Description
A festive and decadent yeasted cake swirled with a rich, tangy cream cheese filling and topped with traditional Mardi Gras icing. Perfect for celebrations, this King Cake is wonderfully soft and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dough:
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm (105-115°F/40-46°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4–4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3–4 tablespoons milk or water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- Purple, green, and gold gel food coloring
- Optional: Plastic baby for hiding
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5-10 min until foamy. Add remaining sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually add flour and knead 8-10 min until smooth. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: While dough rises, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Assemble the King Cake: Punch down risen dough. Roll into an 18×12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread filling evenly. Roll into a tight log from the long side and pinch seam closed. Bring ends together to form a ring, pinching to seal. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake King Cake for 25-35 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Craft the Icing and Decorate: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) for icing. Divide into three bowls and color purple, green, and gold. Once King Cake is cool, drizzle alternating colors over the top. Hide plastic baby from the underside before icing if desired.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins