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Decadent King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

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A soft, cinnamon-spiced king cake filled with a luscious cream cheese center, perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations. This recipe is quick, easy, and a crowd-pleaser with a rich, creamy filling and classic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed (around 110°F/43°C)
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia brand recommended)
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: Zest of one lemon
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or cream
  • Food coloring or colored sugar in purple, green, and gold

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F/43°C) with the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the cream cheese filling: Beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  5. Make the cinnamon sugar mixture: Mix the granulated sugar with the cinnamon in a small bowl. Melt the butter and set aside.
  6. Roll out the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×16 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Brush melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously on top.
  7. Spread the cream cheese filling: Dollop the cream cheese mixture along one long edge of the rectangle and spread in a thin, even layer, leaving about an inch from the edge free to seal.
  8. Roll and shape: Starting at the cream cheese-filled edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam and ends to seal, then form the log into a circle and pinch the ends together.
  9. Second rise: Place the shaped cake on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let it rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the king cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  11. Add glaze and decorations: Let the cake cool slightly. Mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle over the cake. Immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sugar.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture. Seal edges tightly to prevent filling leaks. If cake browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Adjust glaze consistency by varying milk or powdered sugar. For gluten-free, substitute flour and add xanthan gum. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: king cake, Mardi Gras, cream cheese filling, cinnamon sugar, festive dessert, easy king cake recipe

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/decadent-king-cake-with-cream-cheese-filling-easy-mardi-gras-recipe/