Colorful Mini King Cakes

Colorful Mini King Cakes are a festive and fun twist on the traditional Mardi Gras king cake. These individual-sized Bundt cakes are soft, buttery, and lightly spiced with cinnamon, then topped with a vibrant purple, green, and yellow icing drizzle. Perfect for parties, these cakes bring all the flavors of a classic king cake in a convenient and beautiful mini version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Individual Servings – No slicing required, making them great for parties and celebrations.
• Festive and Colorful – The traditional Mardi Gras colors make these cakes stand out.
• Soft and Flavorful – The buttery, cinnamon-infused cake is moist and delicious.
• Easy to Make – No need for yeast or proofing like traditional king cake.
• Customizable – Easily change the flavors or decorations to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Large eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon

For the Icing:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Purple, green, and yellow gel food coloring
• Gold sugar sprinkles

Directions

Prepare the Cakes:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini Bundt cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand or stand mixer.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Mix in the vanilla extract and milk, then slowly incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Spoon the batter into the mini Bundt pans, filling each about ⅔ full.
7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Icing:

9. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Divide the icing into three separate bowls and color each one purple, green, and yellow using gel food coloring.

Decorate the Cakes:

11. Drizzle each cooled cake with the colorful icing, alternating colors for a festive look.
12. Sprinkle with gold sugar while the icing is still wet to add a touch of sparkle.
13. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 12 mini Bundt cakes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Filled Mini Cakes – Add a spoonful of cream cheese or fruit preserves in the center before baking.
• Chocolate Drizzle – Instead of icing, drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for a rich touch.
• Nutty Addition – Mix chopped pecans into the batter for extra crunch.
• Glazed Version – Brush the cakes with a cinnamon sugar glaze instead of icing.
• Flavored Icing – Add lemon or almond extract to the icing for extra depth.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the cakes individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: If desired, warm the cakes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different pan if I don’t have a mini Bundt cake pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin or cupcake pan, but the baking time may need slight adjustment.

What do the colors of the icing represent?

The purple, green, and yellow colors are traditional Mardi Gras colors, symbolizing justice, faith, and power.

Can I make these cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them before adding the icing.

How do I prevent my cakes from sticking to the pan?

Be sure to thoroughly grease and flour the Bundt cake pan to help the cakes release easily.

Can I make a full-sized Bundt cake instead?

Yes! Simply bake in a standard Bundt pan at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free butter and milk alternatives.

What’s the best way to apply the icing for an even drizzle?

Use a spoon or piping bag to control the flow of icing for a neat drizzle effect.

Can I add a hidden baby like in traditional king cake?

Yes! Place a small plastic baby inside one of the cakes after baking and cooling for a fun surprise.

What’s the difference between these cakes and a traditional king cake?

Traditional king cake is a yeasted pastry with a cinnamon filling, while these are soft, butter-based mini cakes with similar flavors.

Do I need to refrigerate these cakes?

If left unfrosted, they can stay at room temperature. If iced, refrigeration is recommended to keep the glaze fresh.

Conclusion

Colorful Mini King Cakes are a delightful and easy way to bring Mardi Gras festivities to your table. With their rich, buttery texture, hint of cinnamon, and vibrant icing, they capture the essence of the classic king cake in a fun, individual-sized treat. Whether you’re hosting a Mardi Gras party or just craving a festive dessert, these mini cakes are sure to impress!