Sourdough King Cake Recipe is a festive, rich, and soft bread made using sourdough starter for natural flavor and texture.
This Sourdough King Cake Recipe tastes incredibly delicious, filled with cinnamon, pecans, and sweet icing that brings warmth to every bite.
I made this recipe after being inspired by watching how beautifully it’s created during celebrations. Now I will show step by step how to make this traditional, colourful delight.
Why We Love This Sourdough King Cake Recipe?
We love this Sourdough King Cake Recipe because it brings a wonderful balance of sweetness, softness, and a gentle tang from the sourdough starter.
Each layer holds a comforting mix of cinnamon, brown sugar, raisins, and pecans that create a warm, festive taste. The golden crust, creamy icing, and colourful sprinkles make it special for gatherings.
Every bite feels joyful and satisfying, turning an ordinary day into a celebration full of flavor and happiness.
How To Prepare Sourdough King Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Resting/Proofing Time: 6 hours (or overnight)
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours
Course: Dessert / Sweet Bread
Cuisine: American (New Orleans / Mardi Gras Inspired)
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bundt pan
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan (for melting butter)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For The Dough:
- ½ cup sourdough starter discard
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- Zest of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup honey
For The Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup chopped pecans
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup melted butter (for brushing)
For The Icing & Topping:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream (adjust for consistency)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles (green, purple, gold) for decoration
How To Make Sourdough King Cake Recipe?
Step 1: Make The Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the sourdough starter discard, milk, egg, vanilla, honey, lemon zest, sugar, and salt. Stir until everything is well blended.
Step 2: Add The Flour And Butter
Slowly add the flour and softened butter, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes, either by hand or with a mixer, until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.
Step 3: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Leave it to rise at room temperature for 6–8 hours (or overnight) until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare The Filling
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, chopped pecans, and raisins. Set this mixture aside.
Step 5: Shape The Cake
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the filling evenly across the surface, then roll the dough tightly from the long edge to make a log. Join the two ends to form a ring and pinch them together to seal.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it again and let it rest for 1–2 hours, until it looks slightly puffed.
Step 7: Bake The Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the dough with melted butter and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the cake is golden brown. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 8: Make The Icing And Decorate
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, milk, and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake, then immediately sprinkle with green, purple, and gold sugar for the classic Mardi Gras finish.
Nutrition Facts Of Sourdough King Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 160 mg |
Sourdough King Cake Recipe
This Sourdough King Cake Recipe combines the classic Mardi Gras tradition with the wholesome flavor of sourdough.
The main speciality of this cake lies in its naturally leavened dough, which creates a light, tender, and slightly tangy texture unlike regular sweet breads.
Each slice carries layers of cinnamon, brown sugar, pecans, and raisins wrapped inside golden dough, then topped with creamy icing and vibrant sprinkles.
The sourdough process adds depth of flavor, making every bite rich, festive, and uniquely satisfying.
Best Variations
➣ Add a cream cheese swirl inside the dough for a rich, tangy contrast to the sweet cinnamon filling.
➣ Incorporate chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent, dessert style twist.
➣ Substitute the pecans for toasted almonds or walnuts to create a nutty, crunchy texture.
➣ Fold in candied orange or lemon peel for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sourdough tang.
➣ Top the cake with a flavoured glaze, such as coffee or maple, before sprinkling the traditional Mardi Gras colours.
Secrets To Perfect Sourdough King Cake Recipe
➢ Use a slightly bubbly, active sourdough starter discard to give the dough a light texture and rich flavor.
➢ Let the dough ferment slowly at room temperature for several hours to develop a complex, airy structure.
➢ Knead thoroughly until the dough is smooth and elastic, ensuring a soft and tender crumb.
➢ Spread the filling evenly and leave a clean edge to seal the roll, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.
➢ Allow the shaped cake to rise fully before baking to achieve a golden, fluffy, and tender result.
Serving Suggestions
Sourdough King Cake Recipe is best served sliced and arranged on a large platter to showcase its colourful topping.
Warm slices enhance the soft, tender texture and highlight the cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecan filling. It pairs nicely with beverages such as coffee, tea, or milk. Adding a small dollop of Greek yogurt or fresh fruit on the side balances the sweetness.
This Sourdough King Cake Recipe brings a festive and cheerful presence to any table, inviting everyone to enjoy its rich flavours.
Storage And Shelf Life
Sourdough King Cake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, keeping it soft and flavourful.
For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. Slices can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave to restore warmth and softness.
Freezing the cake for up to one month preserves its texture and taste, allowing enjoyment anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Active Sourdough Starter Instead Of Discard?
Yes, active starter can be used, but reduce the liquid slightly to maintain dough consistency.
How Long Does The Dough Need To Rise?
The first rise takes 6–8 hours at room temperature, or overnight for best flavor.
Can I Substitute Nuts Or Raisins In The Filling?
Yes, you can replace pecans or raisins with other nuts, dried fruits, or omit them entirely.
How Do I Keep The Cake Soft After Baking?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or wrap in plastic wrap.
Can I Make The Cake Ahead Of Time?
The dough can be prepared the night before, shaped, and refrigerated for a slower second rise.
How Do I Achieve Vibrant Coloured Sugar Topping?
Use coloured sanding sugar or sprinkles immediately after icing so they stick and maintain bright colours.
Conclusion
Sourdough King Cake Recipe was an easy and enjoyable success. The soft texture, sweet filling, and colourful topping turned out beautifully and tasted amazing.
I truly enjoyed every moment of preparing and baking it, and I hope you will feel inspired to try it too. This recipe is simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect to share.
Make Sourdough King Cake Recipe soon and tell me how delicious your version turns out.
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Sourdough King Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bundt pan
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan (for melting butter)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For The Dough:
- ½ cup sourdough starter discard
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ cup whole milk lukewarm
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- Zest of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup honey
For The Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup chopped pecans
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup melted butter for brushing
For The Icing & Topping:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 –2 tbsp milk or cream adjust for consistency
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- Colored sanding sugar or sprinkles green, purple, gold for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Make The Dough
- In a large bowl, mix together the sourdough starter discard, milk, egg, vanilla, honey, lemon zest, sugar, and salt. Stir until everything is well blended.
Step 2: Add The Flour And Butter
- Slowly add the flour and softened butter, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes, either by hand or with a mixer, until the dough becomes smooth and stretchy.
Step 3: Let It Rise
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Leave it to rise at room temperature for 6–8 hours (or overnight) until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare The Filling
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, chopped pecans, and raisins. Set this mixture aside.
Step 5: Shape The Cake
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a large rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread the filling evenly across the surface, then roll the dough tightly from the long edge to make a log. Join the two ends to form a ring and pinch them together to seal.
Step 6: Second Rise
- Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it again and let it rest for 1–2 hours, until it looks slightly puffed.
Step 7: Bake The Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the dough with melted butter and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the cake is golden brown. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 8: Make The Icing And Decorate
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, milk, and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake, then immediately sprinkle with green, purple, and gold sugar for the classic Mardi Gras finish.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280 kcal | Carbohydrates: 38 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 12 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 22 g | Sodium: 160 mg“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”