By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on October 5, 2023 | Last Updated on October 5, 2023
This Cajun Ninja King Cake is a traditional dessert & staple during Mardi Gras season, with its origins dating back to medieval times. It’s a sweet and buttery dough filled with a creamy cinnamon filling and decorated with colorful glaze and sanding sugar.
Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or simply want to indulge in a delicious dessert, this Cajun Ninja King Cake recipe is sure to impress. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you can make your very own king cake right at home.
What is Cajun Ninja King Cake?
Cajun Ninja King Cake is a traditional New Orleans dessert that is typically enjoyed during Mardi Gras season. It’s a sweet and buttery dough filled with a creamy cinnamon filling, shaped into a ring, and topped with colorful glaze and sanding sugar.
This festive treat has its roots in medieval Europe where it was served as part of Epiphany celebrations. Today, it has become a popular symbol of Mardi Gras and is enjoyed by people all over the world.
The name “Cajun Ninja” comes from the creator of this recipe, Jude Hebert, also known as the Cajun Ninja on YouTube. His unique twist on this classic dessert has made it even more popular and his instructional videos have helped many to master the art of making this delicious king cake.
Why You’ll Love this Cajun Ninja King Cake?
King cakes are not only known for their delectable taste, but also the hidden trinket inside that brings good luck to whoever finds it. This fun and festive tradition adds an element of excitement to every slice.
Additionally, this recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. The step-by-step instructions make it beginner-friendly, so anyone can enjoy the satisfaction of making their own king cake from scratch.
It’s a great opportunity to gather with friends and family and share in the joy of Mardi Gras festivities. So why not give this Cajun Ninja King Cake a try and experience the rich flavors and traditions of New Orleans right in your own home?
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Ingredients
- Sugar: This is the traditional sweetener used in king cake recipes, giving it that perfect balance of sweetness.
- Light Brown Sugar: This ingredient adds a unique depth of flavor to the king cake.
- Cinnamon: A staple spice in Cajun cuisine, cinnamon provides warmth and complexity to this dish.
- Salted Butter: Used in both the dough and filling, butter gives the king cake a rich and creamy texture.
- Active Dry Yeast: This ingredient helps the dough rise, giving it that light and fluffy consistency.
- Salt: Salt not only adds flavor to the king cake but also helps activate the yeast in the dough.
- Cream Cheese: A key ingredient in the filling, cream cheese provides a tangy and creamy contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon.
- Whole Milk: This adds richness and moisture to the dough, resulting in a tender and flavorful king cake.
- Eggs: Used as a binding agent, eggs also contribute to the structure and texture of the king cake.
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides the base for the dough, giving it structure and stability.
- Gold, Purple, and Green Sanding Sugar: These colorful sugars are used for decorating the king cake, giving it that signature Mardi Gras look.
- Confectioner Sugar: Used in the glaze, confectioner sugar adds a smooth and creamy sweetness to the top of the king cake.
- Milk: This is used to thin out the glaze and achieve the desired consistency.
- Butter: Melted butter is mixed with the confectioner sugar to create a rich and flavorful glaze for the king cake.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1
Prepare the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, salted butter and 2 cups of milk.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave for 1 minute or until the butter is melted.
- Add in 4 envelopes of yeast and let it sit for approximately 5 minutes or until frothy.
Step 2
Make the dough
- Add in the eggs and mix well.
- Slowly add in the flour, one cup at a time, while continuing to mix until a soft dough forms.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
Step 3
Let the dough rise
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the dough rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4
Prepare the filling
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 3 tsp of cinnamon, and 10 tbsp of white sugar.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 5
Roll out the dough
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out onto a floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, leaving an inch of space around the edges.
Step 6
Roll up and form into a ring
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting at one end and rolling towards the other end.
- Pinch the ends together to form a ring shape.
Step 7
Let it rise again
- Place the formed king cake onto a lined baking sheet and cover with a clean kitchen towel.
- Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 8
Bake and decorate
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake the king cake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Let it cool completely before decorating.
Step 9
Make the glaze
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 cups of confectioner sugar, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 stick of melted butter until smooth.
Step 10
Decorate the king cake
- Divide the glaze into three equal parts and add purple, gold, and green sanding sugar to each portion.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled king cake in a Mardi Gras pattern.
- Sprinkle additional sanding sugar on top for extra flair.
Tips
- For a quicker rise, place the dough in a warm oven or near a heated stove.
- To achieve uniform slices, use dental floss to cut through the rolled-up dough.
- Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Make individual king cakes by dividing the dough into smaller portions and shaping them into smaller rings.
- To make a vegan version, substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives and use egg replacers in the dough.
Nutrition Information
How to store Cajun Ninja King Cake?
To store your freshly baked Cajun Ninja King Cake, first let it cool completely. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or ziplock bag. This will keep the king cake fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
If you want to extend its shelf life, you can also freeze the king cake for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature before serving. The king cake may lose some of its moisture after being frozen, but the flavor and texture will remain intact.
What other substitute can I use in Cajun Ninja King Cake?
If you don’t have all the ingredients in hand or want to try something different, there are a few substitutes you can use in this:
- Instead of cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese for the filling.
- For a dairy-free option, replace the milk with almond milk and the butter with coconut oil.
- If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can also use instant yeast or fresh yeast. Just make sure to adjust the amount accordingly.
- If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Instead of using traditional sanding sugar for decorating, try using colored sprinkles or fondant decorations for a unique twist on the classic Mardi Gras look.
Cajun Ninja King Cake Recipe
Equipment
- kitchen towel
- mixing bowl
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 10 cups cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cinnamon
- 2 sticks of salted butter
- 4 envelopes of active dry yeast
- 3 tsp salt
- 16 oz. block cream cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 eggs
- 12 cups all-purpose flour
For The Filling & Topping
- 1/4 cup cinnamon
- 10 tbsp white sugar
- Gold sanding sugar
- 2 cups confectioner sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 stick melted butter
- Purple sanding sugar
- Green sanding sugar
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the traditional sweetener of sugar, along with light brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon for added depth of flavor. Incorporate 2 sticks of salted butter into the mixture, along with 2 cups of whole milk to add richness and moisture to the dough. Heat this mixture in the microwave until the butter is melted, then add in 4 envelopes of active dry yeast. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 5 minutes or until frothy.
- Once the dough mixture has rested, mix in eggs and continue to combine until a soft dough forms. Gradually add in 12 cups of all-purpose flour, one cup at a time while continuing to mix, until the desired consistency is achieved. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes to strengthen the gluten structure.
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This resting period will allow the dough to develop its signature light and fluffy texture.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of cream cheese with a generous amount of cinnamon and 10 tbsp of white sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful filling for the king cake.
- Once the dough has risen, roll it out onto a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the prepared filling evenly over the dough, leaving an inch of space around the edges to ensure easy rolling.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting at one end and rolling towards the other end. Pinch the ends together to form a ring shape, ensuring that the filling remains inside for maximum flavor.
- Place the formed king cake onto a lined baking sheet and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for another 30 minutes to allow the dough to expand and further enhance its delicate texture.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while the king cake is rising. Once ready, bake the king cake for 30 minutes or until it is a beautiful golden brown color and fully cooked.
- While the king cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together 2 cups of confectioner sugar with 1/4 cup of milk and 1 stick of melted butter until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- For the final touch, divide the glaze into three equal parts and add purple, gold, and green sanding sugar to each portion. Drizzle the colorful glaze over the cooled king cake in a traditional Mardi Gras pattern, adding an extra layer of sweetness and festive flair. To complete the presentation, sprinkle additional sanding sugar on top for an eye-catching display.
Notes
- For a quicker rise, place the dough in a warm oven or near a heated stove.
- To achieve uniform slices, use dental floss to cut through the rolled-up dough.
- Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Make individual king cakes by dividing the dough into smaller portions and shaping them into smaller rings.
- To make a vegan version, substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives and use egg replacers in the dough.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can use an egg replacer or a flaxseed and water mixture as a substitute for the eggs in this. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package for proper measurements.
Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Absolutely! You can get creative with different flavor combinations by adding ingredients such as cocoa powder, nutmeg, or even fruit preserves to the filling mixture.
Can I reduce the calorie content?
To reduce the calorie content, you can use low-fat or non-fat versions of the dairy ingredients and use a sugar substitute in place of regular sugar. You can also cut back on the amount of filling and glaze used for a lighter version.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just make sure to adjust the amount accordingly, as gluten-free flour may absorb more liquid than regular flour.
Conclusion
With its rich history and delicious flavors, the Cajun Ninja King Cake is a must-try for any Mardi Gras celebration. Don’t be intimidated by its intricate design – with these easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips, you’ll have a homemade king cake that will impress all your friends and family.
Now that you know how to make a traditional Mardi Gras treat from scratch, gather your family and friends and enjoy this delicious king cake together. Make sure to share this article with others and spread the joy and traditions of Mardi Gras. Thank you for reading.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
