Mardi Gras King Cake Donuts (Print Version)
Pillowy donuts with cinnamon swirl and colorful Mardi Gras-inspired icing.
# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
12 - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
→ Frying
13 - Vegetable oil for frying
→ Glaze & Decoration
14 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
15 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
16 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars
# How to Prepare:
01 - Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in warm milk in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Combine flour, remaining sugar, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until soft dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
04 - Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut 3-inch rounds using donut cutter or two round cutters. Re-roll scraps as needed.
05 - Place donuts and holes on parchment-lined tray. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
06 - Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Brush tops of each donut with mixture.
07 - Heat 2 inches vegetable oil in deep pot to 350°F. Fry donuts in batches, 1-2 minutes per side, until golden. Drain on paper towels.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip cooled donuts into glaze, letting excess drip off.
09 - Immediately sprinkle donuts with purple, green, and gold sugars in sections to mimic King Cake colors. Let set before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They capture all the festive spirit of King Cake but in a fun, handheld portion that guests can grab between parade floats
- The combination of warm cinnamon sugar and sweet glaze creates that perfect bakery style texture people line up for at morning markets
02 -
- Oil temperature is everything—too cold and they'll be greasy, too hot and they'll burn outside while staying raw inside
- The second rise is absolutely crucial for that light, airy texture, so don't rush it even if you're impatient
03 -
- A digital kitchen thermometer takes all the guesswork out of oil temperature and ensures perfectly fried donuts every time
- If you're nervous about frying, you can bake these at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, though the texture will be more like a muffin