Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe: A Sweet New Orleans Tradition

If you’re looking to bring a taste of New Orleans into your home, the Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe is the perfect recipe to try.

This cake is a true Mardi Gras tradition, known for its colorful icing and delicious, fluffy dough. I’ve always loved how the cake brings people together during celebrations, and it’s even more special when made from scratch.

The Dong Phuong King Cake recipe might seem a bit intricate, but don’t worry — I’ll walk you through each step.

Whether it’s for Mardi Gras or just a fun treat to share, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s get started and bring a little bit of New Orleans magic into your kitchen!

What Makes Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe So Good?

What makes the Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe so good is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dough is soft and buttery, with just the right amount of sweetness.

As it bakes, the cake develops a golden, slightly crisp exterior while maintaining a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior.

The cinnamon-sugar filling adds an irresistible sweetness, with a hint of spice that makes each bite even more enjoyable.

The vibrant glaze, with its bold purple, green, and yellow colors, gives the cake its signature Mardi Gras look while adding a sugary crunch.

It’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. This cake combines tradition, flavor, and fun, making it an unforgettable addition to any celebration.

How To Prepare Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Cajun, Southern, New Orleans

Yield: 1 large cake (serves 10-12)

Kitchen Utensils

To make this King Cake, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Mixing bowls for dry and wet ingredients
• Stand mixer (optional but recommended for the dough)
• Baking sheet or pizza stone
• Rolling pin
• Brush for applying glaze
• Oven for baking
• Plastic baby figurine (optional but traditional)

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1/4 cup butter, softened

For the Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (purple, green, and yellow)

Step-By-Step Directions

1. Activate the Yeast

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 30 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. Mix the Dough

In a stand mixer bowl, combine 4 cups of flour, salt, butter, and the egg. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the bowl. Mix everything on low speed until the dough begins to come together.

Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You may need more or less flour depending on the humidity. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

3. Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 25-30 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

4. Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Set aside.

5. Shape the Cake

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a large rectangle on a floured surface, about 18 x 10 inches. Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.

Next, roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Once rolled, carefully shape it into a ring or oval on your baking sheet. Press the ends of the dough together to seal. Let it rise for an additional 30 minutes.

6. Bake the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.

7. Prepare the Glaze

In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Divide the glaze into three separate bowls.

Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl—purple, green, and yellow—and mix until you get the desired color.

8. Glaze and Decorate

Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Start with the purple glaze, then add the green and yellow glazes in stripes or any fun pattern you like.

If you’re using a plastic baby figurine (traditionally hidden inside the cake), place it inside the cake once it’s glazed and decorated.

Special Notes

1. Tradition: In many parts of New Orleans, the King Cake contains a small plastic baby. The person who gets the slice with the baby is expected to provide the King Cake next year or host the next party.

2. Flavor Variations: Feel free to add different fillings, such as cream cheese, fruit preserves, or chocolate chips, for an extra twist on this classic recipe.

3. Freezing: You can freeze the cake before glazing. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and bake it once thawed.

Nutrition Facts Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 190mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 4g

Amazing Serving Ideas

The Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe is incredibly versatile, offering plenty of creative serving ideas. For a traditional touch, serve slices with a side of coffee or hot chocolate during Mardi Gras celebrations or a brunch gathering.

You can also pair it with fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices for a refreshing contrast to its sweet richness.

For a fun twist, try serving the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top, making it a delightful dessert.

looking to impress, arrange the slices on a platter with colorful Mardi Gras beads or festive napkins for a party-ready presentation.

The possibilities are endless, and this cake always makes a statement, Hosting a celebration or enjoying a casual treat with friends and family.

Tips And Techniques

5 Tips and Techniques for Perfect Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe

1. Activate the Yeast Properly: Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is warm but not too hot (around 110°F). If it’s too hot, it will kill the yeast and your dough won’t rise.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: While kneading, be careful not to overwork the dough. Knead just until it’s smooth and elastic to avoid a tough texture. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

3. Allow Proper Rising Time: Patience is key! Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. This will give your cake the soft, fluffy texture we all love.

4. Use a Silicone Mat for Easy Cleanup: When rolling out the dough or transferring it, a silicone baking mat can help avoid sticking and makes cleanup easier.

5. Add Extra Fillings: While the classic cinnamon-sugar filling is delicious, you can get creative by adding a layer of cream cheese or fruit preserves for an added flavor twist!

Top 5 Healthy Nutrition Benefits

Top 5 Healthy Nutrition Benefits of Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe

1. Rich in Carbohydrates for Energy: The King Cake provides a good source of carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, which gives a quick energy boost, making it a great treat for a midday pick-me-up.

2. Protein from Eggs and Nuts: Eggs in the dough and optional pecans in the filling provide a healthy dose of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.

3. Fiber from Whole Grains (if using whole wheat flour): If you choose to incorporate whole wheat flour, the King Cake becomes a source of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.

4. Healthy Fats (if using nuts): The pecans in the filling contribute healthy fats, which can support heart health and provide long-lasting energy.

5. Antioxidants from Cinnamon: Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and protect your body from oxidative stress. This spice adds not just flavor but also health benefits to your King Cake.

Stor

The Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe holds a special place in New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebrations, and its origins are as rich as its flavor.

The cake first became popular through Dong Phuong Bakery, a beloved bakery in the heart of New Orleans.

Known for its fluffy, cinnamon-filled dough and vibrant glaze, this King Cake became a local tradition that spread far beyond the city.

Over the years, families and friends began gathering to share this delicious treat, making it a symbol of joy and togetherness during the Carnival season.

As I make this cake, I can’t help but feel connected to the spirit of New Orleans – the celebrations, the traditions, and the unforgettable flavors that make this recipe truly one-of-a-kind.

What Is A Dong Phuong King Cake?

A Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe is a traditional New Orleans dessert that is especially popular during the Mardi Gras season.

Known for its soft, sweet dough and colorful icing, it’s typically filled with cinnamon and sometimes includes other fillings like cream cheese or fruit preserves.

The cake is decorated with vibrant purple, green, and gold glaze to represent the colors of Mardi Gras and often contains a small figurine or bean hidden inside.

The person who finds it is expected to host next year’s celebration or bring the next cake. This cake embodies the spirit of celebration, bringing people together for festive occasions.

What Ingredients Are In A Dong Cake?

A Dong Cake is made with a variety of simple yet flavorful ingredients. The dough typically includes flour, sugar, butter, eggs, yeast, and warm milk, which create a soft and slightly sweet base.

For the filling, cinnamon and brown sugar are commonly used, sometimes paired with butter and nuts like pecans.

The cake is then topped with a sweet glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, with food coloring added to give the iconic Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold.

Some variations may also include fruit preserves or cream cheese for added richness.

How Many King Cakes Does Dong Phương Make?

Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe Bakery is famous for making hundreds, if not thousands, of King Cakes each year, especially during the Mardi Gras season.

Their King Cakes have become a staple in New Orleans and beyond, attracting people who come from near and far to get a taste of this iconic treat.

The bakery offers a variety of fillings and flavors, making each cake a little bit different but always delicious.

With their high demand, Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe are often pre-ordered months in advance, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this local favorite.

Can You Eat Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe Every Day?

While the Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe is undeniably delicious, it’s not something you should eat every day. Like many sweet treats, it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar content and calorie count.

It’s perfect for special occasions, like Mardi Gras or family gatherings, but indulging in it daily might not be the healthiest choice.

However, every once in a while, a slice of King Cake can be a delightful treat, especially when shared with loved ones during a celebration.

How To Freeze Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe?

To freeze a Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe, first ensure it’s completely cooled. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

You can also place it in an airtight container for added protection. Ready to enjoy it, let the cake thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or you can heat it in the oven at a low temperature to restore its freshness.

If you’ve already glazed it, you may want to wait to glaze the cake until it has thawed to prevent the icing from melting. Freezing helps keep the cake fresh for up to two months.

Conclusion

Making a Dong Phuong King Cake Recipe at home is a great way to bring a bit of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras spirit into your kitchen.

The combination of a soft, buttery dough filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with colorful glaze makes this cake a real showstopper.

Celebrating Mardi Gras or simply indulging in something special, this cake is sure to please everyone around your table.

I hope you enjoy making this King Cake as much as I did! Let me know how your cake turns out, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Happy baking, and may your celebrations be sweet and filled with joy!