Copycat Manny Randazzo King Cake Recipe

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If you’ve ever experienced the joy of savoring a Manny Randazzo King Cake, you know it’s not just a dessert—it’s a tradition, a celebration, and a little piece of Mardi Gras magic.

How to make Manny Randazzo King Cake

Manny Randazzo King Cake is a legendary New Orleans–style king cake made by Manny Randazzo’s King Cakes, a family-owned bakery that’s been around since the 1960s.

Ingredients for King Cake

For the Dough:

• 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:

• 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorations:

• Traditional Mardi Gras-colored sugar sprinkles: Purple (justice), Green (faith), Gold (power)
• Optional: Plastic baby or charm (to tuck into the cake for tradition!)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This means your yeast is activated and ready to go.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, remaining sugar, softened butter, egg yolks, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and stir. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until the dough starts to form. When it becomes too thick to stir, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for kneading.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. In a bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter to create a spreadable paste. Set aside.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it onto a floured surface.
7. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 16×10 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly across the surface of the dough.
8. Starting at one long side, gently roll the dough into a log. Carefully pinch the seams to seal.
9. Shape the rolled dough into a circle, pinching the edges together to close the loop. Place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes.
11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the King Cake for about 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the icing.
12. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until you have a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze) or milk (for a thinner one).
13. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled King Cake. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle the purple, green, and gold sugar in alternating stripes to create the festive Mardi Gras look.
14. If desired, tuck the plastic baby (or charm) into the underside of the cake after it cools.

Tips for Making the Best King Cake

• Yeast Activation: Be sure your water and milk are warm (not hot) to properly activate your yeast. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, and your dough won’t rise.
• Proofing: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free space. If your kitchen is cold, you can set the bowl near a warm oven or inside a turned-off oven with the light on.
• Don’t Over-Bake: Keep an eye on the cake to prevent it from drying out. It should be golden on the outside but soft and fluffy inside.
• For Extra Sweetness: You can add cream cheese to the filling for a rich twist, similar to the variations offered at many New Orleans bakeries.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

What to serve with

Manny Randazzo King Cake is already a showstopper on its own, with its flavorful cinnamon-filled layers, vibrant Mardi Gras colors, and festive charm. However, pairing King Cake with the right accompaniments can elevate its presentation and create the ultimate celebratory experience.

a) Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweet and spiced flavors of a Manny Randazzo King Cake.

b) Tea: Black tea offers a classic pairing, as its mild bitterness balances the sweetness of the Manny Randazzo King Cake. Pair it with Earl Grey or English Breakfast to enhance the warm cinnamon flavor.

c) Milk: A cold glass of milk (dairy or plant-based) is a kid-friendly option that’s perfect for pairing with the rich, cinnamon-sugar cake glaze. Its creamy coolness balances out the Manny Randazzo King Cake’s sweetness.

d) Sparkling Cocktails or Drinks: For a Mardi Gras gathering with adult guests, serve sparkling beverages like Champagne, Prosecco, or Mimosa (orange juice + champagne) to complement the celebratory feel.

Ingredients Substitutes

With a little creativity, you can still craft a delicious and festive King Cake while making it work for your pantry or preferences.

1. Yeast Substitutes

Yeast plays a crucial role in making the dough rise, giving King Cake its soft and fluffy texture. However, if you don’t have yeast or are looking for an alternative, here are some options:

Substitute: Baking Powder and Baking Soda

• If yeast isn’t available, you can use baking powder as a leavening agent. Combine 2 teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour with the remaining ingredients.
• For an extra lift, pair baking powder with baking soda and add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to activate it. (Note: Substituting yeast with these ingredients will result in a texture more like a quick bread rather than the traditional King Cake. It will still be delicious but slightly denser.)

2. Milk Substitutes

Milk adds richness and tenderness to the dough. If you’re out of milk or need a dairy-free option, try these substitutes:

a) Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives: Unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can replace regular milk in a 1:1 ratio.

b) Water or Broth: Replace milk with water in equal amounts. While it will work for the dough, the richness might be a bit less intense, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter or oil to compensate.

c) Evaporated Milk or Powdered Milk: Use evaporated milk with a splash of water to mimic the consistency of regular milk.

3. Egg Substitutes

Egg yolks in the dough help with structure, richness, and binding. If you’re vegan, allergic to eggs, or simply don’t have eggs on hand, here’s what you can use:

a) Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg yolk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.

b) Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg yolk. It adds moisture but may subtly change the flavor.

c) Yogurt or Silken Tofu: Replace each egg yolk with 1/4 cup of plain yogurt (dairy-based or plant-based) or blended silken tofu for a creamy, neutral-flavored alternative.

d) Commercial Egg Replacers: Use a store-bought egg replacer, such as Bob’s Red Mill or Ener-G Egg Replacer, following the package instructions.

4. Butter Substitutes

Butter contributes to the dough’s flavor and tenderness. If you’re out of butter or need a non-dairy substitute, here are some alternatives:

a) Vegan Butter or Margarine: Replace butter with an equal amount of vegan butter or non-hydrogenated margarine for a similar texture and taste.

b) Coconut Oil: Use coconut oil, softened or melted, as a 1:1 substitute. It adds richness but may add a slight coconut flavor.

c) Vegetable Oil: Substitute with vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio. While the result won’t be as rich as using butter, it will still yield a tender and delicious cake.

d) Applesauce: For a lower-fat option, replace butter with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. It will make the cake moist but slightly less buttery.

5. Flour Substitutes

All-purpose flour is the traditional choice for King Cake dough, but there are alternatives if you need to switch it up:

a) Bread Flour: Use bread flour for a chewier texture. Be mindful that King Cake made with bread flour might be slightly denser.

b) Gluten-Free Flour: Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (such as Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur) with xanthan gum included. Replace at a 1:1 ratio.

Final Thoughts

To serve Manny Randazzo King Cake—or your homemade version—like a true pro, pair it with a selection of beverages, fresh fruits, and savory snacks.

More King Cake Recipes:

• Homemade Caluda’s King Cake Recipe
• Tartine King Cake Recipe