Name: Classic Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup honey; ½ cup almond flour; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup almond milk; 1 tbsp yeast; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2 large eggs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2.5 cups whole wheat flour; Natural food coloring (as needed)

This Classic Mardi Gras King Cake features a soft, festive cake with a wholesome twist. Perfect for a healthy breakfast, it’s a simple recipe that blends traditional flavors into a nutritious, celebratory start to the day with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mardi Gras king cake is a nutritious, healthy breakfast idea that transforms a soft, festive cake with a wholesome twist into a celebratory delight, perfect for a satisfying morning. Easy to prepare and packed with fiber and natural sweetness, it’s a guilt-free indulgence. Versatile—top with fruit or enjoy plain—this recipe offers a delicious and wholesome option.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Knead Well: Ensures a soft texture.
Use Room-Temp Ingredients: Helps dough rise smoothly.
Proof Properly: Allows for optimal rise.
Check Doneness: Should be golden and hollow-sounding.
Cool Slightly: Eases slicing and serving.
Avoid Overmixing: Keeps cake tender.
Add Color Last: Enhances festive look.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste and tweak honey to preference.
Rest Dough: Allows flavors to meld.
Use Parchment: Simplifies removal.

Yield: 10 servings

Classic Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe

Festive Mardi Gras cake, healthy breakfast treat.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup honey
½ cup almond flour
½ tsp salt
¾ cup almond milk
1 tbsp yeast
1 tsp cinnamon
2 large eggs
2 tbsp olive oil
2.5 cups whole wheat flour
Natural food coloring (as needed)

Instructions

Activate Yeast: Warm almond milk to 110°F, stir in yeast and a teaspoon of honey, and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk whole wheat flour, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, remaining honey, and olive oil, then add the yeast mixture.
Form Dough: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients, kneading for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Shape the Cake: Roll out dough, shape into a ring, and add a small plastic baby or nut inside (optional tradition).
Let Dough Rise: Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
Add Color: Brush with a mixture of almond milk and natural food coloring in purple, green, and yellow sections.
Bake the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding.
Cool the Cake: Let cool on a baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve warm, savoring this festive, wholesome breakfast treat!

Notes

Knead well for texture; use room-temp ingredients for smoothness.
Proof properly for rise; avoid overmixing to keep tender.
Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness; reheat gently to preserve taste.
This recipe can be adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets with appropriate swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 207Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 37mgSodium 133mgCarbohydrates 31gFiber 4gSugar 8gProtein 7g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Whole Wheat Flour (2.5 cups): For hearty texture.
Almond Flour (½ cup): For added nutrition.
Honey (¼ cup): For natural sweetness.
Eggs (2 large): For binding and richness.
Almond Milk (¾ cup): Unsweetened for lightness.
Yeast (1 tbsp): Active dry, for rise.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For moisture.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): Ground for warm flavor.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances flavor; adjust to taste.
Natural Food Coloring (as needed): Purple, green, yellow, for tradition.

Variations and Substitutions

Flour Swap: Use spelt flour for variety.
Nut Flour Swap: Replace almond flour with coconut flour.
Sweetener Swap: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
Egg Swap: Use flax eggs for vegan option.
Milk Swap: Use oat milk or coconut milk.
Spice Swap: Add nutmeg instead of cinnamon.
Oil Swap: Use coconut oil or omit.
Color Swap: Use fruit puree for natural hues.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days; reheat lightly.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge.
Reheating: Warm in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.