Start your celebration with a warm, sweet bread that is simple to make and fun to decorate.
INTRODUCTION
Easy King Cake is a soft, sweet bread shaped like a ring. It is bright with purple, green, and gold sugar. People eat it during Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday. This recipe uses common pantry items and a simple method. If you like easy party breads, you might also enjoy a Christmas traybake cake recipe that uses simple steps and common ingredients. This cake brings color and joy to any table. It works for beginners and busy cooks.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Easy King Cake for many simple reasons. It uses one package of yeast and regular flour. The dough comes together fast and rises well. The cake bakes to a soft, golden loaf with a sweet cinnamon swirl. Icing and colored sugar make it look festive. The steps are clear and easy to follow. Kids can help with the sugar on top. You will enjoy the smell while it bakes. The whole family will want a slice.
HOW TO MAKE Easy King Cake
This section shows the full method in clear steps. Read it once, then follow the steps as you bake. The dough is rich but easy to handle. You will roll it, fill it with cinnamon and sugar, shape it into a ring, and bake until golden. After it cools, you will add icing and the three colors of sugar. If you like small sweet treats with spice, try the light and fluffy carrot cake pancakes for a different twist on cinnamon and sweet flavors.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for yeast
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or mixer with dough hook
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet or round pan
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Clean towel or plastic wrap for rising
- Small bowl for icing
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup warm milk (110°F – 115°F)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
Colored sugars (green, yellow, purple) for decoration
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture and there mix until combined.
- Gradually add in the flour and cinnamon, and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle.
- Spread butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and roll into a log.
- Twist the log into a circular shape and place on a baking sheet.
- Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to create icing and drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle colored sugars over the icing to decorate. Serve for Fat Tuesday!
HOW TO SERVE Easy King Cake
Serve the cake at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Cut it into wedges like a pie or into slices like bread. Place the cake on a bright plate to show the colors. The cake pairs well with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk. Serve slices on a paper plate for a casual party or on a nice platter for a family meal. You can add a small bowl of extra icing on the side for people who want more sweetness.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy King Cake
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap the cooled cake well in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving. If the icing softens after freezing, you can make fresh icing and drizzle it on before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve slices with fresh fruit or simple whipped cream. For a brunch, place the cake next to mini muffins or small pancakes. For a fun breakfast, serve it with a side of pancakes from this mix-match pancake muffins recipe for variety. For a party, set out small plates and let guests pick their slice. Add a pitcher of orange juice and a pot of coffee to make the table complete.
VARIATIONS
- Cinnamon-Only: Omit lemon zest for a pure cinnamon roll flavor.
- Nutty: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for crunch.
- Cream Cheese Icing: Replace milk with 2 tablespoons of cream cheese for a tangy topping.
- Fruit Twist: Spread a thin layer of jam inside before rolling for a fruity note.
- Mini King Cakes: Make small individual rings for single servings.
For a fun mix of breakfast sweets and flavors, you might try the classic method used for perfect griddle cakes in the perfect pancakes recipe for inspiration on light batters and even cooking.
FAQs (minimum 4 FAQ)
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. Use the same amount. Mix it with the dry flour and add the warm milk and butter to activate it. It will work well.
Q: How do I know the dough has risen enough?
A: The dough should double in size. Press two fingers into the dough. If the mark stays, it is ready.
Q: Can I make this without eggs?
A: You can try an egg substitute like applesauce or a flax egg, but the dough will be less rich. It may need a bit more rising time.
Q: What temperature should the milk be for the yeast?
A: Use warm milk between 110°F and 115°F. It should feel warm but not hot. If it is too hot it can kill the yeast.
Q: Can I use butter-flavored oil or margarine?
A: Yes, but butter gives the best flavor. Margarine or spread will work in a pinch.
Q: How do I keep the colored sugar bright on top?
A: Let the icing set a little before sprinkling sugar. Press the sugar down very lightly so it sticks. Serve within a day for the best look.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy King Cake
You can prepare parts of this recipe ahead to save time. Make the dough the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. The slow rise will add flavor. In the morning, punch down the dough, shape it, and let it rise for 30 minutes before baking. You can also bake the cake and freeze it without icing. When you are ready to serve, thaw, warm it slightly, and add fresh icing and sugar. For a busy morning, cut the dough into small pieces and make mini rings that bake faster.
If you want a sweet breakfast table, pair slices with easy recipes for muffins and small cakes. For a playful dessert table with kids, try decorating ideas like small fondant shapes or sprinkles from a cookie kit to add more fun to the colors. You can also serve warm slices and let guests add more sugar or icing to their liking.
Enjoy this simple King Cake with friends and family. It is an easy way to bring bright color and warm cinnamon flavor to your celebration.
Easy King Cake
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and a teaspoon of sugar in warm milk. Let it sit until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.
- Add the frothy yeast mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add in the flour and cinnamon, and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle.
- Spread butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and roll into a log.
- Twist the log into a circular shape and place on a baking sheet.
- Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to create icing and drizzle over the cooled cake.
- Sprinkle colored sugars over the icing to decorate. Serve for Fat Tuesday!