Twins King Cake Recipe

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At Twins Burgers & Sweets, this iconic treat is known for its irresistible flavors, homemade touch, and commitment to using natural ingredients. As someone who loves sharing recipes that bring joy, I couldn’t resist diving into the art of recreating the famed Twins King Cake in my own kitchen.

How to make Twins King Cake

Twins King Cake is a popular Mardi Gras–style king cake made by Twin’s Bakery, best known in parts of the U.S. (especially the South).

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F, to activate yeast)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (warm)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• For the Filling (Cinnamon Cream Cheese)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional Filling Variations: Bavarian cream, chocolate ganache, or lemon curd (Twins offers multiple flavor versions).

For the Icing

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 4–5 tablespoons milk (or adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Stir until dissolved and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture is foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, the remaining sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the yeast mixture, milk, eggs, and softened butter. Use a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to mix. Slowly add the remaining 1 cup of flour until the dough is soft but not sticky.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead for about 5 minutes with the dough hook.
4. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
6. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 16×10 inches).
8. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
9. Roll the Dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal.
10. Shape the rolled dough into an oval or circular ring. Carefully transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet. (Pro Tip: Place a small greased oven-safe bowl or cup in the center to help maintain the shape during baking.)
11. Cover the ring with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
12. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the King Cake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
13. Let the cake cool completely before adding icing.
14. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Adjust the milk or powdered sugar to get a drizzle-able consistency.
15. Drizzle the icing generously over the cooled King Cake. While still wet, sprinkle purple, green, and gold sanding sugar over the icing to create a vibrant, festive look. Each color represents a Mardi Gras theme: purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.
16. Optional: Hide a small plastic baby figurine or almond underneath the cake (traditionally done after baking to avoid melting).

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Twins King Cake

• Natural Colors: If you want to emulate the natural vibe of Twins’ cakes, consider using homemade colored sugars by mixing granulated sugar with small amounts of plant-based coloring (such as beet juice for purple or turmeric for gold).
• Perfect Texture: Don’t overbake! Check your cake around the 20-minute mark to ensure it remains soft and golden.
• Custom Fillings: Experiment with pralines, Nutella, or fruit compotes as fillings for unique flavors.
• Storing the Cake: Cover the Twins King Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It remains fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge.

Ingredients Substitutes

I’ve outlined thoughtful alternatives for nearly every key ingredient in the recipe to help you tackle the kitchen with confidence while staying true to the spirit of a Twins King Cake.

1. All-Purpose Flour

Substitute Options:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help replicate the stretchiness of gluten.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Swap up to 50% of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser and nuttier result. Avoid using 100% whole wheat flour as it can make the cake heavy.

2. Granulated Sugar

Substitute Options:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Replace 1 cup of sugar with 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup. Reduce the liquid in the recipe by 1–2 tablespoons to compensate for the moisture.
• Coconut Sugar: Use a 1:1 ratio for a naturally unrefined substitute with a mild, caramel-like flavor.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Opt for sugar alternatives for a lower-carb version. Follow the manufacturer’s conversion chart, as these are much sweeter by volume.

3. Whole Milk

Substitute Options:

• Non-Dairy Milks: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk (the refrigerated kind, not canned). Use a 1:1 substitute for whole milk.
• Buttermilk: Adds tangy richness. If substituting, reduce the amount of salt slightly and add a pinch of baking soda to help with rising.
• Evaporated Milk: If on hand, dilute with equal parts water before using.

4. Butter

Substitute Options:

• Plant-Based Butter or Margarine: Perfect for a dairy-free crowd. Look for unsalted varieties and use a 1:1 ratio. Brands like Earth Balance are great options.
• Coconut Oil: Use equal amounts of softened or melted coconut oil for a subtle, sweet flavor.
• Applesauce: For an oil-free option, substitute half of the butter amount with applesauce for a lower-fat recipe.

5. Eggs

Substitute Options:

• Flax Eggs/Chia Eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes gelatinous.
• Applesauce or Mashed Bananas: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana per egg. However, note that these may add a fruity undertone.
• Vinegar and Baking Powder: Combine 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 teaspoon of baking powder to replace an egg.

6. Yeast

Substitute Options:

• Instant Yeast: Swap active dry yeast for instant yeast in equal amounts. Just skip the activation step (you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients).
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda (for an alternative rise): If yeast isn’t available, replace it with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. The texture will be more like a quick bread than a traditional King Cake.

Final Thoughts

Creating a Twins King Cake is not only a fun baking experience but also a heartfelt way to celebrate Mardi Gras with your loved ones.

More King Cake Recipes:

• Homemade Meche’s King Cake Recipe
• Copycat Manny Randazzo King Cake Recipe