With Mardi Gras right around the corner (Fat Tuesday is February 9 this year!), it's time to start thinking about one of the most fun parts of the day: the King Cake. In case you're not familiar with this colorful tradition, it involves a plastic baby doll hidden inside a yummy confection. The person who finds the trinket is believed to have special privileges or be obligated to make the cake next year.
Either way, it's delicious and entertaining at the same time! But if your family has been celebrating with the same cake year after year, you may be looking for an alternative.
We found eight festive recipes that are sweet takes on the traditional King Cake. Why not give that plastic baby doll a new home this year inside one of these yummy treats?
Image via kitchenbelleicious.com
Monkey Bread
It's always the right time to enjoy Monkey Bread. This King Cake-inspired version from Christin at Spicy Southern Kitchen is colorful and sweeter than your traditional King Cake and is super-easy to make thanks to refrigerated biscuits.
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King Cake Bites
These King Cake Bites, created by Stephanie at Plain Chicken, are filled with cream cheese. Yum!
"These would be great for a class party, Fat Tuesday breakfast, or just anytime for a treat. We ate these for dessert and breakfast the next day," says Stephanie.
King Cake Bars
Sarah of Purple Patch DIY came up with these colorful King Cake Bars, which she says are "so fast and easy to make" as well as "super yummy and rich." If you think you'll be tempted to have more than one piece of cake, go with these bars instead.
King Cake Cheesecake
Jessica of Kitchen Belleicious says this King Cake Cheesecake is her family's new favorite way to celebrate Mardi Gras. She uses gluten-free flour and says they make the "most outstanding shortbread crust." Her husband hails from New Orleans, so if this gets his stamp of approval (which it did), we're in!
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King Cake Cupcakes
Tricia of Nola Mommy shares her recipe for these luscious pecan and cinnamon King Cake Cupcakes. They're so delicious she suggests you dispense with tradition and enjoy them all year long!
King Cake Cheese Ball
"This King Cake Cheese Ball would be a fun idea for a Mardi Gras party and is really easy to make," says Darlene of Dip Recipe Creations who developed the creamy appetizer. "It just needs some time in the fridge to set up before serving."
King Cake Balls
Made with crescent rolls, these King Cake Balls are creator Caroline at Caroline Gerdes Blogspot's most popular post. Dipped in melted white chocolate and dusted with colorful sprinkles, these will be a hit with all ages!
King Cake Vodka Cocktail
Now it's a party! This King Cake Vodka Cocktail, created by Helena of A Mountain of Crushed Ice, is the spirit of New Orleans in a glass! It's not too sweet but is plenty refreshing, and Helena also shares other drink ideas so you can get the most out of your King Cake vodka!
