18 King Cake Recipe Southern Living Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 7, 2024
King cake is a staple dessert in the South, especially during the Mardi Gras season. This sweet and colorful treat is a must-have for any celebration or gathering. While there are many variations of this delicious cake, the traditional Southern version is a sight to behold. With its rich history and unique flavors, it's no wonder that the king cake has become a beloved dessert in the South. In this article, we will share a classic king cake recipe from Southern Living that is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Granulated Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, All
The Mardi Gras King Cake is the quintessential dessert for the festival. It is a ring-shaped cake with a colorful icing and a hidden surprise inside – a small plastic baby figurine. According to tradition, the person who gets the slice with the baby is declared the king or queen of the party. This recipe for Mardi Gras King Cake stays true to the traditional flavors and is perfect for your Mardi Gras celebrations.
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Mardi Gras - King Cake Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Chopped Pecans, Ground
If you are looking for a twist on the classic King Cake, these King Cake Cupcakes are the perfect option. They have all the traditional flavors of a King Cake but are in individual cupcake form. These cupcakes are topped with a cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with colored sugar, just like a traditional King Cake.
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Keto Mardi Gras King Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Butter, Swerve, Vanilla, Cream Cheese, Baking
For those following a keto diet, Mardi Gras can be a challenging time. But fear not, this Keto Mardi Gras King Cake recipe is here to save the day. Made with almond flour and topped with a sugar-free glaze, this King Cake is just as delicious as the traditional version but without the guilt.
For those who prefer to stick to tradition, this recipe for a Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake is a must-try. Made with a rich dough and filled with a decadent cream cheese filling, this King Cake is sure to be a hit at any Mardi Gras party. Don't forget to hide the plastic baby inside!
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Mardi Gras King Cake Bites
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Lemon Extract, Ground
If you want to serve a smaller, bite-sized version of the King Cake, these Mardi Gras King Cake Bites are the perfect option. They are made with a cinnamon roll dough and coated in a colorful glaze, making them both delicious and festive. These bites are great for snacking on while enjoying the Mardi Gras festivities.
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Mardi Gras King Cake French Toast
Main Ingredients: Bread, Large Eggs, Large Egg Whites, Non Fat Milk
If you have some leftover King Cake from your Mardi Gras celebrations, why not turn it into a delicious breakfast? This recipe for Mardi Gras King Cake French Toast is a creative and delicious way to use up any extra King Cake. The cinnamon and sugar flavors of the cake pair perfectly with the rich and creamy French toast.
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Soft & Fluffy Mardi Gras King Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Kosher Salt, Whole Milk, Honey
This Soft & Fluffy Mardi Gras King Cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a soft and tender cake. The secret to this recipe is using a bread machine to mix and knead the dough, resulting in a perfectly fluffy and flavorful cake. Top it off with a colorful icing and you have the perfect King Cake for Mardi Gras.
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Mardi Gras King Cake Oreo Truffles
Main Ingredients: Oreos, Brown Sugar, Cream Cheese, White Almond Bark
If you are a fan of Oreo truffles, you will love this Mardi Gras King Cake Oreo Truffles recipe. These truffles are made with crushed Oreos and cream cheese and coated in a colorful glaze, making them a fun and festive treat for Mardi Gras. They are also great for gifting to friends and family.
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Mardi Gras King Cake (Bread Machine)
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Egg, Sour Cream
If you have a bread machine, this Mardi Gras King Cake recipe is a must-try. The bread machine does all the hard work of mixing and kneading the dough, making this recipe super easy and convenient. The result is a delicious and festive King Cake that is perfect for any Mardi Gras celebration.
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Pull-Apart Mardi Gras King Cake
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water, Sugar, All Purpose Flour
This Pull-Apart Mardi Gras King Cake is a fun and interactive way to enjoy the traditional dessert. The dough is cut into small pieces and coated in a cinnamon and sugar mixture before being baked together in a bundt pan. Once it's done, you can pull apart the pieces and enjoy them with your friends and family.
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Mardi Gras King Cake Crescent Rolls
Main Ingredients: Crescent Rolls, Cinnamon Sugar, Cream Cheese, Powdered
If you are short on time but still want to make a delicious King Cake for Mardi Gras, these Mardi Gras King Cake Crescent Rolls are the perfect option. Made with store-bought crescent roll dough and filled with a cream cheese filling, these rolls are quick and easy to make but still taste just as delicious as a traditional King Cake.
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Cinnamon & Sugar Mardi Gras King Cake
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Water, Milk, Butter, Flour
This Cinnamon & Sugar Mardi Gras King Cake is a simple and delicious twist on the traditional recipe. The dough is coated in a cinnamon and sugar mixture, giving it a sweet and slightly spicy flavor. Top it off with a colorful glaze and you have a perfect Mardi Gras dessert.
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Mardi Gras King Cake with Strawberries and Cream
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar
If you want to add a fruity twist to your King Cake, this Mardi Gras King Cake with Strawberries and Cream recipe is the way to go. The cake is filled with a cream cheese and strawberry filling and topped with a strawberry glaze, making it a perfect dessert for springtime Mardi Gras celebrations.
If you are short on time but still want to make a delicious King Cake for Mardi Gras, this Quick Mardi Gras King Cake recipe is the solution. It uses store-bought crescent roll dough and a simple cream cheese filling to create a quick and easy version of the traditional King Cake. Perfect for those busy Mardi Gras celebrations.
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Official Mardi Gras King Cake
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Flour, Nutmeg
This Official Mardi Gras King Cake recipe is the real deal. It is the official recipe used by the New Orleans Mardi Gras Bakery and has been passed down for generations. With a rich and delicious cream cheese filling and a colorful glaze, this King Cake is sure to be a hit at any Mardi Gras party.
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Mardi Gras King Cake Roll
Main Ingredients: Eggs, White Cake Mix, Water, Oil, Betty Crocker Gel
If you want to switch things up from the traditional ring-shaped King Cake, this Mardi Gras King Cake Roll is a great option. It is made with a soft and fluffy cake roll filled with a cream cheese and cinnamon filling and topped with a colorful glaze. It's a fun and unique twist on the classic King Cake.
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Mardi Gras King Cake Latte
Main Ingredients: Ground Espresso, Brown Sugar, Canela, Caramel, Milk
If you are a fan of coffee, this Mardi Gras King Cake Latte is a must-try. It is made with espresso, steamed milk, and a homemade King Cake syrup, giving it all the delicious flavors of a traditional King Cake. It's the perfect drink to enjoy while celebrating Mardi Gras.
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Mardi Gras King Cake
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Granulated Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, All
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a festive celebration that takes place before the start of Lent. It's a time to indulge in rich foods and decadent desserts before the fasting and sacrifices of the Lenten season begin. One of the most iconic treats associated with Mardi Gras is the King Cake. This ring-shaped cake is decorated with vibrant colors and often has a small trinket or toy hidden inside. Here are 17 delicious and unique Beer Can Chicken recipes that will make your Mardi Gras celebration even more special.
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Mardi Gras - King Cake Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Chopped Pecans, Ground
If you're looking for a smaller, individual-sized version of the classic King Cake, these King Cake cupcakes are the perfect option. They feature a moist and fluffy vanilla cake, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting and colorful sprinkles. And of course, no King Cake is complete without a hidden trinket inside. These cupcakes are a fun and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Mardi Gras in a bite-sized treat.
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Keto Mardi Gras King Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Butter, Swerve, Vanilla, Cream Cheese, Baking
For those watching their carbs, this Keto-friendly King Cake recipe is a must-try. Made with almond flour and sugar-free sweeteners, this King Cake is just as delicious as the traditional version, but without all the guilt. It's also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. So go ahead and indulge in this tasty and low-carb treat during your Mardi Gras celebrations.
This recipe stays true to the traditional flavors and ingredients of a classic King Cake. It features a yeast-based dough that is braided and topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles. The inside is filled with a rich and creamy cinnamon and sugar mixture, making for a truly decadent and indulgent treat. This Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake is perfect for those who want to experience the authentic flavors of this beloved dessert.
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Mardi Gras King Cake Bites
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Lemon Extract, Ground
These Mardi Gras King Cake Bites are a fun and unique twist on the traditional dessert. Instead of a large cake, these are bite-sized and perfect for snacking on during your Mardi Gras festivities. They feature a soft and flaky dough that is filled with a sweet and gooey cream cheese filling. Topped with a colorful glaze and sprinkles, these King Cake Bites are sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
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Mardi Gras King Cake French Toast
Main Ingredients: Bread, Large Eggs, Large Egg Whites, Non Fat Milk
Why not start your Mardi Gras celebrations off with a decadent and indulgent breakfast? This Mardi Gras King Cake French Toast is the perfect option for a special morning treat. Thick slices of King Cake are dipped in a mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla before being cooked to golden perfection. Top it off with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a breakfast that will make you feel like royalty.
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Soft & Fluffy Mardi Gras King Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Kosher Salt, Whole Milk, Honey
If you prefer your King Cake to have a lighter and fluffier texture, this recipe is for you. It features a soft and airy dough that is filled with a sweet and creamy cinnamon filling. The dough is then braided and baked to perfection before being topped with a delicious glaze and colorful sprinkles. This Soft & Fluffy Mardi Gras King Cake is a great option for those who want a lighter version of this decadent dessert.
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Mardi Gras King Cake Oreo Truffles
Main Ingredients: Oreos, Brown Sugar, Cream Cheese, White Almond Bark
If you're a fan of Oreo truffles, you'll love this Mardi Gras twist on the classic treat. These King Cake Oreo truffles are made with crushed Oreos, cream cheese, and a splash of rum, then coated in vibrant purple, green, and gold sprinkles. They are the perfect bite-sized treat for Mardi Gras and will surely be a hit at any party or gathering.
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Mardi Gras King Cake (Bread Machine)
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Egg, Sour Cream
If you have a bread machine, you can easily make this King Cake without all the fuss and mess of traditional methods. Simply add the ingredients to your bread machine, set it to the dough cycle, and let it do the work for you. Once the dough is ready, you can shape it, fill it, and bake it to perfection. This Mardi Gras King Cake (Bread Machine) recipe is perfect for those who want a simpler and more convenient way to make this festive dessert.
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Pull-Apart Mardi Gras King Cake
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water, Sugar, All Purpose Flour
This Pull-Apart Mardi Gras King Cake is not only delicious, but it's also a fun and interactive way to enjoy this classic dessert. The dough is cut into small squares and layered in a Bundt pan, then filled with a creamy and sweet cream cheese filling. Once baked, the cake can be pulled apart and shared with friends and family. It's a great option for parties or gatherings and is sure to impress your guests.
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Mardi Gras King Cake Crescent Rolls
Main Ingredients: Crescent Rolls, Cinnamon Sugar, Cream Cheese, Powdered
If you're a fan of crescent rolls, you'll love this easy and tasty King Cake recipe. These Mardi Gras King Cake crescent rolls are made with store-bought crescent roll dough, filled with a sweet cream cheese filling, and topped with a colorful glaze and sprinkles. They are a great option for those short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of Mardi Gras.
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Cinnamon & Sugar Mardi Gras King Cake
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Water, Milk, Butter, Flour
For a simple and delicious twist on the traditional King Cake, try this Cinnamon & Sugar version. It features a buttery and flaky dough that is coated with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before being baked to golden perfection. This King Cake is perfect for those who want a more subtle and less sweet version of the classic dessert.
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Mardi Gras King Cake with Strawberries and Cream
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar
For a refreshing and fruity take on the King Cake, try this recipe that incorporates fresh strawberries and whipped cream. The dough is filled with a sweet strawberry filling and topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It's a delicious and unique twist on the traditional King Cake that is perfect for springtime Mardi Gras celebrations.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a homemade Mardi Gras King Cake, this quick and easy recipe is for you. It uses store-bought dough and a simple cream cheese filling, making it a breeze to whip up. Top it off with a drizzle of glaze and some colorful sprinkles for a festive and tasty treat in no time.
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Official Mardi Gras King Cake
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Active Dry Yeast, Sugar, Flour, Nutmeg
This Official Mardi Gras King Cake recipe is the real deal. It's the official recipe used by the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau and is sure to impress at any Mardi Gras celebration. It features a rich and buttery dough that is filled with a delicious cream cheese filling and topped with a colorful glaze and sprinkles. This King Cake is a must-try for anyone wanting to experience the authentic flavors of Mardi Gras.
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Mardi Gras King Cake Roll
Main Ingredients: Eggs, White Cake Mix, Water, Oil, Betty Crocker Gel
If you're a fan of Swiss rolls, you'll love this Mardi Gras King Cake roll. It features a light and fluffy sponge cake that is rolled up with a sweet cream cheese filling and topped with a colorful glaze and sprinkles. It's a delicious and unique twist on the classic King Cake that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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Mardi Gras King Cake Latte
Main Ingredients: Ground Espresso, Brown Sugar, Canela, Caramel, Milk
If you're a coffee lover, you'll love this Mardi Gras King Cake latte. Made with espresso, steamed milk, and a splash of vanilla and cinnamon, this latte is a delicious way to get your caffeine fix during the Mardi Gras season. Top it off with a sprinkle of purple, green, and gold sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
The History of King Cake
The Origins of the King Cake
The tradition of the king cake can be traced back to medieval Europe, where it was known as "Twelfth Night Cake." It was served on the twelfth night after Christmas, which marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Epiphany. The cake was made with a hidden bean or pea, and whoever found it in their slice was crowned the king or queen of the night's festivities. This tradition symbolized the biblical story of the three kings who traveled to Bethlehem to honor the newborn Jesus.
The King Cake in New Orleans
The king cake tradition made its way to New Orleans in the early 18th century when French settlers brought it with them. The cake became associated with the Mardi Gras season, and the hidden bean was replaced with a small plastic baby. Whoever found the baby in their slice was not only crowned the king or queen of the night but also responsible for hosting the next king cake party. Today, the plastic baby is still a staple in king cakes, and finding it is considered good luck.
The Southern Living King Cake Recipe
Ingredients
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup melted butter
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon orange zest
Green, purple, and gold colored sugars
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla and almond extracts, and lemon and orange zest to the yeast mixture. Slowly add in the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and knead in the cranberries and pecans. Roll the dough out into a rectangle and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
Roll up the dough tightly and form into a ring. Place on a greased baking sheet and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and almond extracts, and lemon and orange zest. Drizzle over the cooled king cake.
Sprinkle with green, purple, and gold colored sugars to represent the colors of Mardi Gras.
With its fluffy texture, sweet filling, and colorful toppings, this traditional king cake recipe from Southern Living is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Serve it as a dessert or a breakfast treat, and let the good times roll!
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