Mardi Gras King Cake

Name: Mardi Gras King Cake
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2 cakes (12 servings each).
Cuisine: North America, Cajun
Ingredients: 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°); 1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°); 1/3 cup shortening; 1/3 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg, room temperature; 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cans (12-1/2 ounces each) almond cake and pastry filling; GLAZE:; 3 cups confectioners' sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 to 4 tablespoons water; Purple, green and gold colored sugar

7 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 40 min. + rising Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

2 cakes (12 servings each)

This frosted king cake is the highlight of our annual Mardi Gras party. If you want to hide a token inside, do so by cutting a small slit in the bottom of the baked cake…and remember to warn your guests! —Lisa Mouton, Orlando, Florida

Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, room temperature
4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cans (12-1/2 ounces each) almond cake and pastry filling
GLAZE:
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 to 4 tablespoons water
Purple, green and gold colored sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, shortening, sugar, salt, egg and 2 cups flour. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll one portion into a 16-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Spread almond filling to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet; pinch ends together to form a ring. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375°. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. For glaze, combine confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough water to achieve desired consistency. Spread over cooled cakes. Sprinkle with colored sugars.

Editor's Note

This recipe was tested with Solo brand cake and pastry filling. Look for it in the baking aisle.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 277 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.