King Cake Donuts Mardi Gras

Bring the festive spirit of Mardi Gras straight to your kitchen with these vibrant King Cake Donuts! Inspired by the beloved New Orleans tradition, these soft, baked beauties capture all the flavor and fun of a classic King Cake in an easy-to-make donut form. With warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, bright lemon zest, and a sweet vanilla glaze topped with the iconic green, purple, and gold sanding sugar, each bite is a celebration. Whether you're preparing for Fat Tuesday or simply craving a taste of the Big Easy, these donuts are the perfect way to honor this treasured culinary tradition without the fuss of a traditional braided King Cake.

Save

These King Cake Donuts are more than just a dessert—they're a piece of New Orleans culture you can enjoy any time of year. The hint of lemon zest brightens the batter, while the warm spices add depth and comfort. The simple vanilla glaze sets the stage for the showstopping tri-color sprinkles, which pay homage to the traditional King Cake colors representing justice, faith, and power. Each donut is light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, making them irresistible to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• For the Donuts: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 large eggs, 3/4 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1 tsp vanilla extract, zest of 1 lemon
• For the Glaze: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp whole milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• For Decoration: Green, purple, and gold (yellow) sanding sugar or sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until combined.

Step 4

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5

Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.

Step 6

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7

Let donuts cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8

For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.

Step 9

Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.

Step 10

Immediately sprinkle with green, purple, and gold sanding sugar in sections to mimic the King Cake look.

Step 11

Let the glaze set before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a richer flavor, add a pinch of ground cardamom to the batter. Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to easily fill the donut cavities without spilling. Make sure the donuts are completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and sliding off. When applying the sanding sugar, work quickly while the glaze is still wet so the colors adhere properly. You can create clean color sections by sprinkling one color at a time over different parts of each donut.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can fill donuts with cinnamon cream cheese for a fun twist—simply use a piping bag fitted with a narrow tip to inject the filling into the side of each donut after baking. For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter. If you prefer a chocolate variation, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and reduce the flour slightly. You can also experiment with different extracts like almond or orange to add a unique flavor twist to the glaze.

Serviervorschläge

These King Cake Donuts pair wonderfully with freshly brewed coffee or chicory café au lait, a traditional New Orleans beverage. Serve them at brunch alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a festive spread, or arrange them on a colorful platter for a Mardi Gras party. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon in green, purple, and gold. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them warm with a side of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Save

With their vibrant colors, soft texture, and delightful flavor, these King Cake Donuts are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. They bring the joy and tradition of Mardi Gras to your table in a convenient, bakery-worthy form that anyone can make at home. Whether you're celebrating with family, hosting a party, or simply treating yourself, these donuts deliver all the festive fun without the complexity of traditional King Cake. Laissez les bons temps rouler—let the good times roll!

Recipe FAQ Section

→ What gives these donuts their festive colors?

The donuts are decorated with green, purple, and gold sanding sugar or sprinkles, mimicking the traditional Mardi Gras palette.

→ Can I make these donuts without frying?

Yes, these donuts are baked, offering a soft texture without the need for frying.

→ What spices are used in the donut batter?

The batter includes cinnamon and nutmeg, with an optional pinch of cardamom for extra warmth.

→ How is the glaze prepared?

The glaze is made by whisking powdered sugar with whole milk and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.

→ How long do these donuts stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, they remain fresh for up to two days.

→ Are these donuts suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the ingredients used make these donuts vegetarian-friendly.