New Orleans King Cake Recipes
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Nothing beats a real New Orleans King Cake! New Orleans is famous for their delicious food, and their King Cakes are no exception. On this site, you’ll find easy King Cake recipes that will make your house smell like a New Orleans bakery, and will make your family dance like they’re the kings of Mardi Gras!Make your own King Cake today!
Ingredients for a Classic French King Cake: New Orleans Style
Creating a traditional New Orleans King Cake is easier than you think! Here’s a complete list of ingredients for a basic king cake, along with optional fillings for a richer experience. Don't miss out on trying different varieties – this recipe includes the best-tasting versions I've ever tried.
Ingredients for the King Cake
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 packets active dry yeast (0.25 ounce each)
- 2/3 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 small plastic doll (to be added after baking)
Ingredients for the Filling
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Ingredients for the Frosting
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 2-3 teaspoons warm water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Ultimate Guide to Making a Traditional New Orleans King Cake
King cake is a beloved tradition in New Orleans, especially during the festive Mardi Gras season. Beginning on January 6th and continuing until Ash Wednesday, Mardi Gras is a time for celebration and indulgence before the Lenten season of penance begins.
The Historical Significance of King Cake
The history of king cake is deeply tied to the Feast of the Epiphany, marking the start of the Carnival season. Known as Twelfth Night or Kings’ Day, this feast commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus. King cakes are baked to honor these three kings, and the tradition includes several unique customs.
Modern King Cake Traditions
In today's celebrations, king cake parties are a common way to honor the three kings. These gatherings are simple yet festive, with friends and family enjoying the sweet cake together. A small plastic baby, symbolizing baby Jesus, is hidden inside the cake. The person who finds the baby in their slice is tasked with bringing the next king cake to the following party, adding an element of surprise and continuity to the tradition.
Step-by-Step King Cake Recipe
Follow this straightforward recipe to bake your own traditional New Orleans king cake:
Directions for the Cake:
Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Combine warm water, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and nutmeg.
Form the Dough: Gradually mix the yeast mixture and dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Directions for the Filling:
Prepare the Filling: Mix ground cinnamon, packed brown sugar, and melted butter.
Roll and Fill the Dough: Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly, and roll it up into a log. Form into a ring and pinch the ends together.
Baking and Decorating:
Second Rise: Allow the dough ring to rise until doubled.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
Hide the Baby: Once cooled, insert the small plastic doll into the cake from the bottom.
Frost and Decorate: Mix confectioners' sugar, warm water, and vanilla extract to make the icing. Drizzle over the cake and sprinkle with colored sugar in Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold).
Enjoy your homemade king cake, and share the joy and tradition with your loved ones. Don't forget – if you find the baby, it's your turn to host the next king cake party!
Awesome Recipe
I love your recipes! The Traditional King Cake is my favorite, and it was a HUGE hit with my kids.