Name: Indulge in King Cake Soft Recipe for a Festive Treat
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Warm Milk (around 110°F for best results); 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (essential for leavening); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (divided for dough and to activate the yeast); 3 Eggs (Room Temperature) (improves structure and flavor); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened) (infuses richness); 1 teaspoon Salt (enhances flavor balance); 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (crucial for structure); 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon (for Dough) (essential for authenticity); 1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar (adds sweetness and moisture); 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon (for Filling) (classic flavor); 1/4 cup Melted Unsalted Butter (for Filling) (binds filling ingredients); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (for sweet glaze); 2 tablespoons Milk or Water (adjusts icing thickness); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (enhances sweetness); 1 cup Sanding Sugar (Purple, Green, Gold) (traditional colors); 1 Small Plastic Baby (optional) (adds playful twist)

As I stood in my kitchen, a warm wave of cinnamon and sugar enveloped me, instantly whisking me away to the vibrant streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. This Golden King Cake Soft Recipe, with its fluffy brioche texture and rich cinnamon swirl, brings the spirit of Carnival into your home. It’s not just a festive dessert; it’s a showstopper that takes minimal time to prepare, making it perfect for gatherings or simply a cozy night in. Each slice melts in your mouth, offering a delightful escape from the mundane routine of fast food. Ready to join the celebration and discover the joy of this deliciously soft cake? Let’s dive into the recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Why Is This King Cake So Special?

Festive Delight: This King Cake is a stunning centerpiece, perfect for Carnival celebrations or any gathering. Its vibrant colors and delightful flavors create an inviting atmosphere.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: With a soft, brioche-like crumb, each bite delivers a heavenly experience that rivals any bakery treat.
Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find components make this recipe accessible, allowing even novice bakers to shine.
Customizable Flavors: Feel free to swap in cream cheese or fruit fillings to suit your taste! You can even explore variations like Basque Cheesecake Indulgence for a unique twist.
Time-Saving Joy: Prepare this cake in under two hours, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities. It’s the perfect way to brighten your days and delight your loved ones!

King Cake Soft Recipe Ingredients

• Dive into the delightful world of this King Cake Soft recipe to create a truly festive treat!

For the Dough

Warm Milk – Activates yeast; aim for around 110°F for best results.
Active Dry Yeast – Essential for leavening and creating that airy texture.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetness; divided for dough and to activate the yeast.
Eggs (Room Temperature) – Improves structure and adds rich flavor to your cake.
Unsalted Butter (Softened) – Infuses richness and ensures a tender crumb.
Salt – Enhances overall flavor balance in the cake.
All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of your dough; crucial for structure.
Ground Cinnamon (for Dough) – Contributes warm spice flavor, an essential ingredient for authenticity.

For the Filling

Packed Light Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture to your luscious filling.
Ground Cinnamon (for Filling) – Offers that classic cinnamon flavor that makes it irresistible.
Melted Unsalted Butter (for Filling) – Binds all filling ingredients together into a rich paste.

For the Icing

Powdered Sugar – Creates a sweet glaze to hold your festive decorations.
Milk or Water – Adjusts the icing to your desired thickness.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness and adds depth to the icing flavor.

For the Decoration

Sanding Sugar (Purple, Green, Gold) – Traditional colors with meanings, making your cake festive.
Small Plastic Baby (optional) – Adds a playful twist, keeping the King Cake tradition alive.

Now that you have all the ingredients organized and ready to go, let’s bring the magic of King Cake into your kitchen!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for King Cake Soft Recipe

Step 1: Activate Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk (around 110°F), active dry yeast, and a teaspoon of granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and frothy, indicating that the yeast is well-activated. This crucial step sets the foundation for your airy King Cake Soft dough!

Step 2: Mix Dough
In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the remaining granulated sugar, room temperature eggs, softened butter, and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture along with all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, then increase the speed and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, ready to rise!

Step 3: First Rise
Lightly oil a large bowl, placing the kneaded dough inside, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set this bowl in a warm area and allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours. This step is key to achieving that soft texture in your King Cake.

Step 4: Prepare Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted unsalted butter in a medium bowl. Stir until you have a thick paste. This fragrant filling will provide that signature cinnamon swirl that makes your King Cake Soft recipe irresistible!

Step 5: Shape Cake
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly, pinch the seams to seal, and shape it into a ring, placing on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped cake with a kitchen towel and let it rise again until puffed, about 30-45 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This second rise is essential to achieving that fluffy, tender bite in your King Cake Soft!

Step 7: Bake
Once your King Cake has puffed nicely, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-35 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when it’s beautifully colored and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool on a wire rack—a tantalizing aroma will fill your kitchen!

Step 8: Make Icing
As the cooled cake awaits, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until the icing reaches a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Adjust the thickness as needed—aim for a soft peak texture. This delicious icing will beautifully coat your King Cake and complement its flavors.

Step 9: Decorate
Finally, drizzle the prepared icing over your cooled King Cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Sprinkle colorful sanding sugars—purple, green, and gold—over the icing while it’s still wet to enhance the festive look. If desired, tuck in a small plastic baby for fun tradition. Your King Cake Soft is now ready to impress!

Expert Tips for King Cake Soft Recipe

Yeast Activation: Ensure your warm milk is around 110°F; too hot can kill the yeast, resulting in a dense cake.
Proper Rises: Don’t rush the rising times; patience is crucial for developing the airy texture of your King Cake Soft.
Gentle Kneading: Knead the dough until it’s smooth but avoid overworking it; a soft, elastic dough yields the best results.
Tight Seals: When shaping the cake, pinch seams thoroughly to prevent the cinnamon filling from leaking during baking.
Icing Consistency: Adjust the icing to a “soft peak glaze”; too runny can lead to a drippy cake rather than a beautiful drizzle.

How to Store and Freeze King Cake

Airtight Storage: Keep leftover King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its soft texture and freshness.

Refrigeration Advice: Avoid refrigerating King Cake, as it can dry out the soft crumb and alter its delightful texture.

Freezer Option: For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. King Cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips: To enjoy frozen slices, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, allowing the cinnamon flavors to become aromatic again!

Make Ahead Options

These New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl are perfect for busy home cooks who want to enjoy this delightful treat without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the recipe through the first rise, then shape the cake and cover it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Alternatively, you can make the filling and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply let the dough rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes, bake until golden, and finish with the icing right before decorating. This way, your King Cake will be just as delicious as if you made it fresh that day!

King Cake Soft Recipe Variations

Get ready to unleash your creativity in the kitchen with these delightful twists to customize your King Cake!

Cream Cheese Filling: Swap out the cinnamon filling for a rich cream cheese mixture blended with powdered sugar and vanilla. This luscious variation adds a tangy sweetness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Fruit Preserves: Use your favorite fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot instead of cinnamon. The fruity flavor brings a refreshing twist and can be paired beautifully with a lighter glaze.
Pumpkin Spice: For a seasonal touch, incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the dough. This festive option, perfect for fall, adds a cozy, holiday warmth to your King Cake.
Nutty Addition: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling or sprinkle them on top of the icing for a delightful crunch. The contrast of textures enhances the overall experience.
Herb-Infused Glaze: Consider infusing your icing with freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme. This unexpected flavor profile takes the traditional King Cake to a gourmet level and intrigues your guests.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon filling for a surprising heat that beautifully complements the sweetness. It’s great for those who love a little spice in their life!
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture. You won’t miss a beat with this thoughtful variation.
Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate the classic icing by drizzling melted chocolate over the top instead, giving your King Cake a rich, decadent twist that’s perfect for chocolate lovers.

Whether you’re inspired by the need for dietary flexibility or just looking to wow your guests, these variations ensure your King Cake remains as unique as your celebrations. Don’t forget to check out other delicious desserts like Coffee Caramel Cake or Coconut Cake Cheese for more tasty inspirations!

What to Serve with Authentic New Orleans Style King Cake?

Pairing your King Cake with delightful accompaniments can elevate your celebration to a festive feast!

Rich Coffee: The deep, bold flavors of coffee beautifully contrast the cake’s sweetness, making it an excellent morning treat.
Hot Chocolate: Creamy and indulgent, hot chocolate adds a comforting touch, perfect for cozy gatherings with friends and family.
Citrus Salad: Bright, fresh citrus balances the rich cinnamon flavors, introducing a refreshing zing that enhances every bite.
Cream Cheese Icing: For an extra layer of indulgence, serve with a tangy cream cheese icing, complementing the sweet brioche perfectly.
Mint Tea: A light and soothing option, mint tea refreshes the palate after enjoying a slice, making it an ideal beverage choice.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy texture, allowing the warm cake to highlight its rich cinnamon swirls.
Fruit Compote: A side of spiced apple or berry compote brings sweetness and tartness, creating a delightful contrast to the cake’s flavors.
Cheese Board: Serving a selection of cheeses provides a savory element, balancing the sweetness and making for an inviting spread.

King Cake Soft Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best ingredients for my King Cake?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose fresh, room-temperature eggs and unsalted butter for richness. When selecting warm milk, make sure it’s around 110°F to activate the yeast properly. Ground spices should be fresh for optimal flavor—check for their potency!

How should I store leftover King Cake?
Keep your King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To ensure it stays soft and delicious, avoid refrigerating, as that can dry it out. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it!

Can I freeze King Cake, and how?
Very! Wrap slices of King Cake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
If your dough isn’t rising, check if the yeast was activated correctly—look for foaming bubbles after mixing it with warm milk and sugar. Ensure the rising environment is warm and draft-free. You can also try letting it rise longer or in a slightly warmer location to encourage fermentation.

Are there any dietary considerations for King Cake?
Certainly! For those with egg allergies, you can opt for egg replacements or flaxseed meal mixed with water; just be aware this will change the texture slightly. Additionally, if making for kids, be sure to place the small plastic baby in a safe location, reminding them about the tradition!