The Search for the Perfect King Cake Recipe!

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread centers around the search for king cake recipes, particularly those that utilize crescent rolls or cinnamon rolls. Participants share their experiences, questions, and insights about king cakes, including their significance in Mardi Gras celebrations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, is looking for a king cake recipe that has been successful for others.
  • Another participant expresses curiosity about what a king cake is.
  • Some participants mention specific recipes they have heard of or used, including Emeril's Quick King Cake and a recipe involving crescent rolls.
  • One participant shares a personal anecdote about receiving a king cake from New Orleans and the tradition associated with finding the baby inside.
  • Several users discuss the tradition of king cakes in Mardi Gras celebrations, including the symbolism of the colors and the significance of the baby hidden inside.
  • One participant shares a recipe they used at a Mardi Gras-themed party, noting that it was well-received.
  • Another participant expresses concern about the safety of the baby in the cake, mentioning a previous experience where someone’s baby melted.
  • Some participants discuss alternative methods for incorporating the baby into the cake without baking it inside.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best way to make a king cake, with no clear consensus on a single recipe or method being preferred by all participants.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and cultural insights related to king cakes and Mardi Gras, with participants sharing their own recipes and traditions.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in exploring king cake recipes or learning more about the cultural significance of king cakes in Mardi Gras celebrations may find this discussion informative.

cooking.with.ann
cooking.with.ann
Gold Member
Messages
222
Have any of you found a king cake recipe, either using crescent rolls or cinnamon rolls, that makes a good king cake? I've got to make some for Saturday, and I'm hoping to find a recipe that someone else has already found to be a winner!

Ann
 
What the heck is a king cake?
 
I personally haven't tried it, but have heard that Emeril's Quick King Cake is good...
 
Never heard of it! :rolleyes:
 
I would love to see one using crescent or cinnamon rolls...not the original request but would like to make one for my ofc next week since I used to live in LA!
 
In 1 of our older cook books we have a recipe for something that looks like a braid.(not the ones in All The Best) It is 2 long filled tubes, I think maybe french bread loaves. You twist them around one another. well you could use this except have sweet filling & after it is twisted bring the ends together....not making much sense. I've gotta go look for it, its driving me crazy....:p
 
King cakes, for those of you that need to know, are something that is used in a Mardi Gras celebration. They are some shape or design of bread, with the purple, gold and green coloration...and inside every king cake is a little plastic baby. Tradition speaks that the one who finds the baby, hosts the big party the next time. I'm sure it goes deeper than this, but this is the jist of it. My Girl Scouts hosted a Mardi Gras party last year, and that's what we went by. hope I'm giving you correct info.
 
Thank you - I had no idea!!
 
I am not making a traditional King Cake at my Mardi Gras party on Saturday. It is kinda involved and I'm already making the Gumbo from the Soups, Stews, and Chilis cards. Instead I am making a large batch of the garlic pull-aparts in the Fluted pan. I will wrap the baby inside one of the chunks of biscuit. I haven't tried it yet. Someone else mentioned that their baby melted:eek: !! I keep meaning to try it first, but haven't found the time. Oh well!! If it melts we'll just have a big ole laugh!! Or I might toss the baby in the Gumbo!
 
I read online that you can always make a small slit in the bottom of one and slip the baby in that way... it works better with the king cake as you then frost it, so it normally covers the slit... just a suggestion...
 
Recipe from last yearHere's a recipe I used last year at a "Mardi Gras" themed party. Everybody seemed to love it. The first one uses cinnamon rolls, the second crescent rolls. I made the second one, and everyone loved it.

HTH!
 

Attachments

At work one of our customers once FedEx'd us a King Cake from new Orleans. It was yum, and my boss got the baby! That meant he was supposed to buy the cake the next year. He cheated and got Bread Co. bagels instead.
 
I've done these at shows held this time of year and they always go over very well! I do, however, always worry that someone will swallow, or worse, choke on the baby!:eek:
 
When searching for a theme for my show on the 19th a few weeks ago, I ran across some posts about Mardi Gras and decided to go for it. We're making a King Cake! I needed a little education on it, and this is what I found. (I had no idea all of the symbolism!) "As part of the celebration of Mardi Gras, it is traditional to bake an oval cake in honor of the three kings - the King Cake. The shape of a King Cake symbolizes the unity of faiths. Each cake is decorated in the traditional Mardi Gras colors: purple represents justice, green represents faith and gold represents power. A small baby, symbolizing the baby Jesus, is baked into each cake."
 
Last edited:
Thanks Nicole! The cinnamon roll one sounds the closest to the real deal so I may do that!
 
You're welcome!
 
BethCooks4U said:
I've done these at shows held this time of year and they always go over very well! I do, however, always worry that someone will swallow, or worse, choke on the baby!:eek:
Click to expand...
That's their own fault for not chewing their food completely!
 
How about the person who gets the baby gets to host the next Pampered Chef show? Love THAT idea!!
 
GourmetGirl said:
I read online that you can always make a small slit in the bottom of one and slip the baby in that way... it works better with the king cake as you then frost it, so it normally covers the slit... just a suggestion...
Click to expand...

This is how I always do it. I use a plastic baby, so I never wanted to risk baking it! LOL!
 
I have a great one using Crescent rolls. Being from New Orleans, I actually prefer this recipe to some of the store bought filled cakes...It also shows A TON of pampered chef products. If you want to email me I will forward you a copy.

Mardi Gras King Cake


1 pkg (8 oz) Cream Cheese, softened ( DO NOT USE FAT FREE, but you can use 1/3 less fat)
½ cup Powdered Sugar
½ tsp. Vanilla extract
2 cans (8 oz) Crescent Rolls
1 can Blueberry, cherry or Lemon pie filling ( I have even used a pecan caramel filling)

Glaze:
½ cup Powdered Sugar
1-2 tbsp. Water

Colored Sugar:
Yellow, Green and Purple (red and blue makes purple) food coloring
½ cup sugar for each color

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix softened cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Separate crescent rolls and arrange like a ring. Spread cream cheese mixture over crescent rolls. Scoop pie filling with large scoop (it will only use about ½ the can) onto the cream cheese mixture. Close the ring and bake until brown.
Mix together powdered sugar and water to make glaze.
Place sugar in 3 different sandwich bags then squeeze 3 drops of food coloring in each bag to make the 3 different colors.
Once king cake is cooled for about 15 minutes drizzle glaze then sprinkle with the 3 different colored sugars.


Easy Cinnamon King Cake
2 cans (9.5 oz) refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls (generic brand)
1 block (8 0z) Cream Cheese
½ cup Powdered Sugar
3 Colored sugars

Separate and unroll cinnamon rolls. Take 3 and braid or twist. Once all are twisted put together to make a ring. Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar and pipe into twist. Bake until brown. Glaze and sprinkle sugars.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key ingredients for a traditional King Cake?

A traditional King Cake typically includes flour, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, and yeast for the dough. The filling often consists of cream cheese, cinnamon, or fruit preserves, and it is usually topped with a glaze and colored sugars in purple, green, and gold.

How do I achieve the perfect texture for my King Cake?

To achieve the perfect texture, ensure that you knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Allow it to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, and avoid overbaking to keep it soft and tender. Using high-quality ingredients also contributes to a better texture.

Can I make King Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make King Cake ahead of time! You can prepare the dough and filling, then shape the cake and refrigerate it overnight before the final rise and baking. Alternatively, you can bake it in advance and freeze it, then thaw and glaze it before serving.

What variations can I try for my King Cake recipe?

There are many delicious variations you can try! Consider adding different fillings such as chocolate, almond paste, or fruit preserves. You can also experiment with flavored glazes, such as vanilla or citrus, and even incorporate different toppings like nuts or sprinkles.

How do I store leftover King Cake?

To store leftover King Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake, ensuring it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Kitty Litter Cake: April Fools Fun Recipe!
  • DebPC
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
16
Views
7K
Admin Greg
Cake Using Sprinkles (Feb. Guest Special)
  • sburnside
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
7
Views
1K
chefann
New Orleans King Cake on Large Stone
  • thefoodking
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
4
Views
6K
Staci
Uncovering the Mystery Recipe: A Search for Answers
  • pkd09
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
4
Views
4K
DebPC
Delicious Strawberry Margarita Cake Recipe | Perfect for Special Occasions
  • JennyJennJen
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
4K
Admin Greg
Chocolate Cake in the Microwave: Issues with Recipe?
  • reneenshelcook4u
    • Recipes and Tips
2
Replies
34
Views
6K
babywings76
Dump Cake Confusion: Is Cake Mix Required?
  • Chef Shari
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
4
Views
3K
DebB
Creating a Pumpkin Batter Bowl Cake - Kraft Recipe Tips
  • wadesgirl
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
7
Views
3K
esavvymom
Delicious Pink Lemonade Pound Cake Recipe - Perfect for Any Occasion!
  • DebPC
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
4K
sharalam
Using Korintje Cinnamon for a Pumpkin Spice Cake: Help Needed!
  • winklermom
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
5
Views
3K
winklermom
Back
Top