Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with this show-stopping Mardi Gras King Bundt Cake! This isn't just a dessert - it's a celebration of color, tradition, and pure culinary joy that will make your kitchen the epicenter of festive cheer. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious food adventurer, this recipe promises to bring the spirit of Carnival right to your table with its rich, buttery texture and dazzling decorative flair.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 1 bundt cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are well-coated to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing gently to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, decorate the cake by sprinkling colored sugar in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold over the top of the cake.
- For a festive touch, consider adding a small plastic baby figurine hidden inside the cake, following the traditional King Cake custom.
Tips
- Room Temperature is Key: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and buttermilk, are at room temperature for the smoothest, most uniform cake batter.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the cake tender and light.
- Grease Like a Pro: Use a pastry brush to get butter into every nook and cranny of the bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Color Magic: Use authentic Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold) for your decorative sugar to capture the true festival spirit.
- Hidden Surprise: Traditionally, a small plastic baby is hidden in the cake - just be sure to warn your guests before serving!
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 115mg
