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Perfect King Cake Recipe with Easy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling for Festive Celebrations

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A heartwarming King Cake recipe featuring fluffy dough and a luscious cinnamon cream cheese filling, perfect for Mardi Gras and festive celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) whole milk or cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Colored sanding sugar in purple, green, and gold
  • A tiny plastic baby figurine (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) with 1 tsp sugar and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix on low speed for 2 minutes.
  3. Knead dough on medium speed for 7–9 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead by hand for 10 minutes on a floured surface.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
  5. Beat cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth for the filling.
  6. Punch down dough and roll out on floured surface to a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving a border.
  7. Roll dough into a tight log from the long side, pinch edges to seal. Form into a ring on parchment-lined baking sheet, sealing ends.
  8. Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) during last 15 minutes of rising.
  9. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp ~190°F/88°C). Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  10. Cool on wire rack for 15 minutes. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze and drizzle over warm cake.
  11. Sprinkle with colored sanding sugars while glaze is wet. Hide plastic baby inside if using.

Notes

Keep ingredients at room temperature for best results. Proof yeast properly to ensure dough rises. Tent cake with foil if browning too fast. Pinch seams tightly to prevent filling leakage. Drizzle glaze while cake is warm but not hot. Dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras, cinnamon cream cheese filling, festive dessert, easy King Cake recipe, holiday brunch, sweet treat

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/perfect-king-cake-recipe-with-easy-cinnamon-cream-cheese-filling-for-festive-celebrations/