Dong Phuong King Cake The Irresistible Treat You Need Now

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something truly magical about Dong Phuong King Cake—a beloved New Orleans tradition that blends French and Vietnamese baking techniques into one irresistible treat. Have you ever bitten into a buttery brioche dough, swirled with cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a signature cream cheese frosting? If not, you’re in for a Mardi Gras delight like no other!

Baked fresh at the legendary Dong Phuong Bakery, this handcrafted pastry has earned a devoted following, selling out year after year. Whether you’re celebrating Carnival season or simply craving an indulgent slice, this recipe will guide you through recreating the magic at home. So, are you ready to bake up a taste of New Orleans’ most iconic dessert? Let’s get started!

Key Benefits of Making Dong Phuong King Cake at Home

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of baking your own Dong Phuong King Cake—a treat that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or simply indulging in a New Orleans-inspired dessert, here’s why making it from scratch is worth it:

Authentic Flavor, Anytime – No need to wait for Carnival season or pre-orders. Enjoy the buttery brioche dough, rich cinnamon-sugar filling, and velvety cream cheese frosting whenever you crave it.

Customizable to Your Taste – Love an extra drizzle of icing? Prefer a little more spice in your filling? When you make it at home, you control every detail, from the signature glaze to the festive sprinkles.

A Fun Baking Tradition – Baking a king cake is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. Whether you’re sharing it with family or starting a new tradition, every step brings a sense of joy and connection.

Fresh and Preservative-Free – Unlike store-bought cakes, homemade ensures you get the freshest ingredients, free from artificial preservatives.

A Stunning Showpiece – With its purple, green, and gold decorations, this cake isn’t just delicious—it’s a festive centerpiece that instantly elevates any gathering.

Baking your own New Orleans-style king cake is easier than you think, and the results? Absolutely worth it. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need! 🎭✨

Ingredients for Dong Phuong King Cake

To make this delicious New Orleans king cake just like the one from Dong Phuong Bakery, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Gather these staples to ensure your cake is as rich and flavorful as the original:

For the Dough:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The base for your buttery, soft dough.
1/2 cup sugar – To add a touch of sweetness to the dough.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp) – Helps the dough rise perfectly, creating that light texture.
1/2 cup whole milk – Richness is key to a tender dough.
1/2 cup water – Needed to activate the yeast.
1/4 cup butter, softened – Adds flavor and richness to the dough.
2 large eggs – For binding the dough together and giving it structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A hint of warmth that complements the cinnamon filling.

For the Cinnamon Filling:

1/2 cup brown sugar – Brings a deep, caramelized sweetness.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – The classic spice that gives king cake its signature flavor.
1/4 cup butter, softened – Ensures the filling is smooth and easy to spread.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened – A creamy base for the rich frosting.
1/4 cup butter, softened – Makes the frosting smooth and velvety.
2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and aroma.
2-3 tablespoons milk – Adjust for your desired frosting consistency.

For the Decoration:

Purple, green, and gold sprinkles – These iconic Mardi Gras colors make the cake festive and fun!
Optional: Baby figurine – Traditionally hidden inside, adding a fun surprise for whoever finds it!

Pro Tip:

The key to the perfect dough is kneading. Be patient and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This ensures your king cake has the light, fluffy texture everyone loves!

Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the fun part—assembling and baking your delicious king cake!

Instructions for Dong Phuong King Cake

Ready to create a showstopping dessert that captures the spirit of New Orleans? Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be enjoying a homemade Dong Phuong King Cake in no time!

1. Prepare the Dough

Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup warm water and the active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, heat the milk until it’s warm but not hot (around 110°F). Add the butter and stir until it melts. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Make the dough: Add the yeast mixture and the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Filling

Mix the cinnamon filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and mix until it’s a smooth, spreadable paste.

3. Shape the Cake

Roll out the dough: Once your dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon filling over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
Roll and shape: Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal it.
Form the ring: Carefully shape the dough into a ring by bringing the ends together and pinching them. Transfer the ring to a greased baking sheet, making sure it’s evenly spaced.

4. Let the Dough Rise Again

Cover the ring with a clean towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise ensures your cake will be fluffy and light.

5. Bake the King Cake

Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the cake: Once the dough has risen, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Make the Frosting

While your king cake is cooling, make the cream cheese frosting:

Beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, then add milk a little at a time until you reach your desired frosting consistency.

7. Decorate the Cake

Frost the cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
Add the sprinkles: Decorate with purple, green, and gold sprinkles to make it look as festive as it tastes! And don’t forget to hide the baby figurine (if you’re following the tradition)!

Pro Tip:

If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and bake it the next day for an even easier process.

And there you have it—a delicious, homemade Dong Phuong King Cake that’s sure to impress at any celebration!

Pro Tips and Variations for Dong Phuong King Cake

Making your own Dong Phuong King Cake can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and with a few simple tips and creative variations, you can elevate your homemade version to the next level. Here are some tried-and-true recommendations to help you get it just right:

1. Mastering the Dough

Use room-temperature ingredients: To help the dough rise properly, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can slow down the yeast’s activation.
Don’t rush the kneading process: Kneading is key to getting that soft, airy texture. If you have time, knead the dough for an extra few minutes—this will improve the overall texture and help the dough rise beautifully.
Let it rise in a warm spot: Ensure the dough is rising in a place free of drafts but warm enough (around 75°F is ideal). If your kitchen is chilly, you can create a warm environment by placing the dough in an oven preheated to 200°F for just a minute, then turning it off.

2. Creative Variations

Flavor Boosters: Feel free to experiment with different fillings. You can swap out the cinnamon-sugar for chocolate chips, fruit preserves, or even cream cheese and raspberry filling. The options are endless!
Nutty Twist: For some added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling. This brings a delightful crunch and richness that pairs beautifully with the sweet dough.
Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of orange zest or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrusy undertone. It will brighten the flavor profile, adding a subtle tang.

3. Baking Tips

Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake after 20 minutes. If it’s browning too quickly, cover the top loosely with foil to prevent over-baking.
Let it cool: Before frosting, let your king cake cool completely. This prevents the frosting from melting and gives you a nice, even layer of cream cheese goodness.

4. Decorating Tips

Go all out with colors: If you can’t find Mardi Gras sprinkles, use colored sugar or make your own by dying regular sugar with food coloring. Purple, green, and gold are the traditional Mardi Gras colors that make the cake feel extra festive.
Hide the baby: For the traditional twist, hide a small plastic baby figurine inside the cake before baking. Whoever finds it will be the lucky one! Just make sure to let guests know so no one bites down on it by accident!

5. Make Ahead

Overnight dough: If you’re pressed for time, you can make the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to take it out about an hour before shaping and baking so it has time to come to room temperature.
Freeze the cake: If you’re preparing for a big celebration, you can bake the cake ahead of time, let it cool, and freeze it before frosting. When you’re ready to serve, just defrost and frost it before decorating.

These pro tips will help you personalize your Dong Phuong King Cake and turn it into a memorable masterpiece! Whether you’re sticking to the classic or trying something new, enjoy the process and have fun with the creativity that comes with baking this New Orleans favorite.

Serving Suggestions for Dong Phuong King Cake

The Dong Phuong King Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration! Whether you’re serving it for a Mardi Gras gathering or a special family brunch, this sweet, flavorful cake is sure to be the star of the table. Here are some thoughtful serving suggestions to make your cake shine even brighter:

1. Perfect for Special Occasions

Mardi Gras Parties: Of course, King Cake is a staple during Mardi Gras, and it’s perfect for bringing a festive touch to your party. Serve slices on colorful plates, and make it extra fun with Mardi Gras beads for a playful vibe.
Brunch Delight: Serve the Dong Phuong King Cake at brunch alongside fresh coffee or mimosas. Its sweetness pairs wonderfully with a morning beverage and creates a lively atmosphere for your guests.
Holiday Gatherings: King cake is also fantastic for other special occasions like birthdays, Easter, or even as a celebratory dessert for Fat Tuesday.

2. Pairing Ideas

Beverage Pairings:
- For a bold contrast, try pairing your cake with a strong coffee or an espresso. The rich bitterness complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- If you prefer something lighter, serve with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a fruit-infused iced tea for a refreshing, citrusy balance.
Fruit Sides:
- Serve slices of your King Cake with a side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. Their tangy flavor will cut through the richness of the cake, making for a more balanced bite.
- You can also add some citrus wedges, like orange or grapefruit slices, to bring a bright, refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Ice Cream: If you’re looking to create an indulgent treat, serve a warm slice of Dong Phuong King Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon gelato. The warm cake and cold ice cream make for the ultimate decadent combination.

3. Storing Leftovers

Wrap it up: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap the cake in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable bag for added freshness.
Freezing: To keep the cake longer, freeze the cake after it’s completely cooled (before frosting). When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving. This is a great way to prepare for a party ahead of time!

4. Serving as a Dessert Table Centerpiece

Impressive Display: If you’re hosting a celebration, make the Dong Phuong King Cake a centerpiece on your dessert table. Place it in the center and surround it with small bowls of colorful sprinkles, candied fruit, or even mini cupcakes. This setup will impress your guests and elevate the look of your gathering.
Slices for Sharing: For a casual gathering, simply slice the King Cake into smaller pieces for easy serving. The cake’s soft texture and festive colors will make each slice feel special, no matter how it’s presented.

With these serving suggestions, your Dong Phuong King Cake will not only be a delicious treat but also a focal point of any event. Whether it’s paired with beverages or served as part of a festive spread, this cake is perfect for creating memories with loved ones!

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Dong Phuong King Cake

Making your own Dong Phuong King Cake at home is more than just preparing a dessert—it’s about creating a piece of tradition that brings everyone together. The fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and rich cream cheese frosting are sure to be a hit at any celebration. Whether it’s for Mardi Gras, a birthday party, or just because you want to try something new, this recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

Flavorful and Festive: The combination of sweet, spiced flavors and vibrant decorations makes it perfect for special occasions. Plus, the hidden baby inside adds a fun tradition that everyone will enjoy!
Versatile: You can get creative with the filling or topping, making it your own while still honoring the classic. The cake can also be paired with various drinks and sides to match any taste.
Easy to Make: With clear, actionable steps and pro tips throughout, this recipe is simple to follow, making it easy to impress your friends and family with your baking skills.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations and presentations, and remember—each King Cake made by you is unique! Whether you stick to the classic or make your own twist, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious, homemade treat that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy.

So, go ahead and give this Dong Phuong King Cake a try—it’s bound to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking!

Dong Phuong King Cake

Emily

Indulge in the rich, buttery flavors of dong phuong king cake —a soft, sweet, and festive treat perfect for Mardi Gras and special celebrations!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 25

Total Time 2 25

Course Dessert

Cuisine Cajun, New Orleans, Southern

Servings 12 slices

Calories 350 kcal