Easy Mini King Cakes for Mardi Gras Parties and Brunches

If you’re looking for a festive treat for Mardi Gras parties or brunches, these Easy Mini King Cakes are just the ticket! Growing up, my friend Lisa and I would eagerly await Fat Tuesday, dreaming of the delicious King Cakes we’d share. Now, you can whip up these delightful desserts right in your kitchen, bringing a taste of New Orleans to your table.

Why You’ll Love It

• They're perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations.
• Mini sizes make them easy to share.
• You can customize the flavors and toppings.
• They're a fun activity to make with family.

Pure Comfort

These mini King Cakes are not just desserts; they're a warm hug in pastry form. With a soft, sweet dough and a rich filling, they’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

What You Need

• 2 cups 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g) – Plus extra for dusting.
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g) – You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 packet 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp) – Make sure it's fresh for best results.
• 1/2 cup 1/2 cup warm milk (120 ml) – Around 110°F is perfect for activating yeast.
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (56 g) – Can use margarine if needed.
• 1 1 large egg – Room temperature works best.
• 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (50 g) – Mix 2 tbsp sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon.
• 1 cup 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g) – For the glaze.
• 2 tbsp 2 tbsp milk (30 ml) – Adjust for desired glaze consistency.
• as needed Colored sugar for decoration – Use purple, green, and gold for a festive touch.

Time to Cook

Prep: 30 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. This will be the base of your mini King Cakes.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go.
3. Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Whisk until combined. The aroma will be delightful and inviting.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and slightly tacky.
5. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. It should double in size, becoming fluffy and airy.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
7. Spread a thin layer of cinnamon sugar over half of each circle. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges to seal. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the cakes will look irresistible.
9. Let the mini King Cakes cool slightly. In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cakes and sprinkle with colored sugar for that festive touch.
10. Serve these delightful mini King Cakes at your Mardi Gras party or brunch. They are sure to impress your guests!

Make It Perfect

• For a cream cheese filling, mix 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla.
• If you want to save time, use store-bought dough instead of making your own.
• Make sure to let the cakes cool before glazing to prevent the icing from melting.

Mix It Up

• Try adding chocolate chips to the filling for a sweet twist.
• Use different flavored extracts like almond or lemon for a unique taste.

Perfect Partners

• Pair these mini King Cakes with a strong cup of coffee or a sweet tea.
• They also go well with fresh fruit for a balanced brunch.

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FAQs

Conclusion

These Easy Mini King Cakes are perfect for Mardi Gras parties and brunches, bringing a taste of New Orleans right to your home. Enjoy making them with family and friends, and let the festivities begin!

Easy Mini King Cakes for Mardi Gras Parties and Brunches

These Easy Mini King Cakes are a festive treat perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or brunches. Featuring soft, sweet dough and a cinnamon sugar filling, they offer a warm, comforting pastry experience that’s easy to make and share.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Large bowl
• small bowl
• Whisk
• cookie cutter
• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Measuring Cups
• measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

Main

• 2 cups all-purpose flour Plus extra for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar Can substitute with brown sugar for deeper flavor
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 packet active dry yeast Make sure it’s fresh for best results
• 1/2 cup warm milk Around 110°F to activate yeast
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter Melted, can use margarine if needed
• 1 large egg Room temperature works best
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar Mix 2 tbsp sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar For the glaze
• 2 tbsp milk Adjust for desired glaze consistency
• as needed colored sugar Use purple, green, and gold for decoration

Instructions

 

• Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl and mix well.
• Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
• Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture and whisk until combined.
• Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until dough forms; knead on floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth.
• Cover dough and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut circles.
• Spread cinnamon sugar on half of each circle, fold over, and pinch edges to seal; place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze; drizzle over cooled cakes and sprinkle with colored sugar.
• Serve the mini King Cakes at parties or brunch.

Keyword brunch, Cinnamon Sugar, King Cake, Mardi Gras, mini cakes, Sweet Dough