cream cheese filled king cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cream cheese filled king cake recipe

King cake, a sweet bread traditionally enjoyed during the Carnival season in New Orleans, is a delight to make and devour. As a home cook, I’ve had the pleasure of perfecting a cream cheese filled king cake recipe that’s become a staple in my household.

The combination of the rich, velvety cream cheese and the sweet, flaky dough is a match made in heaven. My kids love helping me shape the dough into rings and decorating them with colorful icing and sprinkles.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a special treat for a weeknight dinner. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively easy to make and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

One of the best things about king cake is its versatility – it can be enjoyed as a breakfast pastry, a snack, or even as a dessert. And let’s not forget the health benefits of using whole wheat flour and reduced sugar in this recipe!

My family and I have enjoyed this recipe countless times, and I’m confident you will too. So go ahead, give it a try, and indulge in the sweet taste of king cake bliss.

Cream Cheese Filled King Cake

4.6 from 1318 votes

A festive Mardi Gras king cake filled with a sweet cream cheese filling and topped with colorful icing and sprinkles. This yeasted cake is baked until golden and puffed, then decorated in traditional purple, green, and gold.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hrs 55 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Filling

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Icing and Decorations

2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar or sprinkles

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F) and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar.
2Sprinkle yeast over the top and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
3If the mixture does not foam, the yeast may be inactive and you should start again with fresh yeast.
4In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, 3 1/2 cups flour, salt, and nutmeg.
5Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and the yeast mixture.
6Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.
7Increase speed to medium and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
8If the dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it forms a soft ball.
9Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, turning once to coat.
10Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
11The dough is ready when an indentation remains after pressing gently with a finger.
12While the dough rises, make the cream cheese filling.
13In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar until smooth.
14Add the egg yolk, vanilla, and flour, and beat until fully combined.
15Set aside at room temperature.
16Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
17Roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
18Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along the long edges.
19Starting from a long side, roll the dough tightly into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
20Transfer the log to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bring the ends together to form a ring, pinching the ends together firmly.
21Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes until puffy.
22Preheat the oven to 350°F.
23Bake the king cake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F.
24The cake should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
25Let the cake cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.
26Meanwhile, prepare the icing by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
27Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides.
28Immediately sprinkle purple, green, and gold sanding sugar in alternating bands around the ring.
29Let the icing set for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

Stand mixer with dough hook
Large bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Rolling pin
Small saucepan
Whisk
Spatula
Plastic wrap
Pastry brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 210mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

For a traditional Mardi Gras cake, hide a small plastic baby or bean inside the dough before baking. Let the cake cool completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting. The cake is best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Watch Video Of How Cream Cheese Filled King Cake Works

This cream cheese filled king cake is always a good idea for any celebration or just a fun weekend breakfast. It is simple to make with basic ingredients and the cream cheese filling takes it over the top.

My family asks for it year round and I never mind making it because it brings everyone together around the table. To store leftover king cake keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a 350 degree oven for five minutes to bring back that fresh baked softness. For serving I like to dust it with a little extra powdered sugar or serve it with fresh fruit on the side.

It also makes a great gift for neighbors or coworkers during Mardi Gras season.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Filled King Cake

Q: What is the history behind king cake?

King cake has its roots in medieval Europe, where it was traditionally served during the Carnival season as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Q: What are some common fillings used in king cake recipes?

Cream cheese is one of the most popular fillings used in king cake recipes due to its rich, velvety texture and mild flavor.

Q: How do I store leftover king cake?

Leftover king cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for up to two months.

Q: Can I make king cake without using yeast?

No, traditional king cake recipes rely on yeast fermentation to give the dough its characteristic rise.

Q: What are some variations on traditional king cake?

You can experiment with different flavors by adding cocoa powder for chocolate king cake or using chopped nuts for added texture.

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