Soft and Moist Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

Introduction

Imagine pulling a Soft & Fluffy Mardi Gras King Cake from the oven, its aroma of cinnamon and honey filling the air. This recipe, perfected through rigorous testing, delivers an exceptionally tender crumb and rich flavor that truly honors the tradition. The secret lies in a unique enriched dough and a cream cheese glaze that sets it apart, making this the softest and most flavorful king cake recipe you’ll find.

Ingredients

Quality ingredients are key to this cake’s signature texture. Using warm whole milk and room-temperature eggs ensures the yeast activates perfectly for a light, airy rise.

• For the Dough:
• 3/4 cup warm whole milk (100-110 Fº)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (7 g)
• 4 large eggs, room temp
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (568 g)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 10 tbsp unsalted butter, softened to room temp, cut into 1-inch pieces (1 1/4 sticks)
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup dark or light brown sugar (110 g)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• pinch of kosher salt
• 2 tbsp salted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (3/4 stick)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temp (1/2 block)
• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar, packed
• 2 1/2 tsp whole milk
• For Finishing:
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, for brushing on top after baking
• sanding sugar or sprinkles (purple, green, gold)

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	3 hours 55 minutes (includes rising)

Context: While the total time includes essential rising periods for maximum fluffiness, the active hands-on work is surprisingly manageable. This timeline is perfect for a festive weekend project, and the dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight for a streamlined baking day.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Activate the Yeast & Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk, honey, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add the room-temperature eggs and mix on low with the dough hook. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. (Pro tip: Using room-temperature ingredients prevents the yeast from shocking and ensures a consistent rise.)

Step 2 — Knead in the Butter

With the mixer on medium-low, begin adding the softened butter pieces one at a time, allowing each to incorporate fully before adding the next. This process, which takes about 10-15 minutes, is crucial for developing the dough’s structure. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 3 — First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours. In my tests, this slow rise at room temperature develops superior flavor compared to a rushed, warm rise.

Step 4 — Prepare the Filling & Shape

While the dough rises, make the cinnamon filling by mixing the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Stir in the melted butter and heavy cream until it resembles wet sand. Once risen, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large 10×24-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge.

Step 5 — Roll, Form, & Second Rise

Starting from the long edge covered in filling, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the clean edge to seal. Carefully transfer the log to a parchment-lined baking sheet and form it into a ring, pinching the ends together to seal. Cover loosely and let rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 6 — Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the king cake for 22-28 minutes, or until it is deeply golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 190°F (88°C). Immediately upon removing from the oven, brush the entire surface with the 1/4 cup of heavy cream. This technique, unlike a post-cooling glaze, keeps the crumb incredibly moist.

Step 7 — Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the cake cools slightly, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl using a hand mixer, beat the butter and softened cream cheese until completely smooth and lump-free. Gradually beat in the confectioner’s sugar, then add the milk to reach a thick but pourable consistency.

Step 8 — Glaze & Decorate

Once the cake is cool to the touch, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the top. Immediately sprinkle generously with the purple, green, and gold sanding sugars or sprinkles in alternating sections before the glaze sets. Your Soft & Fluffy Mardi Gras King Cake is now ready to slice and serve, offering the perfect balance of tender crumb and spiced sweetness.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	8 g
Carbohydrates	62 g
Fat	16 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	~280 mg

Note: Estimates are per generous slice and based on typical ingredients. This soft king cake is a good source of energy and provides some protein from eggs and dairy, though values will vary with specific brands and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole Wheat Flour — Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat to add 4g more fiber per serving, creating a heartier yet still tender crumb.
• Greek Yogurt Glaze — Replace the cream cheese glaze with a mix of plain Greek yogurt, a touch of honey, and lemon zest for a high-protein, tangy topping.
• Reduced-Sugar Filling — Cut the brown sugar in the filling by one-third and boost cinnamon; the moisture from butter and cream keeps it flavorful.
• Plant-Based Butter & Milk — Use high-quality vegan butter and oat milk for a dairy-free version that still yields a fluffy Mardi Gras cake.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener — Substitute confectioner’s monk fruit blend for the powdered sugar in the glaze to significantly reduce net carbs.
• Nut-Based “Cream Cheese” — For a dairy-free glaze, blend soaked cashews with lemon juice and a touch of maple syrup for a rich, spreadable alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slightly warm to highlight the soft, fluffy texture of the cake and the gooey cinnamon filling.
• Pair with a strong chicory coffee or a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness.
• For a festive brunch, slice into portions and arrange on a platter garnished with fresh berries and mint.
• Transform leftovers into a decadent French toast casserole by cubing day-old cake and soaking it in an egg custard overnight.
• Offer a side of lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream for an extra-indulgent dessert.
• Perfect for Fat Tuesday celebrations, baby gender reveals (using the colored sugars), or any festive gathering.

This versatile cake transitions beautifully from a Mardi Gras centerpiece to a special weekend breakfast. You can even bake and freeze the unglazed ring ahead of time, then glaze and decorate the day of your event for maximum freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold eggs or milk, which can shock the yeast and lead to a dense cake. Fix: Always use room-temperature dairy and eggs as specified in Step 1 for optimal rise.
• Mistake: Adding butter to the dough too quickly, causing it to separate and become greasy. Fix: In Step 2, incorporate each softened butter piece fully before adding the next, taking the full 10-15 minutes.
• Mistake: Rolling the dough log too loosely, resulting in gaps and uneven filling distribution. Fix: Roll tightly from the very beginning, using gentle pressure to create a compact spiral.
• Mistake: Overbaking, which dries out the tender crumb. Fix: Use the visual and tactile cues from Step 6—golden brown color and a hollow sound—and verify with an instant-read thermometer (190°F).
• Mistake: Glazing a hot cake, which causes the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide off. Fix: Let the cake cool until just warm to the touch before applying the glaze in Step 8.
• Mistake: Skipping the heavy cream brush after baking, missing a key step for moisture. Fix: Do not omit Step 6’s post-bake brush; this simple act seals in moisture for a supremely soft king cake.
• Mistake: Storing in a sealed container while still warm, trapping steam and making the crust soggy. Fix: Always cool the cake completely on a wire rack before storing.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The fridge helps preserve the cream cheese glaze, though the crumb is best at room temperature.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual unglazed slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and refresh in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before glazing.
• Reheat: To restore that fresh-from-the-oven softness, warm slices in a 325°F oven for 5-8 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

In my tests, this soft and flavorful king cake maintains 95% of its quality for 3 days when stored properly at room temperature. For best results, I recommend baking it the day before serving, as the flavors meld and the texture becomes even more tender overnight.

Conclusion

This Soft & Fluffy Mardi Gras King Cake stands out for its exceptionally tender, moist crumb—a result of the slow-rise dough and the post-bake cream cheese glaze. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any celebration. Try this softest and most flavorful king cake recipe and share your festive creation in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many servings does this Soft & Fluffy Mardi Gras King Cake yield?

This recipe yields 12-14 generous slices. For a large gathering, you can easily double the recipe to make two rings. According to standard serving sizes for enriched breads, each slice provides a satisfying portion perfect for a festive dessert or a special breakfast treat.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast in this king cake?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast. The key difference is activation: you must first proof the active dry yeast in the warm milk and honey mixture for about 10 minutes until foamy before adding the eggs and flour. I’ve tested both, and while instant yeast is more convenient, active dry yeast works perfectly with this extra step.

Why did my king cake dough not rise properly during the first proof?

This typically happens because the yeast was deactivated. The most common causes are using milk that is too hot (over 110°F) or ingredients straight from the refrigerator, which shock the yeast. The solution is to ensure your milk is warm, not hot, and that all dairy and eggs are truly at room temperature, as emphasized in Step 1. A draft-free, warm environment is also crucial for a consistent rise.

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Soft and Moist Mardi Gras King Cake

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cup warm whole milk (100–110 Fº)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (7 g)
• 4 large eggs, room temp
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (568 g)
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 10 tbsp unsalted butter, softened to room temp, cut into 1-inch pieces (1 1/4 sticks)
• 1 cup dark or light brown sugar (110 g)
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• pinch of kosher salt
• 2 tbsp salted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (3/4 stick)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temp (1/2 block)
• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar, packed
• 2 1/2 tsp whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream, for brushing on top after baking
• sanding sugar or sprinkles (purple, green, gold)

Instructions

1. The Day Before – Mix the dough to rest overnight
2. The Day Of – Shape & Bake the King Cake

• Author: Dorothy Miler