19 Southern Living Traditional King Cake Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
The traditional king cake is a staple dessert in the Southern region, especially during Mardi Gras season. This sweet and festive treat is not only delicious but also carries a rich history and cultural significance. While there are many variations of this cake, the Southern Living traditional king cake recipe is a tried and true favorite that is sure to impress.
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Yeast, Sugar, Flour, Salt, Ground Nutmeg
Starting off our list is the classic King Cake. This traditional Mardi Gras dessert is a sweet and colorful pastry that is typically served during Carnival season. Made with a dough that is braided and shaped into a ring, the King Cake is then topped with colorful sugar and filled with a variety of fillings, such as cream cheese or fruit.
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King Cake
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Milk, Bread Flour, Honey, Cake Flour
If you're feeling adventurous, try making a King Cake from scratch. This recipe uses a homemade dough that is filled with a cream cheese and cinnamon mixture, topped with colorful sugar and baked to perfection. It's a labor of love, but the end result is worth it.
If you're short on time, this easy King Cake recipe is for you. Using store-bought crescent roll dough, you can have a delicious King Cake ready in no time. Simply fill the dough with a cream cheese and cinnamon mixture, roll it up, and bake it. Top with colorful sugar and you're ready to celebrate.
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Easy King Cake
Main Ingredients: Dough, Cream Cheese, Sugar, Lemon Juice, Butter
If you want a King Cake that is a little different, try this recipe that uses puff pastry instead of traditional dough. The result is a flaky and delicious pastry that is filled with a cream cheese and cinnamon mixture and topped with a sweet glaze. It's easy and delicious!
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Louisiana King Cake
Main Ingredients: Water, Active Dry Yeast, Flour, Sugar, Grated Nutmeg
This recipe stays true to the traditional King Cake, using a homemade dough and a variety of fillings. The dough is braided and filled with a combination of cream cheese, fruit, and nuts. The result is a rich and flavorful King Cake that is perfect for any Mardi Gras celebration.
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Haydel's King Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Salt, Shortening, Large Eggs, Active
Get a taste of New Orleans with this recipe from the famous Haydel's Bakery. This King Cake uses a homemade dough that is filled with a cream cheese and cinnamon mixture and topped with colorful sugar. It's a classic and delicious option for your next Mardi Gras party.
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Super Easy King Cake
Main Ingredients: Frozen Bread Dough, Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Lemon
If you're short on time or just want a quick and easy option, this recipe is for you. Using store-bought cinnamon rolls, you can have a delicious King Cake ready in under 30 minutes. Simply bake the rolls and top with colorful sugar for a simple and tasty treat.
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Traditional French Galette des Rois or King Cake
Main Ingredients: Cream, Almond, Sugar, Egg, Butter, Vanilla Extract
This recipe takes inspiration from the traditional French Galette des Rois, which is typically served on Epiphany. Made with puff pastry and filled with almond cream, this King Cake is a delicious and unique option for your next celebration.
If you want a smaller and more portable option, try making King Cake cupcakes. These individual treats are made with a homemade dough and filled with a cream cheese and cinnamon mixture. Topped with colorful sugar, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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King Cake Bars
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Kosher Salt
For a different take on King Cake, try making these bars. Made with a buttery crust and topped with a cream cheese and cinnamon filling, these bars are a delicious and easy option for any occasion. And the best part? You can easily make them ahead of time.
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Mardi Gras King Cake
Main Ingredients: Whole Milk, Granulated Sugar, Active Dry Yeast, All
This recipe keeps things simple by using a store-bought cake mix for the base. The result is a delicious and easy King Cake that is perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras. Simply top with colorful sugar and you're ready to party.
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King Cake Beignets
Main Ingredients: Active Dry Yeast, Warm Water, Granulated Sugar, Large
Combine two iconic New Orleans treats with this recipe for King Cake beignets. Made with a homemade dough and filled with a cream cheese and cinnamon mixture, these beignets are fried to perfection and topped with a sweet glaze. They are a perfect treat for any occasion.
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King Cake Monkey Bread
Main Ingredients: Cinnamon Rolls, Cream Cheese, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla
If you're a fan of monkey bread, you'll love this King Cake version. Using canned biscuits and a cream cheese and cinnamon filling, this monkey bread is topped with colorful sugar and baked to golden perfection. It's a fun and delicious twist on a classic treat.
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Easy, Homemade King Cake
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Frozen Bread Dough, All Purpose
For a traditional and easy King Cake, try this recipe. Made with a homemade dough and a variety of fillings, this King Cake is topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sugar. It's a classic option that is sure to please.
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Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Salt, Butter, Half And Half, Cream
Pair your King Cake with some delicious and creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe uses a combination of butter, milk, and cream cheese for a rich and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's a must-try recipe.
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Easy Peach Cobbler
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking
If you want a sweet and fruity dessert to complement your King Cake, try making this easy peach cobbler. Made with canned peaches and a simple crust, this cobbler is a delicious and effortless option for any occasion.
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King Ranch Chicken
Main Ingredients: Butter, Red Bell Pepper, Poblano Peppers, Jalapeno
For a savory and satisfying main dish, try this King Ranch Chicken recipe. Made with layers of chicken, tortillas, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? It's easy to make and can be prepared in advance.
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Classic Chocolate Pound Cake
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Baking
If you're a chocolate lover, this recipe is for you. This classic chocolate pound cake is rich and moist, with a deep chocolate flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. It's a perfect addition to any celebration.
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Southern Living Chunky Apple Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Large Eggs, Vanilla Extract, All Purpose
For a delicious and comforting dessert, try making this Southern Living Chunky Apple Cake. Made with chunks of apples and a variety of warm spices, this cake is moist and flavorful. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate treat.
The Origins of King Cake
The Meaning Behind the Cake
The tradition of the king cake can be traced back to medieval France, where it was originally known as "galette des rois" or "cake of the kings." The cake was typically served on the feast of Epiphany, which celebrates the arrival of the three wise men to visit the baby Jesus. The cake contains a hidden trinket, usually a small figurine of a baby, and whoever finds it is deemed the "king" or "queen" for the day.
The Influence of Mardi Gras
When French settlers brought the tradition to Louisiana in the 18th century, it became closely associated with Mardi Gras celebrations. The holiday, also known as Fat Tuesday, is the last day before the start of Lent, a period of fasting and penance in the Catholic faith. The king cake became a symbol of indulgence and celebration before the solemn observance of Lent.
The Southern Living Traditional King Cake Recipe
Ingredients and Preparation
The Southern Living recipe stays true to the traditional flavors and ingredients of a king cake. The dough is made with flour, sugar, yeast, and milk, and is flavored with vanilla extract and lemon zest. The filling is a mix of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon, with a touch of vanilla. The most important ingredient, however, is the colored sugar toppings in the classic Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold.
The Baking Process
The key to a perfect king cake is patience and attention to detail. The dough must be kneaded and allowed to rise for several hours before shaping and filling. After baking, the cake is topped with a glaze made of confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and milk, and then the colored sugars are sprinkled on top in a decorative pattern.
In Conclusion
The Southern Living traditional king cake recipe is a delicious and authentic way to celebrate Mardi Gras and indulge in a rich cultural tradition. So gather your loved ones, don your purple, green, and gold attire, and enjoy this sweet and festive treat together. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the hidden trinket and claim your crown as king or queen for the day!
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