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Classic King Cake Recipe with Cinnamon Swirl and Cream Cheese Filling

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A traditional King Cake featuring a tender buttery dough, a rich cinnamon swirl, and a luscious cream cheese filling, perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or cozy brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (480 g), sifted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml), warmed to 110°F (43°C)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 g), melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar (200 g), packed
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (57 g), softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (225 g), softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67 g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g), sifted
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (30 ml), or more for desired consistency
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: colored sugar in purple, green, and gold for traditional Mardi Gras flair

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/43°C) with yeast and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until combined (about 2 minutes with a mixer or by hand).
  3. Knead the dough: Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  4. First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the cream cheese filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Chill in the fridge.
  6. Prepare the cinnamon swirl: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set softened butter aside for spreading.
  7. Roll out the dough: Punch down the dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 16×12-inch (40×30 cm) rectangle.
  8. Assemble the cake: Spread softened butter evenly over dough. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture on top, then spread cream cheese filling in a long strip down the center lengthwise.
  9. Shape the cake: Roll the dough into a tight log starting from one long edge, seal the edge with water, then form into a ring and pinch ends to seal.
  10. Second rise: Place ring on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  11. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  12. Cool and glaze: Cool cake for 15 minutes. Drizzle glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Sprinkle colored sugar while glaze is wet.

Notes

If cream cheese filling starts to ooze, chill the filled dough for 15 minutes before rolling. Proof yeast in warm milk to ensure activation. Tent cake with foil if browning too fast. Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight. For gluten-free or vegan versions, substitute ingredients as noted.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras, cinnamon swirl, cream cheese filling, classic King Cake, cinnamon roll, festive dessert, holiday baking

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/classic-king-cake-recipe-with-cinnamon-swirl-and-cream-cheese-filling-easy-step-by-step-guide/