There are some desserts that are more than just dessert - they’re tradition, celebration, and storytelling all wrapped into one.
A Mardi Gras King Cake is exactly that.

Soft, pillowy dough.
A warm cinnamon-sugar swirl.
Sweet vanilla glaze dripping down the sides.
And those unmistakable purple, green, and gold sugars sparkling on top.

This is the kind of cake that instantly brings joy to the table.

If you’ve never made a King Cake at home, I want you to know something right away:
you absolutely can do this.

This recipe is warm, forgiving, and meant to be shared. It doesn’t need to be perfect - it just needs to be made with a little patience and a lot of excitement.

Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras, hosting friends, or just want an excuse to bake something fun and nostalgic, this King Cake delivers every single time.

What Is a King Cake?

A King Cake is a New Orleans tradition, typically enjoyed during Carnival season - from Epiphany (January 6) through Mardi Gras.

It’s made from a lightly sweet yeast dough, similar to brioche or cinnamon roll dough, filled with cinnamon sugar, shaped into a ring, baked until golden, then topped with glaze and colored sugars.

Traditionally, a small figurine or bean is hidden inside the cake. Whoever finds it is said to have good luck and usually has to bring the next King Cake.

But even without the baby, this cake is pure celebration.

Why This Homemade Version Is Worth It

Bakery King Cakes are great but homemade has something special.

You control the sweetness
The dough is fresher and softer
You can customize the filling
It’s a fun baking project, not a stressful one

Plus, there’s something magical about sprinkling those colors on top and watching it come together.

The Dough: Soft, Rich, and Easy to Work With

This dough is lightly enriched - soft and tender without being heavy. It rolls beautifully and bakes up fluffy, not dense.

Don’t let yeast scare you. If you can make cinnamon rolls, you can make this King Cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon salt
3½–4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Filling

½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Glaze

1½ cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decorating

Purple sanding sugar
Green sanding sugar
Gold sanding sugar
Whipped cream or frosting dollops (optional)

How to Make Mardi Gras King Cake

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.

This tells you the yeast is alive and ready to go.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture.

Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.

Set aside.

Step 4: Roll & Fill

Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 10×20 inches).

Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.

Roll the dough tightly lengthwise, like a jelly roll.

Step 5: Shape the King Cake

Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Shape it into a ring, pinching the ends together to seal.

If using a baby or bean, gently tuck it into the dough from the bottom.

Cover loosely and let rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Let cool slightly before glazing.

Step 7: Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Drizzle generously over the warm cake, letting it drip down the sides.

Step 8: Decorate

While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle alternating sections of purple, green, and gold sanding sugar over the top.

Add whipped cream or frosting dollops if desired.

What This King Cake Tastes Like

This cake is:

Soft and fluffy
Warm with cinnamon
Lightly sweet, not overwhelming
Festive and fun

It’s closer to a cinnamon roll than a dense cake - meant to be pulled apart, shared, and enjoyed with coffee.

Tips for King Cake Success

Make sure your milk isn’t too hot - it can kill the yeast
Don’t overfill, or rolling becomes tricky
Seal the ring well so it doesn’t open while baking
Glaze while the cake is slightly warm for best coverage

Perfection is not the goal - celebration is.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Best enjoyed the same day
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe keeps things simple and joyful.

No complicated braids.
No fussy shaping.
Just a soft dough, a cozy filling, and that iconic colorful finish.

It’s a recipe you can come back to year after year.

Final Thoughts

This Mardi Gras King Cake is all about fun. It’s meant to be shared, laughed over, and enjoyed without overthinking.

Whether you’re celebrating Carnival season or just want a dessert that feels joyful and nostalgic, this cake brings the party straight to your kitchen.

Looking for more dessert recipes? Try my popular recipes below:

Mardi Gras King Cake