King Cake: The Best Traditional Recipe

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

When I was fresh out of high school, I made a decision that brought so much joy to my adult life: I was going to start the tradition in my home of celebrating Mardi Gras. Along with that came the king cake- the centerpiece of our celebration.

It’s such a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the life of Jesus, honoring the wise men’s journey to Him and the abundant life He’s given us to live to the fullest.

Over the years, making and sharing king cake has become more than just baking—it’s become a cherished celebration of faith, fun, and togetherness that I look forward to every Mardi Gras season.

What is a King Cake?

A king cake is a traditional, oval-shaped pastry deeply rooted in the celebrations of Epiphany (or Twelfth Night) and Mardi Gras. The cake’s distinct combination of flavors, colors, and history makes it a centerpiece of celebrations, especially in New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast.

Flavors and Composition

At its core, a king cake is made from a soft, slightly sweetened dough, often similar to brioche.

It’s typically flavored with warm cinnamon swirls and sometimes includes fillings like cream cheese, praline, or fruit preserves (popular choices are strawberry, lemon, or pecan). After baking, the cake is coated with icing and topped with vibrant sugar sprinkles in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold.

Some cooks also add decorations to enhance the presentation of the King Cake.

The Tradition and Meaning

The king cake’s name and shape are symbolic, representing the biblical story of the three wise men (or kings) who visited baby Jesus.

The oval or circular shape signifies unity and the cycle of faith. Hidden within the cake is a small trinket—often a plastic baby—which adds a layer of excitement to the tradition. Finding the baby in your slice brings good luck and the honor (or responsibility) of hosting the next king cake gathering.

*This statement is so very true in our household. When the girls were little, I would make sure to have multiple babies so that both girls would feel special!

Eating king cake is a communal affair. It’s traditionally shared among friends and family from January 6th (Epiphany) until Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent begins.

A Brief History

The origins of the king cake date back to medieval France and Spain, where a similar pastry, known as “galette des rois” or “roscón de reyes,” was served during Epiphany.

French settlers brought the tradition to Louisiana in the 18th century, where it evolved into the colorful, festive version we know today.

By the mid-20th century, king cake had become a centerpiece of Mardi Gras festivities, with bakeries competing to create the most indulgent and eye-catching versions. Today, the king cake remains a symbol of celebration, enjoyed by millions during Carnival season.

King Cake v. Cinnamon Rolls

Not going to lie- when in a hurry I will often substitute cinnamon rolls for the king cake. I will take them out of the package, form it in the shape of the king cake, bake, add the baby and the icing, put the colorful sprinkles on top and call it a day. Not a single ounce of me feels guilty because my family is not super stressed about it. However, there is quite a big difference between the two.

Shape and Presentation

The shape and presentation of a king cake and a cinnamon roll immediately set them apart. A king cake is traditionally oval or circular and its braided or twisted design adds a decorative flair.

The presentation of a cinnamon roll is typically is simpler and more uniform, focusing on the gooey swirl visible from the top of each roll. While cinnamon rolls are topped with icing or cream cheese frosting, they lack a king cake’s vibrant colors and celebratory embellishments. They are more casual and intended as single-serving pastries, making them ideal for breakfast or snacks.

Dough and Texture

The dough used for king cakes and cinnamon rolls has similarities but key differences.

A king cake is made from a brioche-like dough that is rich and slightly dense, thanks to the inclusion of butter and eggs. This gives the cake a more bread-like texture, often braided or twisted into its iconic shape. The dough is sturdy enough to hold various fillings without losing its structure. While soft and slightly sweet, the texture leans more toward bread than the fluffier texture of a cinnamon roll.

Cinnamon rolls, in contrast, use a lighter, airier dough designed for maximum fluffiness. The focus is on creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that complements the sticky, gooey cinnamon-sugar filling. The dough rises higher and is less dense than a king cake, making cinnamon rolls feel lighter despite its rich flavor.

This difference in texture highlights the cinnamon roll’s role as a comforting, everyday treat compared to the king cake’s role as a celebratory centerpiece.

Filling

The king cake and cinnamon roll fillings further highlight their differences.

While cinnamon is the most traditional flavor for both, king cakes often go beyond this classic option with various fillings. Popular choices include cream cheese, praline, fruit preserves, or chocolate. These fillings are usually layered or swirled into the braided dough, creating an indulgent bite. The versatility of the king cake’s filling options allows it to cater to a range of tastes, making it more customizable.

Cinnamon rolls are more straightforward, featuring a classic filling of cinnamon sugar mixed with butter. This filling is spread generously over the dough before rolling into a log, ensuring every bite has the sweet and spicy cinnamon flavor. While some variations of cinnamon rolls may include raisins, nuts, or even a hint of cream cheese, they don’t offer the vast array of filling options that a king cake does.

Ingredients

Milk: Can be milk of your choice
Vanilla extract: I have a ton of vanilla powder right now (thanks to my oldest daughter), so I substituted the powder, which worked beautifully.
Butter: There is a difference between butter, melted and melted butter. If you need a refresher, here’s my post on cooking tips and tricks.
Warm water: The water should be just warm to the touch. Get it too hot, and your yeast will die.
All-purpose flour: If you can buy locally, I highly recommend that. Talk with your farmer. If not, opt for King Arthur Flour.
Brown sugar: If you don’t have any, see my cooking tips and tricks post for a quick, easy recipe.
Ground cinnamon: If you dare, you can have fun here by picking up some different flavors of cinnamon, such as Saigon or Ceylon cinnamon.

You might also need to know where to find the more specific ingredients, such as the babies and sugar for the cake. Here’s my link to help you out (I get a commission from this but is what I am currently using- I would never recommend anything I wouldn’t use myself!).

Instructions

Dough Step Four: You also want to stop it when you are adding the flour and scrape it down.

Dough Step Six: You don’t have to clean it before greasing it. Add a little oil to the bottom, use a paper towel, and wipe it down well.

Assembly Step Two: Your icing and cinnamon mixture also make a double batch, put half of each of them in ziplocks and freeze as well.

Frosting Tip: It should be thick and runny.

How did King Cake become part of the Mardi Gras celebration?

King Cake became part of Mardi Gras celebrations through French and Spanish Catholic traditions brought to Louisiana in the 18th century. Originally associated with Epiphany, the cake symbolized the three kings’ visit to baby Jesus and evolved into a key feature of Carnival season. Over time, it became a centerpiece of Mardi Gras festivities, with its vibrant colors and hidden trinket adding fun and meaning to the celebration.

Can I bake the plastic toy baby into the cake?

It’s not recommended to bake the plastic baby into the cake, as it can melt or release harmful chemicals at high temperatures. Instead, bake the cake without the baby and insert it into the cooled cake before serving.

Storing Tips

Store your king cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep it fresh.
For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw it at room temperature and drizzle with fresh icing before serving.
If your king cake has a cream cheese filling, refrigerate it to prevent spoilage, but let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to bring it back to its best texture.