze in a single, mouthwatering package.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Almond glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Beat sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until creamy. Add flour and mix until just combined.
3. Fold in raspberries and almonds. Pour into prepared dish.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Let cool completely before glazing with Almond Glaze (see below).
Almond Glaze:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
Combine ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Tiramisu-Inspired King Cake with Coffee Glaze
Celebrate Mardi Gras with this creative twist on the traditional king cake, infused with the rich flavors of tiramisu. This decadent dessert combines the best of both worlds: the buttery, cinnamon-spiced goodness of a king cake and the creamy, coffee-soaked delight of tiramisu.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 oz) package of sweet dough or king cake mix
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup instant coffee powder
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out the dough and shape into a ring.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Add coffee powder and whisk until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture over the king cake, spreading evenly.
5. Sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans (if using) on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool completely before drizzling with a coffee glaze made from brewed espresso, powdered sugar, and heavy cream.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Salted Caramel King Cake with Pecan Streusel
Ring in the festive season with this decadent Salted Caramel King Cake, topped with a crunchy Pecan Streusel and drizzled with caramel sauce. This indulgent treat is perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Add flour, salt, sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then shape into a ring. Place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecan streusel (see below).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Pecan Streusel:
– Mix together 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon melted butter.
– Sprinkle over the king cake before baking.
Mardi Gras King Cake with Traditional Colored Icing
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a sweet treat that’s as festive as the season itself! This classic King Cake recipe is topped with traditional colored icing and filled with sweet, buttery goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Colored icing (red, green, and purple)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt.
3. Gradually add warm water, sugar, and butter; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down, shape into a circle, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before glazing with traditional colored icing.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Gluten-Free King Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting
Ring in the Mardi Gras spirit with this delicious gluten-free king cake, topped with a rich and creamy vanilla bean frosting. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a tasty and inclusive treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 packet active dry yeast (gluten-free)
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Vanilla bean frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add yeast mixture, warm water, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead for 5 minutes, then roll out to desired thickness (about 1/8 inch).
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Vanilla Bean Frosting:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spread over cooled king cake and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Vegan King Cake with Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Filling
Vegan King Cake with Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Filling: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Treat!
Ingredients:
For the dough:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
For the filling:
– 8 ounces dairy-free cream cheese (such as Tofutti or Kite Hill)
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted vegan butter to the mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Spread the dairy-free cream cheese filling evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on either side.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a ring shape, pressing edges to seal.
7. Place the king cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of the South with these decadent king cake recipes! From classic New Orleans-style treats to creative twists, this collection offers something for every palate. Enjoy traditional fillings like cream cheese and praline, or try new flavors like chocolate-stuffed, strawberry-cream cheese, and bananas foster. With options ranging from easy homemade to gluten-free and vegan, there’s a king cake recipe to suit any taste or dietary need. So go ahead, get your king cake on, and celebrate the magic of Mardi Gras all year round!