Fat Tuesday is one of those holidays that feels festive but doesn’t need to be complicated. A few friends, something sweet coming out of the oven, and a glass of bubbles is more than enough reason to gather before Lent begins.
This year, I’m skipping the traditional King Cake and making a Monkey Bread King Cake instead. It’s gooey, nostalgic, crowd-pleasing - and best of all, incredibly easy. Add a simple glaze and homemade colored sugar in classic Mardi Gras hues, and you’ve got a showstopper that looks far more involved than it actually is.
The Easy Hosting Formula
- One warm, shareable pastry
- Champagne or prosecco (juice optional)
- A cheerful table (nothing fancy - just fun)
That’s it. Let’s bake!
Monkey Bread King Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated biscuit dough (cut each biscuit into quarters)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decorating
- Purple, green, and gold colored sugar (recipe below)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously grease a bundt pan.
- In a bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss biscuit pieces in the mixture until well coated.
- Layer the coated dough evenly in the bundt pan.
- In a separate bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Pour evenly over the dough.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
- Carefully invert onto a serving plate.
Vanilla Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Drizzle generously over the warm monkey bread so it settles into all the nooks and crannies.
How to Make Mardi Gras Colored Sugar
Making your own colored sugar is quick, inexpensive, and gives you complete control over the shades.
You’ll Need
- 1 cup granulated sugar (per color)
- Food coloring (gel or liquid)
- Zip-top bags or small bowls
Instructions
- Place sugar in a zip-top bag or bowl.
- Add 1–2 drops of food coloring.
- Seal and shake (or stir) until evenly colored. Add more color a drop at a time if needed.
- Spread on parchment paper to dry for 10–15 minutes if slightly damp.
- Sprinkle generously over glazed monkey bread.
Classic Mardi Gras colors:
- Purple (justice)
- Green (faith)
- Gold (power)
A Brunch Worth Lingering Over
Set this King Cake in the center of the table, pour the bubbles, and let everyone pull apart their own piece. It’s casual, cozy, and exactly the kind of gathering that makes people stay a little longer.
Because hosting doesn’t have to be perfect - it just has to be warm, welcoming, and shared.
Laissez les bons temps rouler. 💜💚💛
