Mardi Gras Citrus King Cake

🕒 Prep: 1 hour
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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The Mardi Gras Citrus King Cake is a vibrant twist on the traditional King Cake, infused with bright citrus flavors to celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras. This festive dessert is perfect for bringing a slice of New Orleans right into your kitchen.

Ingredients for Mardi Gras Citrus King Cake

The whole milk gives the dough its tender, fluffy texture. Granulated sugar not only sweetens the dough but also helps activate the active dry yeast, which is crucial for the dough to rise. All-purpose flour forms the base of the dough, while unsalted butter adds richness. Large eggs provide structure and stability, and vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. The salt balances sweetness. Orange zest and lemon zest impart a vibrant citrus aroma, making this cake unique.

For the filling, brown sugar melts into a caramel-like layer, and ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Chopped pecans give a nutty crunch, complemented by golden raisins, which add bursts of sweetness. The powdered sugar and fresh orange juice glaze ties everything together with a sweet, citrusy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle with a bit of flour while kneading.
  • For the best rise, let the dough rest in a warm, draft-free area.
  • Don't skip the second rise — it ensures a light and airy texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a true Mardi Gras experience, serve this King Cake with a side of chicory coffee or a glass of cold milk. It's also a great pairing with a citrusy cocktail to highlight the cake's flavors. Slice it up at a party and watch it disappear!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
What if I don't have pecans?
Feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different, but just as tasty, crunch.
Is there a substitute for golden raisins?
Cranberries or chopped dates work well and add a different flavor profile.

Mardi Gras Citrus King Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by warming your whole milk until it's just about 110°F. This is the sweet spot for activating the active dry yeast. Stir in the granulated sugar and yeast, and let it sit for about five minutes. You'll know it's ready when it's frothy and bubbly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, softened butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, orange zest, and lemon zest. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead everything together until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it's doubled in size.

Once your dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle over brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, and golden raisins evenly. Now, roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, forming a log. Shape the log into a ring and pinch the ends together to seal.

Transfer your dough ring to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes until it's golden brown and irresistible.

For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until smooth. Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top, then finish with festive colored sugar sprinkles for that authentic Mardi Gras look.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Citrus zest adds a fresh, tangy twist to the classic King Cake.
  • The combination of pecans and golden raisins offers a delightful crunch and sweetness.
  • It's a show-stopping centerpiece for any Mardi Gras celebration.
  • Easy-to-follow instructions make it approachable for home bakers.

Ingredients

3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp fresh orange juice
Colored sugar sprinkles

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Warm the milk until it is just about 110°F, then stir in the granulated sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, softened butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, orange zest, and lemon zest. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, and golden raisins.
5. Roll up the dough tightly from one long side and form a ring, pinching the ends together to seal.
6. Place the dough ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Once cooled, mix the powdered sugar with fresh orange juice to make the glaze and drizzle over the cake.
9. Decorate with colored sugar sprinkles for a festive look.

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