Mardi Gras King Cake Donuts

The first time I attempted King Cake for Mardi Gras, I ended up with a beautiful braided monster that took over my entire counter. That's when I realized donuts might be the smarter, sweeter way to bring all those carnival flavors to the table without the intimidation factor.

Last year I made three batches during a single weekend because my family kept eating them before I could even photograph the results. There's something about those purple, green, and gold sprinkles that makes people reach for seconds before they've even finished their first.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these donuts their tender crumb without turning tough or bread-like
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to let the cinnamon filling shine without becoming cloying
• 2 tsp baking powder: The leavening agent that creates those soft, cakey interiors we want in baked donuts
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: A warm spice that pairs perfectly with the lemon zest for depth
• 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and making all flavors pop
• 2 large eggs: Structure and richness that keep these moist even after cooling
• 3/4 cup whole milk: Creates a tender batter and contributes to that bakery soft texture
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds that buttery richness we associate with carnival treats
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and makes everything taste professionally made
• Zest of 1 lemon: The secret bright note that cuts through the richness and adds freshness
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: For the cinnamon swirl that creates those beautiful ribbons inside
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar: Melts into the most incredible gooey pockets inside each donut
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The star of the filling that gives each bite that King Cake personality
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Creates that perfect dipping glaze that hardens just enough
• 2 tbsp whole milk: Thins the glaze to that ideal coating consistency
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Keeps the glaze from being one dimensional
• Purple, green, and gold sprinkles: Non negotiable for that authentic Mardi Gras celebration vibe

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 350°F and generously grease your donut pan because nothing ruins a morning faster than stuck donuts

Whisk your dry foundation:

Combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest in a large bowl until everything is evenly distributed

Whisk your wet mixture:

In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until the mixture looks uniform and slightly frothy

Bring it together gently:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and fold until just combined, remembering that a few lumps means you haven't overworked the batter

Make the cinnamon magic:

Stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you have a spreadable paste

Layer for the surprise:

Spoon half the batter into the pan, add a small swirl of cinnamon filling to each mold, then cover with remaining batter

Bake to perfection:

Bake 10 to 12 minutes until the donuts spring back when touched and the kitchen smells like a carnival

Cool just enough:

Let them rest in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a rack, otherwise they might break apart

Create the signature glaze:

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon

Finish with celebration:

Dip each cooled donut in glaze and immediately pile on those festive sprinkles before the glaze sets

Let them shine:

Allow the glaze to firm up for at least 10 minutes so they look as good as they taste

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My neighbor's kids now request these every February, and I've started making extra because word gets around the block fast. There's something about handing someone a rainbow topped donut that instantly makes any Tuesday feel like Fat Tuesday.

Getting the Swirl Right

I've learned that a simple chopstick motion creates the prettiest cinnamon ribbons inside. You want that filling distributed enough that every bite gets some, but not so mixed that it disappears into the batter completely.

Make Ahead Magic

These actually taste better the next morning if you can resist eating them all immediately. Store them in an airtight container and the flavors meld into something even more special, though the sprinkles might bleed slightly into the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

These shine brightest on a platter surrounded by beads and masks, but they're equally delicious with morning coffee. The lemon zest makes them feel lighter than most carnival treats, which somehow justifies having seconds.

• Set up a sprinkle station and let guests decorate their own
• Pair with chicory coffee for the full New Orleans experience
• Hide a tiny candy in one donut if you want to honor tradition safely

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These donuts have become my go to for bringing Mardi Gras energy to any gathering, no matter how far from the French Quarter we might actually be.