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Authentic New Orleans King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

A close-up slice of a rich king cake filled with cream cheese and cinnamon swirl, topped with purple, green, and gold Mardi Gras sprinkles.
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Make a soft, brioche-style King Cake with a rich cream cheese swirl filling. This recipe captures the spirit of Mardi Gras tradition with classic purple, green, and gold decorations.

Ingredients

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  • 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, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup milk (for glaze)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars or icing (for decoration)
  • One small plastic baby (optional, for tradition)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  3. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Set aside.
  5. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  6. Assemble the cake: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough. Then, drizzle the cinnamon swirl mixture over the cream cheese layer. Roll the dough tightly along the long edge to form a log.
  7. Form the ring: Bring the ends of the log together and pinch them to seal, forming a circle. Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
  8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the King Cake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Prepare the glaze: Whisk together the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. If using sanding sugars, mix the colors into separate bowls of glaze or use clear glaze and dip sections into the colored sugars.
  10. Decorate: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars to represent justice, faith, and power. If using the baby, insert it into the cake before serving.

Notes

  • For a traditional brioche texture, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
  • If you prefer a simple cinnamon swirl without cream cheese, skip step 3 and only use the cinnamon-sugar mixture in step 5.
  • The plastic baby tradition means the person who finds it is responsible for hosting the next Mardi Gras party or buying the next King Cake.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/king-cake-recipe-new-orleans-cream-cheese/