Easy Sourdough King Cake Recipe You’ll Love!

This easy sourdough king cake recipe is a delicious variant on a traditional pastry. If you’ve ever had the dry bland store bought king cake, you probably weren’t impressed. King cake wasn’t something I ever loved. One day I tried a light fluffy version from our chef at the high school I teach at. I instantly fell in love with king cake and decided to try a sourdough version.

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Sourdough King Cake

My second son was born in February. Birthday party planning inevitably included Mardi Gras themes. Finding a great king cake recipe was essential. I’ve tried several, but I’ve never thought to try sourdough starter instead of yeast.

This year, I decided to modify a couple of my sourdough recipes and attempt a king cake. It has taken a lot of trial and error, but I’ve found the perfect combination. This cake has that sourdough tang but is light and fluffy like a king cake should be.

Traditional King Cake

Many of the king cake recipes I’ve had have raisins and brown sugar as a filling. I like these versions, but I also love the cream cheese filling I’m posting here.

My family isn’t a big fan of raisins, so even when I make the “traditional” filling, I exclude the raisins in the filling. The cream cheese combined with the tangy sourdough is really delicious.

This recipe isn’t a healthy recipe. It has sugar and processed ingredients. However, I justify it with the fermented dough. I believe even with the unclean ingredients, it’s still better than using instant yeast.

I’ve also adopted a “everything in moderation” philosophy of food. This king cake is a special treat, and not a part of our regular diet. I can enjoy it guilt free knowing that it is just a special dessert. Honestly, when entering into a season of Lent, this hits the spot for indulgent. If you are looking for a good sourdough stater, I love this site for easy directions.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Sourdough King Cake Recipe

Uses Sourdough Starter: Instead of tossing out extra sourdough starter, you can use it to make a delicious king cake.

Simple to Make: This recipe skips all the complicated steps, so you can make a homemade king cake without a huge fuss.

Unique Flavor: The sourdough gives the cake a slight tang that pairs perfectly with the sweet filling and glaze. It’s a tasty twist on the classic flavor.

Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s Mardi Gras or a family get-together, a homemade king cake brings the party vibes with all the colors and flavor.

Saves Money: Making a king cake at home is way cheaper than buying one from a bakery, and you still get that amazing taste.

Fun to Decorate: You get to sprinkle on the classic purple, green, and gold sugar and make it your own. It’s creative and fun for kids and adults alike.

Makes Great Leftovers: King cake is delicious fresh out of the oven, but it’s also amazing as leftovers for breakfast or a snack the next day.

Impresses Friends and Family: People will be wowed that you made a homemade king cake—especially with sourdough! It’s a unique, delicious treat that’ll make you the star of the celebration.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Sourdough Discard Recipes
• Sourdough Chicken Pot Pie
• Blackberry Bourbon Sourdough Galette
• Blackberry Sourdough Pop Tarts

Planning The King Cake

I prefer to make this dough the night before and let it ferment over night. However, the dough can be made the same day and ferment for a 6-12 hours depending on how warm your kitchen is. I often put my dough in my oven with the light on for around 30 minutes, then leave it to rise there with the light off.

I’ve included the two different filling options with this recipe. You could add fun sprinkles in festive Mardi Gras colors, but I left my king cake plain.

If you decide to insert a baby, make sure cake is completely cooked before insertion. Do not bake the cake with the baby in it. I hope you enjoy my festive take on sourdough!

How To Make A Sourdough King Cake

Equipment

• 1 Rolling Pin
• 1 pastry cutter
• Parchment Paper
• 1 kitchen scissors
• 1 round cake pan

Ingredients

Filling Option #1 Cinnamon Sugar 

• 1 cup packed brown sugar 
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 
• 2/3 cup chopped pecans 
• 1/2 cup raisins 
• 1/2 cup melted butter 

Filling Option #2 Cream Cheese 

• 8 oz softened cream cheese softened 
• 1 cup confectioners sugar 
• 2 tbsp all purpose flour 
• 2 tbsp lemon juice 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 

Icing 

• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar 
• 3 tsp milk 
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Feed the sourdough starter prior to making the dough so it’s active and bubbly. 
2. Whisk all the dry ingredients together.
3. Cut in softened butter with dry ingredients until it is pea-sized or smaller. 
4. Make sure milk is room temperature, or slightly warm before use. 
5. Combine milk and sourdough starter. 
6. Add milk mixture to flour, and combine to make a cohesive dough. The flour should be totally moistened and the dough will be shaggy. 
7. Allow the dough to rest for 10-30 minutes. 
8. After resting, knead dough for 10 minutes until it is smooth and springy. You can also combine the ingredients in a stand mixer with a dough hook and knead it unit it’s smooth. 
9. Cover the dough and leave it in a warm spot to rise for 6-12 hours or until it doubles in size. Rise times will vary depending on the temperature of the kitchen.
10. After the dough has doubled in size divide it into do equal pieces. Roll the dough out into the shape of a rectangle on a floured surface. 

11. Spread filling evening over the surface of the dough, leaving a 1″ boarder around the edges. (see two different filling options below)
12. Roll the dough into a log. Pinch the ends to seal in the filling. 
13. Form a circle with the dough pinching the ends together.
14. Place the dough inside a cake pan lined with parchment. 
15. Allow the dough to rise for 1-2 additional hours in a warm spot
16. Cute the dough with scissors every 1 inch or so to vent. 

17. Beat the egg to make a wash, and brush on top of pastry prior to baking.
18. Bake at 425° F for 30-35 minutes.

Cinnamon Sugar Filling 

1. Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, and raisins in a bowl. 
2. Pour melted butter over top of dry ingredients to create a crumble.
3. Spread evenly over dough prior to log rolling. 

Cream Cheese Filling 

1. Combine the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl. 
2. Spread evenly over dough prior to log rolling. 

Icing 

1. Combine confectioner’s sugar, milk, and lemon juice. 
2. Spread over cooled king cake.

Helpful Tips For Baking With Sourdough

Feed Your Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before you bake. Feed it 4-8 hours ahead so it’s ready to give your dough a good rise.

Be Patient: Sourdough takes longer to rise than regular yeast dough. Give it time to develop flavor and texture—you’ll be glad you did!

Watch the Dough, Not the Clock: Rising times can vary based on temperature and humidity, so keep an eye on your dough instead of setting a strict timer.

Keep It Warm: Sourdough loves warmth! If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a warmer spot (like inside the oven with the light on).

Don’t Get Discouraged: Sourdough can take a few tries to get right, but each loaf teaches you something. Keep practicing, and you’ll be a sourdough pro in no time!

Sourdough King Cake Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an active sourdough starter?

Yes! For the best rise and flavor, your sourdough starter should be bubbly and active. Feed it a few hours before you start baking to make sure it’s ready.

Can I make the dough the night before?

Definitely! Just let it rise overnight in the fridge. This also gives the flavors more time to develop and can make your schedule easier.

What can I use for the filling?

Classic king cakes often have a cinnamon-sugar filling, but you can get creative! Cream cheese, fruit preserves, or nut spreads are all delicious options.

How do I get the traditional colors on top?

Sprinkle purple, green, and gold (or yellow) colored sugar on the icing to give it that classic Mardi Gras look. You can buy colored sugar or make it yourself by mixing food coloring with sugar.

Do I need a baby figurine?

It’s optional! Adding a small baby figurine or bean inside the cake is a fun tradition, but make sure to let everyone know it’s in there before serving.

Can I make this without a stand mixer?

Absolutely. Mixing and kneading by hand works fine—it just takes a little more time and muscle!

How do I store the king cake?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge if it’s longer. It’s also freezer-friendly if you want to save some for later.

Does this cake taste sour?

Not really! The sourdough adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness, but it won’t taste “sour.” It’s more of a depth of flavor than an actual sour taste.

Sourdough King Cake-Final Thoughts

Making an easy sourdough king cake at home is a fun and tasty way to celebrate. You get that soft, sweet bread with a touch of sourdough flavor, plus all the fun of decorating with colorful sugar. It’s a treat that’s great for sharing with friends and family, especially during Mardi Gras.

If you enjoyed this sourdough king cake recipe, please share it!

More From The Farm

Give this easy sausage, turnip green, and potato soup a try! Simple cooking from scratch is a common thing in our home. With both of us having full time jobs, and four busy kids, we don’t have a lot of time for complicated recipes. I also don’t like using a lot of processed ingredients. Even though I’m not a full time homemaker, a healthy meal around the table is important to me.