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Easy New Orleans Style King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

A cross-section view of a marbled King Cake, drizzled with purple, green, and yellow icing and sprinkles.
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Make a traditional Mardi Gras King Cake at home. This recipe features a soft, buttery yeast bread with a rich cream cheese swirl filling, topped with the classic purple, green, and gold icing and sprinkles for a festive celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup milk (for filling)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar or sprinkles (for decoration)
  • 1 small plastic baby (optional, for hiding inside)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and stir well.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and 1/4 cup milk until smooth. Set aside.
  6. Shape the cake: Punch down the risen dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long side. If using the plastic baby, place it near the edge of the dough.
  7. Roll and form the ring: Starting from the long side opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed. Bring the ends of the log together to form a circle, overlapping them slightly, and pinch firmly to seal. Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Second rise: Cover the shaped cake loosely and let it rise again in a warm spot for about 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Bake: Bake the King Cake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. Make the glaze and decorate: Whisk together the 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle generously with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars or sprinkles.

Notes

  • For the traditional colors, remember the meanings: Purple signifies justice, green signifies faith, and gold signifies power.
  • If you skip the cream cheese filling, brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before rolling for a classic cinnamon swirl King Cake.
  • You can make the dough a day ahead and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/easy-new-orleans-king-cake-recipe/