King Cake Recipe Praline Twist for a Sweet Celebration

The vibrant and festive King Cake is a beloved tradition during Mardi Gras and beyond, symbolizing the joy and camaraderie of the season. This King Cake Praline recipe takes the classic cinnamon-swirled dough and elevates it with a rich, buttery praline topping that adds a delightful crunch and caramelized sweetness.

Whether you’re celebrating with family or bringing a bit of New Orleans flair to your brunch table, this recipe is sure to impress. Soft, fluffy, and packed with warm, nutty flavors, the praline King Cake is a decadent treat that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Beyond its irresistible taste, making your own King Cake praline style allows you to customize the sweetness and texture exactly to your liking. Plus, the process of crafting this beautiful braided cake is as rewarding as the final bite.

Dive into the world of Mardi Gras baking with this detailed guide and enjoy a slice of tradition with a praline twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This King Cake Praline recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the classic Mardi Gras cake but wants to add a unique, nutty dimension to the traditional flavors. The praline topping is made with brown sugar, butter, and pecans, delivering a satisfyingly crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft, pillowy dough inside.

You’ll appreciate how the dough is enriched with buttermilk and butter for a tender crumb, and the cinnamon-sugar swirl adds a burst of warm spice throughout. This recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels and yields a stunning centerpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 1 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
• For the Cinnamon Swirl:
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• For the Praline Topping:
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
• Optional Decoration:
• Colored sugar (purple, green, and gold) for the traditional Mardi Gras look

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional but helpful)
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet or cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Small saucepan
• Brush for spreading butter
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Wire rack for cooling

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
2. Mix the dough: To the yeast mixture, add the remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. If using a stand mixer, mix on low speed with the dough hook for about 5 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until well combined. Set aside.
5. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches on a floured surface.
6. Spread the cinnamon mixture: Evenly spread the cinnamon-sugar butter over the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Shape the cake: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal. Form the log into a large ring or oval and pinch the ends to join. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Second rise: Cover loosely with a towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffed.
9. Make the praline topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and chopped pecans.
10. Bake the King Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and immediately pour the warm praline topping over the hot cake, spreading gently to coat evenly.
11. Cool and decorate: Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. If desired, sprinkle colored sugar on top for a traditional Mardi Gras touch.
12. Serve: Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, be sure your milk is warm but not hot when activating the yeast to avoid killing it.

Try swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.

If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the brown sugar in the praline by a quarter cup.

Adding a small hidden plastic baby figurine inside the dough before baking is a fun Mardi Gras tradition—just be sure to remove it before slicing!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This King Cake Praline is a delightful centerpiece for any celebration, especially Mardi Gras parties. Serve it warm alongside a cup of strong coffee, chicory coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

It also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a light cream cheese spread to balance the sweetness.

For a brunch spread, complement the cake with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh orange juice to create a festive and satisfying meal. Leftovers can be reheated briefly in the oven to refresh the praline topping’s texture.

Conclusion

Making a King Cake Praline is a joyous way to celebrate tradition with a delicious twist. This recipe combines the soft, fragrant dough of a classic King Cake with a rich, caramelized praline topping that adds unforgettable flavor and texture.

Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a slice on your own, this cake embodies warmth, sweetness, and a touch of festivity.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this impressive dessert. Embrace the spirit of Mardi Gras in your kitchen and let this King Cake Praline become a beloved part of your seasonal celebrations year after year.

Happy baking and laissez les bons temps rouler!

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