Learn how to make a cannabis-infused King Cake for Mardi Gras, complete with dosing tips, festive icing, and a responsible twist on tradition.

A Cannabis-Infused King Cake for Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is all about indulgence, celebration, and tradition—and nothing says Carnival season quite like a King Cake. With its soft, brioche-like dough, cinnamon-sugar filling, and iconic purple, green, and gold icing, King Cake is the centerpiece of many Mardi Gras gatherings.

This year, add a modern cannabis twist to the classic recipe with a cannabis-infused King Cake. Whether you’re hosting a Fat Tuesday party or just looking for a fun baking project, this infused dessert delivers all the flavor and festivity—with a gentle, controlled buzz.

What Is a King Cake?

A King Cake is a traditional Mardi Gras dessert that traces its roots back to Europe and the Christian celebration of Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day. In New Orleans, the King Cake has become an iconic symbol of Carnival season, appearing in bakeries and homes from January 6 through Fat Tuesday.

At its core, a King Cake is a soft, brioche-style dough shaped into a ring, filled with cinnamon sugar or sweet cream cheese, and topped with icing and the signature Mardi Gras colors: purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power). It’s festive, indulgent, and meant to be shared—making it the perfect canvas for a modern, cannabis-infused twist.

A Quick Word on Dosing and Safety

Before getting started, remember that edibles hit differently than smoking or vaping. Start low, go slow, and clearly label your infused treats—especially if you’re serving guests.

Helpful guidelines:

• Use low-dose infused butter or oil (5–10 mg THC per serving is ideal for social settings).

• Clearly mark infused desserts and keep them out of reach of kids or unsuspecting guests.

• Allow 60–120 minutes for effects before considering more.

Step 1: Make Cannabis-Infused Butter (or Use Pre-Infused Butter)

If you don’t already have infused butter on hand, here’s a quick overview.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 7–10 grams decarboxylated cannabis (adjust potency as needed)

• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Melt butter and water together in a saucepan over low heat.

2. Add decarboxylated cannabis and simmer gently for 2–3 hours (do not boil).

3. Strain through cheesecloth into a container.

4. Chill until solid, then separate butter from water.

5. Store in the fridge until ready to use.

Tip: You can also substitute store-bought cannabis butter or oil if available.

Step 2: King Cake Dough

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (use half infused butter + half regular butter)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 4–4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add remaining sugar, eggs, butter, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla.

3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

4. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1.5 hours, until doubled.

Step 3: Cinnamon Filling

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (use infused butter if you want stronger potency)

Instructions:

1. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.

2. Roll risen dough into a rectangle (about 10 x 20 inches).

3. Brush melted butter over the dough.

4. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly.

Step 4: Putting the King Cake Together

This is where your King Cake transforms from dough into a Mardi Gras centerpiece.

Instructions:

1. Starting from the long edge of the dough rectangle, roll it tightly into a log.

2. Carefully shape the log into a ring and pinch the ends together to seal.

3. Place the ring seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until slightly puffed.

5. Bake according to your recipe instructions until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Bake the King Cake

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.

3. Cool completely before icing.

Once baked, let the cake cool completely before icing and decorating. This helps the icing set and keeps the infused dosing more consistent across slices.

Optional tradition: Hide a small, heat-safe trinket or ceramic baby inside the cake before baking.

Step 6: Icing and Mardi Gras Colors

Ingredients:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar or food coloring

Instructions:

1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

2. Drizzle icing over the cooled cake.

3. Decorate with Mardi Gras colors in alternating stripes.

Why Do People Put Babies or Trinkets Inside King Cakes?

One of the most beloved traditions surrounding King Cake is the tiny plastic baby—or sometimes a coin or trinket—hidden inside. This custom dates back to the celebration of Epiphany, symbolizing the baby Jesus and the three kings who followed the star to find him.

In modern Mardi Gras culture, whoever finds the baby in their slice is crowned “king” or “queen” of the day. They’re also traditionally responsible for bringing the next King Cake or hosting the next Mardi Gras gathering—turning dessert into a fun, communal ritual.

If you include a baby or trinket in your cake:

• Use a heat-safe or food-safe item if baking it inside.

• Or tuck it into the cake after baking to avoid melting or choking hazards.

• Always warn guests that a trinket is hidden inside.

It’s a playful nod to tradition—and a reminder that King Cake is about sharing, celebration, and a little bit of surprise.

Portioning for Potency

Once cooled, slice your King Cake into evenly sized portions.

Example dosing math:

• If your infused butter contains 100 mg THC total and you use half of it in the dough and filling:

• Total THC in cake: ~ 50 mg

• Slice into 10 pieces: ~ 5 mg THC per slice

Label clearly and communicate dosing to guests.

Hosting Tips for an Infused Mardi Gras Party

• Offer non-infused King Cake alongside the infused version.

• Pair slices with mocktails or infused beverages for a full Mardi Gras vibe.

• Provide a printed dosing card at the dessert table.

• Encourage guests to wait before going back for seconds.

Let the Good Times Roll (Responsibly)

A cannabis-infused King Cake brings together tradition, flavor, and a little modern magic. With thoughtful dosing and festive presentation, it’s a memorable centerpiece for any Mardi Gras celebration.

Laissez les bons temps rouler—and enjoy responsibly.

Disclaimer: Must be 21+ or a qualifying medical cannabis patient where legal. Edibles can take up to 4 hours to take effect. Start low and go slow.