Homemade Meche’s King Cake Recipe

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Meche’s King Cake is known for its soft, donut-like texture, sugary glaze, and festive appearance. Meche’s brings a unique twist to the traditional king cake that keeps locals—and visitors from afar—coming back for more.

How to make Meche’s King Cake

Meche’s King Cake is a traditional Louisiana Mardi Gras king cake made by Meche’s Donut King, a beloved, family-owned bakery based in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
• 1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Fillings:

• Cream cheese filling: Mix 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
• Fruit filling: Use canned pie fillings, such as strawberry or blueberry.

For Decorations:

• Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar (Mardi Gras colors)
• A small plastic baby figurine (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, warm water, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid and let it rest for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt together until smooth.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture to the egg mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour one cup at a time, kneading as you go, until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the King Cake

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out into a long rectangular sheet (about 12 x 18 inches).
2. Add Fillings: If you’re adding a filling, spread it evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
3. Shape the Cake: Roll the dough tightly into a long log. Carefully shape it into an oval or circle, pinching the ends to seal. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough with a damp cloth and let it rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 3: Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Bake the king cake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Allow it to cool completely before glazing.

Step 4: Glaze and Decorate

1. Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Add a little extra milk if it’s too stiff.
2. Decorate: Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle purple, green, and gold sanding sugar over the glaze to ensure it sticks.
3. Optional Step: Gently insert a small plastic baby figurine into the cake from the bottom for the traditional touch.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill: If using a filling, be cautious not to overload, as it might leak while baking.
• Keep Dough Soft: Avoid adding too much flour during kneading—it’s okay if the dough is slightly sticky at first. This ensures the soft, donut-like texture.
• Color Sugar at Home: If you don’t have pre-made sanding sugars, you can mix coarse sugar with food coloring in a zip-top bag and shake until fully coated.
• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated to help the dough rise.
• Serve Fresh: Meche’s King Cakes taste best on the day they’re made. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to preserve their freshness.

What to serve with

Meche’s King Cake is already a show-stopping centerpiece for any gathering, but pairing it with thoughtful sides and beverages can truly elevate the experience.

• Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of strong coffee is an excellent match for the cake’s sweet, donut-like texture and sugary glaze. Consider serving it with New Orleans-style chicory coffee for an authentic Louisiana vibe.
• Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot chocolate makes a heartwarming addition to the king cake, especially during cooler months when Mardi Gras falls. For extra flair, top your cocoa with whipped cream and a sprinkle of green, purple, and gold sugar.
• Iced Latte or Cold Brew: For those who prefer their coffee chilled, pair the cake with a cold brew coffee or iced latte. Add a dash of caramel syrup or vanilla to complement the sweetness of the cake.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes you may not have all the exact ingredients on hand, or you might want to tweak the recipe to suit certain dietary needs or preferences. The good news is that making a Meche’s King Cake at home can be flexible with the right substitutions.

1. Flour Substitutions

• All-Purpose Flour Replacement: Use bread flour if you want a chewier texture. Bread flour has higher protein content, which can yield a slightly firmer but still soft dough.
• For gluten-free alternatives: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blends that include xanthan gum or a similar binding agent.

2. Yeast Substitutions

• Active Dry Yeast Replacement: Use instant yeast in equal amounts. Skip the step of activating the yeast in warm water; simply mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
• If you don’t have yeast, a similar effect can be achieved with baking powder and baking soda. While it won’t taste exactly like the original, a combination of baking powder, baking soda, and vinegar can help aerate the dough.

3. Butter Substitutes

Replace unsalted butter with:

• Margarine or vegetable shortening for a dairy-free option.
• Coconut oil or another neutral-tasting oil. Keep in mind that coconut oil may add a slight coconut flavor.
• Applesauce or vegan butter for a plant-based or lighter alternative.

4. Milk Substitutes

Replace whole milk with:

• Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Coconut milk (canned) for a richer, creamier flavor.
• If you don’t have milk, water can also be used, but the dough may lose some of its softness and richness. Add 1 tbsp of oil to mimic the texture milk provides.

5. Sugar Substitutes

Replace granulated sugar with:

• Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar (use 3/4 the amount of sugar). Since these are liquid sweeteners, reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
• For a lower-calorie option, use coconut sugar, monk fruit sweetener, or stevia (adjust amounts according to the product’s sugar equivalency).

Final Thoughts

Making your own Meche’s King Cake is a fantastic way to celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras no matter where you are. Every slice carries the magic of tradition, bright colors, and irresistible sweetness.

More King Cake Recipes:

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