King Cake Donuts Mardi Gras (Printable)

Baked soft donuts topped with vanilla glaze and colorful Mardi Gras sprinkles for a festive treat.

# Required Ingredients:

→ For the Donuts

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 3/4 cup whole milk
09 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ For the Glaze

12 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
13 - 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For Decoration

15 - Green, purple, and gold sanding sugar or sprinkles

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease the donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly incorporated.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until fully combined.
04 - Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb structure.
05 - Transfer the batter to a pastry bag or spoon the mixture evenly into each cavity of the donut pan, filling each approximately two-thirds full.
06 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
08 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable in consistency.
09 - Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip away before placing back on the rack.
10 - Immediately sprinkle the glazed donuts with green, purple, and gold sanding sugar in distinct sections to replicate authentic King Cake appearance.
11 - Allow the glaze to set completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to two days.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're baked, not fried, so you get that soft, tender crumb without the guilt or the splatter.
  • The lemon zest sneaks in a bright, unexpected note that keeps your palate from tiring of the spices.
  • You can decorate them however you want, making them perfect for celebrating with friends or treating yourself on a random Tuesday.
02 -
  • Overmixing the batter is the number one mistake that turns tender donuts into tough, dense discs; mix just until combined and walk away.
  • Using room-temperature milk helps the wet ingredients blend smoothly with the melted butter instead of creating little solidified specks.
  • Dipping immediately after glazing is crucial; any delay and your sprinkles will slide right off into a glittery puddle.
03 -
  • For extra richness, add a tiny pinch of ground cardamom to your dry ingredients—it's a move that feels subtle until someone asks what makes them taste like a five-star bakery.
  • If you want to fill them, use a small piping bag to inject cinnamon cream cheese or even a little Bavarian custard into the side of each cooled donut before glazing; it's a surprise that elevates them into indulgent territory.
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