Ah, king cake – the sweet and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras, a birthday, or just because, this delicious dessert is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. But did you know that traditional king cakes can get a bit…predictable? That’s why we’ve gathered 20 mouth-watering king cake recipes for every occasion! From classic New Orleans-style treats to creative twists like chocolate-filled and strawberry-glazed, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of king cakes, exploring everything from decadent cream cheese swirls to fruity and festive variations. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an innovator, there’s something for everyone in our list of 20 delicious king cake recipes. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the sweetest celebration of the year!
Classic New Orleans King Cake
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a traditional King Cake, filled with sweet raisins and candied pecans. This classic recipe is a staple of the Carnival season in New Orleans.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup candied pecans
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the mixture. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and roll into a large rectangle.
5. Spread melted butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
6. Sprinkle raisins and candied pecans over the butter.
7. Roll the dough into a ring shape, sealing the edges by pressing gently with your fingers.
8. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Chocolate-Filled King Cake
Celebrate Mardi Gras with this decadent twist on the classic King Cake. Rich, buttery dough filled with melted chocolate and topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar.
3. Add warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
7. Spread melted chocolate over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on either side.
8. Fold the dough over the chocolate and press edges to seal.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Allow cake to cool before drizzling with confectioners’ glaze.
Confectioners’ Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix ingredients together until smooth, adjusting consistency as needed.
Cream Cheese Swirl King Cake
Celebrate Mardi Gras with this sweet and indulgent twist on the classic king cake! This Cream Cheese Swirl King Cake is perfect for a special occasion or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt.
3. Gradually add warm water, stirring until smooth.
4. Add sugar, butter, and cream cheese; mix until combined.
5. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and chopped pecans (if using).
8. Roll up dough tightly and place seam-side down on baking sheet.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Strawberry Glazed King Cake
This sweet treat combines the flavors of king cake with the freshness of strawberries, creating a unique and delicious twist on a classic dessert. Perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or any time you want to add some festive flair to your baking.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup warm milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup strawberry jam or preserves
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt.
3. Gradually add warm milk, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough and roll out into a circle.
7. Spread strawberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
8. Roll up the dough tightly, sealing edges.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pecan Praline King Cake
A classic Southern dessert gets a nutty twist with this Pecan Praline King Cake recipe. This rich and decadent cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pecans, chopped
– 1/2 cup praline sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and salt; mix until smooth.
4. Stir in chopped pecans and praline sauce.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Zest King Cake
Add a burst of citrus sunshine to your Mardi Gras celebrations with this refreshing take on the traditional king cake. With a generous dose of lemon zest and a hint of sweetness, this moist and flavorful cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Banana Pudding King Cake
Get ready to celebrate Mardi Gras with a twist on the classic king cake – a banana pudding version that’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of king cake dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the king cake dough and place on a baking sheet.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Arrange sliced bananas on top of the dough, leaving a small border around edges.
4. Pour the banana pudding mixture over the bananas, spreading evenly to cover.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow cake to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Blueberry Cheesecake King Cake
Get ready to indulge your taste buds with a unique twist on the classic king cake – Blueberry Cheesecake King Cake!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
– 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add butter and mix until crumbly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and yeast. Add blueberries and mix gently.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes or strips.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. For the cheesecake filling, beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time.
8. Pour cheesecake mixture over baked cake and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes
Cinnamon Roll King Cake
This recipe combines the flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls with the excitement of a king cake, perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or any time you want to bring a little joy and indulgence into your life.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups warm water
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon)
– 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine yeast, warm water, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and melted butter. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and raisins (if using). Roll up the dough tightly and shape into a king cake ring.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Yield: 1 King Cake
Pumpkin Spice King Cake
This Pumpkin Spice King Cake combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the traditional sweet bread of Mardi Gras. Perfect for fall celebrations or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, heavy cream, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead for 5 minutes, then shape into a ring and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Red Velvet King Cake
Celebrate Mardi Gras with this decadent Red Velvet King Cake recipe, perfect for a festive gathering or special treat. Moist red velvet cake, creamy cream cheese frosting, and sweet pecans come together in a delightful twist on the classic King Cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans, toasted
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add red food coloring and buttermilk; mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
6. Fold in toasted pecans.
7. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups (400g) powdered sugar
Combine cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar; mix until combined.
Apple Cinnamon King Cake
A twist on the classic King Cake tradition, this Apple Cinnamon version adds a sweet and tangy surprise to the traditional cinnamon-sugar crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 apples, peeled and chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
– 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 yeast, flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, egg, and cinnamon; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place chopped apples in the center of the dough; fold over to enclose.
6. Roll into a log shape; place on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Peach Cobbler King Cake
Peach Cobbler King Cake Recipe
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a twist on the classic king cake, infused with the sweetness of peaches and a crunchy cobbler topping. This show-stopping dessert is sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup sliced peaches
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Add sugar, butter, and heavy cream; mix until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs.
5. Stir in sliced peaches, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
6. Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Roll out puff pastry to fit the top of the cake.
8. Place on top of the cake and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramel Pecan King Cake
Get ready to celebrate Mardi Gras with a twist on the classic king cake, featuring caramel and pecans.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, sugar, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and roll out into a rectangle.
6. Spread caramel sauce and sprinkle pecans on top of the dough.
7. Roll up the dough tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
8. Brush with melted butter and beaten egg for a golden glaze.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Raspberry Almond King Cake
This Raspberry Almond King Cake combines the traditional flavors of king cake with the sweetness of raspberries and the crunch of almonds. Perfect for special occasions or as a unique dessert to serve at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 package 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
– 1/2 cup raspberry jam
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, and raspberry jam; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in sliced almonds.
5. Pour mixture into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Gluten-Free King Cake
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a twist! This gluten-free king cake recipe is a delicious and traditional take on the classic treat, perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/2 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (gluten-free)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon purple sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, and yeast.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and warm water. Mix until smooth batter forms.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Allow cake to cool before drizzling with purple sugar or sprinkles.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegan King Cake
Celebrate the festive spirit of Mardi Gras with a delicious vegan twist on the classic King Cake. This sweet treat is filled with chocolate and topped with a glaze made from powdered sugar and non-dairy milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegan butter, softened
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Powdered sugar glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add maple syrup, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough and roll out into a 12-inch circle.
7. Sprinkle chocolate chips on half of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
8. Fold the other half over the filling and press edges to seal.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Powdered Sugar Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
Mix until smooth, then drizzle over warm King Cake.
Miniature King Cake Bites
Miniature King Cake Bites: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Tradition
These bite-sized treats are perfect for Mardi Gras parties or any time you want to celebrate with friends and family. With their tender, buttery dough and sweet, sugary glaze, they’re sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine yeast and warm water; let sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and melted butter.
3. Add yeast mixture, sugar, and egg to the dry ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Divide into 12 equal pieces; shape each piece into a ball.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool before glazing with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Savory Spinach and Cheese King Cake
This savory take on the classic king cake combines the richness of cheese with the earthiness of spinach, perfect for a brunch or breakfast gathering. With its flaky crust and gooey filling, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a bowl, mix together spinach, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Top with spinach and cheese mixture.
6. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one end.
7. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Matcha Green Tea King Cake
A modern twist on the classic king cake, this Matcha Green Tea King Cake combines the traditional sweet bread with the subtle bitterness of green tea. Perfect for a unique dessert or breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup matcha powder
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast; let stand for 5 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and matcha powder.
3. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (optional).
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and savory world of king cakes with these 20 delicious recipes for every occasion. From classic New Orleans-style treats to innovative twists like strawberry glazed, pecan praline, and banana pudding, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at making a chocolate-filled or cream cheese swirl king cake, or get creative with flavors like lemon zest, blueberry cheesecake, or pumpkin spice. Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free or vegan option, these recipes will satisfy your cravings. With miniature king cake bites and savory spinach and cheese options too, there’s never been a better time to join the king cake party!
