King Cake Donuts Mardi Gras (Print Version)

Soft baked donuts topped with vanilla glaze and vibrant Mardi Gras sprinkles for a festive treat.

# Components:

→ For the Donuts

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 3/4 cup whole milk
09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ For the Glaze

12 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
13 - 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For Decoration

15 - Green, purple, and gold sanding sugar or sprinkles

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease donut pan with nonstick spray.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until combined.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Spoon or pipe batter evenly into donut pan, filling each cavity approximately two-thirds full.
06 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until donuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
07 - Let donuts cool in pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
09 - Dip cooled donuts into glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
10 - Immediately sprinkle with green, purple, and gold sanding sugar in sections to mimic the King Cake aesthetic.
11 - Allow glaze to set before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to make with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
  • Baked, not fried, for a lighter yet satisfying treat
  • Features the classic King Cake flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon in every bite
  • Decorated with festive Mardi Gras colors that are fun for all ages
  • Perfect for celebrating Fat Tuesday or any festive gathering
  • No yeast required, so they're ready in just over 30 minutes
02 -
  • Don't overmix the batter—stir until just combined to keep the donuts light and tender
  • Use a donut pan for the authentic shape, but a muffin tin works in a pinch
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness
  • Check your sprinkles packaging for allergen information, as some may contain traces of nuts or soy
  • Let the glaze set for at least 10 minutes before serving for the best presentation
  • Make sure your butter is melted but not hot to avoid cooking the eggs when mixing
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