Soft yeast dough with butter, eggs, cinnamon sugar filling, lemon icing, and colorful Mardi Gras sugars.

Okay, so let me say this upfront: this King Cake Recipe is not about perfection. If you’re looking for a flawless, bakery-window-showpiece situation… eh, maybe not. But if you want something real—soft, sweet, a little messy, and full of personality—then you’re in the right place. This is the kind of cake that feels like a party even when it’s just you, your kitchen, and a slightly questionable playlist playing in the background.

The first time I made this King Cake Recipe, it wasn’t even Mardi Gras. It was late winter, the kind where everything feels gray and you’re honestly just tired of wearing socks. I had just gotten back from a grocery run where I bought way too much butter (again), and for some reason, King Cake popped into my head. Probably because I needed something joyful. Loud. Sugary.

I remember my yeast taking its sweet time to foam, and I stood there staring at it like, are we doing this today or not? I almost dumped it and started over. Almost. But it worked. And while the dough rose, my kitchen smelled warm and citrusy and cinnamon-y, and it felt… comforting. Like calling a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. The cake came out slightly uneven, the icing ran wherever it wanted, and the baby was not hidden very well. Still. Everyone loved it. And honestly, I think that’s why this King Cake recipe stuck with me.

Why you’ll Love this King Cake Recipe?

There are flashier desserts out there, sure. But this King Cake Recipe hits differently. It’s soft without being heavy, sweet without being over-the-top, and festive without trying too hard. The cinnamon filling feels familiar—like something you’ve had before but can’t quite place—and the lemon icing wakes everything up just when you think you’re done eating. Plus, there’s the baby. Is it silly? Yes. Is it fun? Also yes. And I kinda like desserts that don’t take themselves too seriously. Don’t you?

Ingredient Notes

Before you start, let’s talk through the ingredients like we’re standing in the kitchen together. No pressure.

• Active dry yeast – This part always makes people nervous. Warm water is key. If it feels too hot on your finger, it’s too hot.
• Butter and milk – These make the dough rich and tender. I’ve rushed softened butter before. Regret every time.
• Egg yolks – They add richness without weighing the dough down. It’s a subtle thing, but it matters.
• Nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon zest – Warm, cozy spices with just enough brightness to keep the cake from feeling flat.
• Brown sugar filling – This is where the comfort lives. It melts into everything in the best way.
• Lemon icing + colored sugars – The fun part. Messy icing is basically tradition, right?

How to Make King Cake Recipe?

This King Cake Recipe isn’t hard, but it does ask for your time. Think of it like a slow Sunday project.

1. You’ll start by dissolving the yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar and milk. Let it sit until it looks foamy and alive. If it doesn’t… yeah, start over. It happens to everyone, even people who pretend it doesn’t.
2. Next, you mix the dry ingredients, cream the butter and sugar, add the egg yolks, and slowly bring everything together. At first, the dough looks rough and uncooperative. Give it a minute. Once you knead it, it smooths out and becomes soft and elastic. That’s your sign you’re on the right track.
3. After the first rise, punch it down (very therapeutic), let it rest, then roll it out. Spread the butter, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar, hide the baby somewhere in the middle (no overthinking), and roll it up like a giant cinnamon roll. Shape it into a ring, let it rise again, then brush with egg wash and bake until golden and smelling ridiculously good.
4. Once it’s cool, pour the lemon icing over the top and cover it with colored sugar. If it drips off the sides, congrats—you did it right.

Storage Options

This King Cake Recipe is best the day it’s made. I won’t lie about that. But leftovers are still solid. Wrap it well and keep it at room temperature for a day or two. If you need more time, refrigerate it for up to five days. Warm slices gently before eating—cold King Cake is just… sad. You can also freeze un-iced slices, which feels like a tiny gift to future-you.

Variations & Substitutions

I almost never make this King Cake Recipe the exact same way twice.

• Cream cheese filling – Add it if you’re feeling indulgent. No regrets.
• Orange zest instead of lemon – A little softer, a little warmer.
• Dairy-free swaps – Plant-based butter and milk actually work better than you’d expect.
• Different icing – Vanilla or cream cheese icing if lemon’s not your vibe.

What to Serve With King Cake?

This cake likes company.

• Coffee or café au lait – A must.
• Fresh fruit – Something light balances the richness.
• Mimosas or bubbly – Even if it’s not technically a celebration.
• Brunch food – Eggs, fruit, this cake in the middle. Done.

FAQ

Do I really need the baby?
Traditionally, yes. Practically? Optional. You can always tuck it in after baking if that feels safer.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Old yeast or liquid that was too hot or too cold. It’s annoying, but it happens.

Can I make this ahead?
Yep. Let the dough rise overnight in the fridge, then bring it to room temp before baking.

Is this cake super sweet?
Not overly. You control the icing, which helps a lot.

If you’ve been thinking about trying a King Cake Recipe but felt unsure—this is me saying, just go for it. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be made. And if you do try it, I really want to know… did you find the baby, or did it find you?

King Cake Recipe

A traditional King Cake Recipe made with enriched yeast dough, a cinnamon-sugar filling, and finished with lemon icing and festive colored sugars. Soft, aromatic, and perfect for celebratory gatherings.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Louisiana, New Orleans–style

Keyword: King Cake Recipe

Servings: 0

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water approximately 105–110°F
• ½ cup granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon
• ½ cup warm milk approximately 105–110°F
• 4¾ cups all-purpose flour plus additional for kneading
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 large egg white
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 small approximately 1-inch plastic baby optional, for tradition

For the Filling

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter softened

For the Lemon Icing

• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter softened
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1½ teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon each purple green, and gold colored sugars

Instructions

• Begin by activating the yeast. In a two-cup measuring vessel, combine the warm water, yeast, and one tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Add the warm milk and allow the mixture to stand for approximately 10 minutes, or until foamy and fully activated.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and lemon zest until evenly combined. Set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and remaining granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture, mixing until a coarse dough forms. Add the yeast mixture and mix until combined.
• Replace the paddle attachment with the dough hook and knead the dough on medium-low speed for 5 to 8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl. If necessary, add additional flour sparingly to prevent sticking.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment until doubled in size, approximately 2 hours.
• Once risen, gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll the dough into a 16 × 21-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture. If using, place the plastic baby in the center of the dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
• Form the dough into a ring, placing it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Position a well-greased oven-safe can in the center to maintain the shape during baking. Cover loosely and allow the dough to rise for 45 minutes, or until doubled in volume.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and milk. Brush the risen dough evenly with the egg wash. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and an internal temperature of 200–210°F is reached. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
• To prepare the icing, cream the confectioners’ sugar and butter until smooth. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing until fully incorporated. Drizzle or pipe the icing over the cooled cake and immediately decorate with the colored sugars. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Notes

To make this King Cake Recipe gluten free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free 1:1 baking flour that contains xanthan gum. Ensure all other ingredients, including yeast and confectioners’ sugar, are certified gluten free. Expect a slightly softer dough; handle gently and avoid over-kneading, as gluten-free dough relies on structure from binders rather than elasticity.