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Mardi Gras just wouldn’t be the same without a slice of King Cake—and if you’ve ever had one from Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery in New Orleans, you know why it’s legendary. Soft, sweet, and swirled with cinnamon, this traditional treat is crowned with purple, green, and gold sugar, symbolizing justice, faith, and power. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to travel to Louisiana to enjoy it. With this easy, step-by-step Randazzo’s-style King Cake recipe, you can make it at home and bring a taste of Carnival season right to your kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a Mardi Gras party, craving a nostalgic bite of New Orleans baking, or simply want to try your hand at this brioche-based dessert, this guide will walk you through everything you need—from ingredients to decoration. Get ready to bake, braid, and celebrate with an authentic King Cake that rivals the original!
What Is a Randazzo’s-Style King Cake?
When it comes to Mardi Gras desserts, nothing is more iconic than the King Cake—and few do it better than Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery, a legendary name in New Orleans baking. A Randazzo’s-style King Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a tradition, a celebration, and a bite of Louisiana history all in one.
A Mardi Gras Tradition from New Orleans
King Cake has deep roots in Louisiana’s Carnival season, traditionally served from Epiphany (January 6) through Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras). The cake represents the visit of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus, and its circular shape symbolizes unity and the never-ending cycle of life. In New Orleans, King Cake is more than just food—it’s part of every party, office breakroom, and family gathering during this festive season.
The Story Behind Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery
Founded by Sam Randazzo, the bakery became a cornerstone of the King Cake craze in the 1960s. Randazzo’s unique approach combined fluffy, rich brioche dough with sweet cinnamon filling, topped with a generous glaze and sparkling colored sugar. Their King Cakes are famous for being soft, flavorful, and perfectly balanced—not overly dry like some store-bought versions.
What Makes This King Cake Unique
What sets a Randazzo’s-style King Cake apart is its homemade, cinnamon roll-style dough that’s rolled and twisted into a festive ring. It’s not overly sweet, but just right. Each cake is coated with a buttery icing and then sprinkled with traditional purple, green, and gold sugar—the official Mardi Gras colors. Many Randazzo’s cakes also come with optional fillings like cream cheese, praline, or fruit, giving them even more flavor and flair.
The Role of the Baby Figurine and Colored Sugar
Every King Cake—especially the ones from Randazzo’s—includes a small plastic baby figurine hidden inside. Tradition says whoever finds the baby in their slice must host the next party or buy the next cake! The festive topping, made of colored sugar in purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power), brings celebration and symbolism together in each bite.
Ingredients for an Authentic Randazzo’s-Style King Cake
One of the reasons Randazzo’s King Cake stands out is its rich, from-scratch brioche dough, flavorful cinnamon swirl, and vibrant Mardi Gras colors. If you want to recreate that authentic New Orleans flavor at home, it all starts with using the right ingredients.
Key Ingredients for the Brioche Dough
The dough is the heart of any King Cake—and Randazzo’s-style cakes are known for their light, fluffy texture and buttery taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour – the base of the dough
- Granulated sugar – for a touch of sweetness
- Active dry yeast – helps the dough rise and become airy
- Whole milk – warm and creamy for moisture
- Unsalted butter – for that rich, tender crumb
- Eggs – essential for a true brioche-style base
- Salt – enhances overall flavor
This combination creates a dough that’s similar to a sweet roll or cinnamon roll base, but slightly denser and more flavorful, like a true Randazzo’s King Cake.
Cinnamon Sugar and Filling Options
Randazzo’s original cakes often feature a simple but delicious cinnamon sugar swirl—the filling that gives the cake its classic warmth and nostalgic taste. To make it, you’ll need:
- Brown sugar – for depth of flavor
- Ground cinnamon – the star of the show
- Softened butter – to help it spread easily
Want to take it a step further? Randazzo’s also offers filled versions of their King Cake, and you can too. Try these popular homemade filling options:
- Cream cheese (with a little sugar and vanilla)
- Strawberry or apple preserves
- Praline or pecan filling for a Southern twist
Classic Mardi Gras Colors: Purple, Green, and Gold
The top of the King Cake is just as important as the inside. After it’s baked and cooled, you’ll decorate it with a glaze and vibrant colored sugars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Powdered sugar – for the glaze
- Milk or cream – to thin the glaze
- Vanilla extract – for flavor
- Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar – the iconic Carnival colors
These colors are more than just decoration—they represent justice (purple), faith (green), and power (gold) and are deeply rooted in Mardi Gras tradition.
Optional Add-Ins: Baby Figurine and Glaze Variations
To make your cake feel truly festive and authentic, don’t forget the baby figurine! Hide it under the cake after baking (never before, for safety). You can also play with the glaze by adding a hint of lemon or almond extract, or drizzling white chocolate for a creative twist.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to move on to the fun part—baking your own Randazzo’s-style King Cake and filling your home with the smell of Mardi Gras!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make It at Home
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to bring your Randazzo’s-style King Cake to life. While the process involves a few steps, don’t be intimidated—this homemade Mardi Gras dessert is fun to make and well worth the effort. Follow these steps for bakery-quality results in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Making the Brioche Dough from Scratch
The base of an authentic King Cake is a soft, buttery brioche-style dough that’s rich and slightly sweet.
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C), 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, and 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix wet ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, beat 3 large eggs, ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
For this step, using a good quality stand mixer like the Ninja Stand Mixer on Amazon can make mixing easier and more efficient.
Add flour and yeast mixture: Gradually add 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and the yeast mixture. Knead with the dough hook on medium speed until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable; add up to ¼ cup more flour if needed.
First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Step 2: Shaping and Braiding the King Cake
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to create the iconic King Cake shape.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 10 x 20 inches (25 x 50 cm).
- Spread the filling: Brush the dough surface with 4 tablespoons (56 g) softened unsalted butter. Mix 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon and evenly sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered dough.
- Roll it up: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, like a jelly roll.
- Form the ring: Pinch the ends together to form a circle or oval, then place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, you can braid the dough strips before shaping for a more festive look.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped cake loosely and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Step 3: Baking and Cooling the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the King Cake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.
Step 4: Decorating with Icing and Colored Sugar
This is the fun part—the final touch that transforms your cake into a true Mardi Gras masterpiece.
- Make the glaze: Whisk together 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake, letting it drip naturally over the edges.
- Sprinkle colored sugar: Immediately sprinkle the traditional purple, green, and gold sanding sugars in alternating sections while the glaze is still wet.
- Hide the baby: If using a plastic baby figurine, insert it carefully into the bottom or a slice of the cake after baking and decorating.
Tips for Success and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a homemade Randazzo’s-style King Cake can be incredibly rewarding—but like any from-scratch baking project, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned Mardi Gras baker, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and get a soft, flavorful, and festive result every time.
Tip 1: Don’t Rush the Dough Rising Time
✅ Why it matters: Proper rising time allows your brioche-style dough to develop structure, flavor, and fluffiness—just like Randazzo’s famous cakes.
🚫 Mistake to avoid: Skipping or shortening the rise can result in a dense, dry King Cake.
💡 Pro tip: Let the dough rise until it has doubled in size, even if it takes a little longer than expected. Use a warm, draft-free area to encourage even proofing.
Tip 2: Use High-Quality Ingredients for the Best Flavor
✅ Why it matters: From the butter to the cinnamon, the quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor and texture of the final cake.
🚫 Mistake to avoid: Using margarine or imitation vanilla extract can make your cake taste flat.
💡 Pro tip: Use real butter, fresh eggs, and pure vanilla extract for an authentic, bakery-style result. Organic or specialty flours can also enhance the richness of the dough.
Tip 3: Cool the Cake Completely Before Icing
✅ Why it matters: If you glaze your cake while it’s still warm, the icing will melt and slide off, making decorating difficult.
🚫 Mistake to avoid: Adding the glaze too soon after baking.
💡 Pro tip: Allow the cake to cool for at least 30–45 minutes before applying glaze and colored sugars. This ensures a smooth finish and vibrant Mardi Gras presentation.
Tip 4: Don’t Overfill or Overstuff the Dough
✅ Why it matters: Fillings like cream cheese or fruit preserves can add delicious flavor, but too much can leak during baking and affect the structure of the cake.
🚫 Mistake to avoid: Spreading the filling too thickly or too close to the edges.
💡 Pro tip: Spread fillings evenly in a thin layer, leaving a 1-inch border around the dough before rolling. This helps keep everything neatly sealed and prevents bursting.
Tip 5: Choose the Right Sugar and Colors for Decoration
✅ Why it matters: The traditional Mardi Gras look depends on the purple, green, and gold sugars—each with symbolic meaning.
🚫 Mistake to avoid: Using plain or pastel sprinkles that won’t capture the festive vibe.
💡 Pro tip: Use coarse sanding sugars or glitter sugars in the correct colors. Apply them while the glaze is still tacky so they stick well and create bold, defined sections.
Bonus Tip: Hide the Baby Safely
✅ Why it matters: The plastic baby is a fun and traditional part of the King Cake experience, but it should be added with care.
🚫 Mistake to avoid: Baking the figurine inside the cake—it can melt or release toxins.
💡 Pro tip: After the cake has cooled and been decorated, insert the baby figurine from the bottom or into a slice so it’s safely hidden and won’t affect the baking process.
More Mardi Gras Fun: Serving, Storing, and Sharing
Your homemade Randazzo’s-style King Cake is more than just a delicious dessert—it’s a centerpiece for celebration, tradition, and sharing joy with friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a Mardi Gras party or enjoying a festive treat any time of year, these tips will help you serve, store, and share your King Cake like a true New Orleans pro.
Serving Your King Cake
The fun of King Cake isn’t just in baking it—it’s in the tradition of sharing it! Here’s how to serve your cake to impress and delight:
- Slice it right: Use a serrated knife to gently cut even slices so the cinnamon swirl or filling stays intact.
- Hide the baby surprise: Traditionally, a small plastic baby is hidden inside the cake. The person who finds the baby in their slice is “king” or “queen” for the day and may be expected to host the next party!
- Pair it with drinks: King Cake pairs beautifully with coffee, café au lait, or even a festive cocktail like a classic Sazerac or a refreshing Hurricane.
- Add a festive touch: Serve on colorful plates or with Mardi Gras beads and decorations for a full Carnival vibe.
Storing Your King Cake
To keep your King Cake fresh and tasty for days after baking, proper storage is key:
- Room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for 2–3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or used cream cheese filling, refrigeration is best. Wrap the cake well to prevent drying out, and bring it to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing option: You can freeze leftover King Cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Sharing the Mardi Gras Spirit
King Cake is all about community and celebration—here’s how to make sharing your homemade cake extra special:
- Gift a slice: Wrap individual slices in festive cellophane or boxes and give them to neighbors, coworkers, or friends.
- Host a King Cake party: Invite friends over for a Mardi Gras-themed gathering featuring your homemade cake, music, and traditional New Orleans dishes.
- Teach the tradition: Share the story of King Cake’s Mardi Gras origins with guests or in your blog to deepen the meaning behind the delicious treat.
- Celebrate with kids: Involve children by letting them help decorate with colored sugars or find the hidden baby.