0 Shares

There’s something undeniably joyful about the celebration of Mardi Gras, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than with a batch of homemade King Cake Doughnuts? I first tried these delicious treats at a local carnival and was captivated by their fluffy texture and warm, cinnamon-infused flavor. The vibrant swirl of colors—yellow, purple, and green—reminds me of the lively parades and joyous laughter that fill the streets of New Orleans during this time.

With every bite, you’re transported to that bustling city, where the sweet aroma of freshly baked doughnuts melds with the festivities. These delightful morsels not only make for a perfect indulgence during Mardi Gras, but they’re also fantastic for weekends or whenever you need a little sweetness in your life. Trust me, once you taste the golden exterior and glossy glaze, you’ll be making excuses to whip up a second batch! So, gather your ingredients, and let’s create these scrumptious King Cake Doughnuts together—your taste buds are in for a remarkable treat!

Why Love King Cake Doughnuts?

Festive Celebration: King Cake Doughnuts are not just treats; they embody the spirit of Mardi Gras, bringing an exciting burst of color and flavor to your festivities.

Fluffy Delight: Every doughnut boasts a pillowy texture, ensuring a delightful experience with each bite.

Sweet Cinnamon Aroma: Infused with cinnamon, these doughnuts offer a warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen, making them a perfect addition to your breakfast spread.

Versatile Treat: Not limited to Mardi Gras, these doughnuts can brighten any day, celebrated or not! Pair them with coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful treat any time.

Family-Friendly Fun: Involving the family in the kitchen adds joy to the process, making it a perfect recipe for bonding while creating delicious memories.

King Cake Doughnut Ingredients

Get Ready to Bake!

For the Dough
• Active Dry Yeast – Provides leavening for the dough, contributing to a fluffy texture. Ensure yeast is fresh for best results.
• Warm Water – Activates yeast; it should be no more than 110°F to prevent killing it.
• All-Purpose Flour – The main structure of the dough; gluten development is crucial for doughnut texture.
• Warm Whole Milk – Increases moisture and richness; also at 110°F.
• Melted Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and lovely flavor to the dough.
• Large Eggs – Contribute to structure and moisture; must be at room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and aids in browning.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon – Provides that classic doughnut flavor and warmth.

For Frying
• Vegetable Oil – Essential for frying; a high smoke point is important for even frying.

For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar – Main component of the glaze that provides sweetness and smooth texture.
• Whole Milk – Ensures the glaze achieves the desired consistency.
• Lemon Juice – Adds brightness to the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor in the glaze.
• Sanding Sugar (Purple, Green, Gold) – For festive decoration and crunch!

These King Cake Doughnuts are sure to delight everyone at your Mardi Gras celebration!

How to Make King Cake Doughnuts

Combine Ingredients: In a stand mixer, mix warm water, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast foams up—this indicates it’s active and ready!
Mix the Dough: Add 4 1/2 cups of flour, warm milk, melted butter, eggs, sugar, salt, and cinnamon to the mixer. Start mixing on low for 3 minutes until blended but not fully combined.
Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour to form a soft, smooth dough. Knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is elastic and slightly tacky but not sticky.
First Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which should take about 1 hour.
Shape the Doughnuts: Roll the risen dough to about 1/2-inch thick on a floured surface. Cut into doughnut shapes and place them on a greased baking sheet. Allow them to proof for another 30 minutes.
Fry the Doughnuts: Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 325°F. Fry the doughnuts in batches until golden brown, about 5 minutes total—flip them as needed for even cooking.
Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth and creamy, perfect for coating!
Glaze the Doughnuts: Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze, allowing it to coat the top. While still wet, sprinkle on sanding sugars in Mardi Gras colors to add that festive touch. Allow them to set for a minute before serving.

Optional: Serve with a dusting of additional powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

King Cake Doughnuts Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful doughnuts to suit your taste buds!

Brown Sugar: Replace part of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
Nutmeg Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for an extra hint of warmth and spice.
Creamy Filling: For a more indulgent treat, fill the doughnuts with cream cheese or pastry cream before glazing.
Chocolate Drizzle: Top with melted chocolate instead of glaze for a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the glaze to brighten the flavor and add a fresh twist.
Fruit Infusion: Consider folding in dried fruit, like raisins or diced candied orange peel, into the dough for a fruity hit.
Vegan Option: Use almond milk and flax eggs in place of normal dairy and eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon sugar on top for a little heat to balance the sweetness.

These variations will take your King Cake Doughnuts to new heights, making each batch truly unique!

What to Serve with King Cake Doughnuts?

Indulging in these blissful treats creates the perfect opportunity to complement their sweet, fluffy goodness with delightful pairings.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of berries and citrus adds a refreshing burst, balancing the sweetness of the doughnuts.
Rich Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of homemade whipped cream enhances each bite, creating a decadent dessert experience.
Hot Chocolate: A cozy cup of rich hot chocolate brings warmth, making it feel like a festive treat any day of the year.

To balance the sweetness, consider adding a side of tart raspberry or lemon curd for dipping. The tartness cuts through the glaze, elevating each bite into a delightful adventure for your palate!

Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee or espresso perfectly complement the cinnamon undertones, creating a comforting pairing that is simply irresistible.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing these doughnuts with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a heavenly dessert duo. The melting ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, fluffy doughnuts.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A sprinkling of cinnamon sugar over the doughnuts enhances their flavor profile, echoing the warmth of the dough inside.
Mardi Gras Cocktail: Celebrate the festive spirit with a colorful cocktail that reflects the joyful hues of Mardi Gras. A fruity, vibrant drink adds a fun twist to your dessert table.
Spiced Tea: For a cozy alternative, serve spiced tea alongside—its warm, aromatic notes bring a lovely contrast to the sweet doughnuts.

Expert Tips for King Cake Doughnuts

Yeast Activation: Ensure all liquids are at the correct temperature (no more than 110°F) to keep the yeast viable for rising.
Prevent Overcrowding: Fry the doughnuts in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan; this helps achieve even cooking and prevents oil temperature drops.
Use a Thermometer: Keep a deep-fry thermometer handy. Monitoring the oil temperature at 325°F is essential for perfectly golden King Cake Doughnuts.
Cooling Before Glazing: Allow the doughnuts to cool slightly before glazing. If they’re too hot, the glaze will melt right off instead of forming a beautiful finish.
Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using brown sugar in the dough for a richer flavor profile.

How to Store and Freeze King Cake Doughnuts

Room Temperature: Store leftover King Cake Doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness.

Refrigerator: If you plan on keeping them longer, you can refrigerate doughnuts, but they’ll lose some of their fluffiness. Use within 4 days for best flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unglazed doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing for best results.

Reheating: To refresh, reheat the King Cake Doughnuts in the microwave for a few seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a minute until warm and fluffy.

Make Ahead Options

These King Cake Doughnuts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while still enjoying a festive treat! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all ingredients and allowing it to rise. After shaping the doughnuts, place them on a greased baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap, refrigerating until you’re ready to fry them the next day. This method keeps the doughnuts just as fluffy and delicious! When you’re ready to serve, simply fry them straight from the fridge, glaze, and enjoy—your guests will be none the wiser about the extra time you saved!

King Cake Doughnuts Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select and store the ingredients for King Cake Doughnuts?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, ensure your active dry yeast is fresh—check the expiration date on the packet. For optimal results, when choosing flour, pick one with a high protein content for better gluten development. Store the flour in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. As for dairy products, ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before using, and keep them in their original packaging in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

How should I store leftover King Cake Doughnuts?
These delectable treats are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps to maintain their fluffy texture. If you’re looking to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 4 days, though expect a slight loss in softness. Just remember, if you want to enjoy them later, fresh is best!

Can I freeze King Cake Doughnuts? How do I do it?
Yes, you can! To freeze your King Cake Doughnuts, first, allow them to cool completely. Then, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until they’re firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and glaze them just before serving to keep that beautiful finish.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
If your dough isn’t rising as expected, first check your yeast. Make sure it’s active—if it doesn’t foam in warm water, it may be expired. Additionally, ensure your liquids are at the right temperature—no more than 110°F—because hotter water can kill the yeast. If your environment is too cool, find a warm spot to encourage rising, like near a preheated oven or in a sunny window. Don’t rush the process; yeast needs time to do its magic!

Are King Cake Doughnuts suitable for those with allergies?
Great question! King Cake Doughnuts contain common allergens such as gluten (from flour) and dairy (from milk and butter). For a gluten-free variation, consider using gluten-free flour blends that are designed for baking. You can also substitute almond or oat milk for those who are lactose intolerant. Always check labels for any allergens, and if you’re making these for a gathering, it’s thoughtful to inform your guests about the ingredients used.