cream cheese king cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best cream cheese king cake recipe

I’m so excited to share this cream cheese king cake recipe with you all! This recipe has been a staple in my family for years, and for good reason. It’s a delicious twist on the classic king cake, with a rich and creamy filling that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. I love making this recipe for special occasions like Mardi Gras and Easter, but it’s also perfect for a quick breakfast or snack any day of the week.

The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it a great option for busy home cooks like myself. Growing up, my family would always make king cake for Mardi Gras, but we’d often get tired of the same old filling. That’s when I discovered this cream cheese version, and it quickly became our new favorite.

The tangy cream cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dough, creating a flavor combination that’s hard to resist. Plus, the best part is that you can customize it to your liking by adding in nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit. One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like, depending on your mood and the occasion.

For a quick breakfast, I like to top it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and serve it with a side of fresh fruit. But if you’re feeling fancy, you can add in some intricate designs with icing or even top it with whipped cream and fresh berries. Another thing that sets this recipe apart is the technique involved. Making king cake can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but trust me when I say that it’s much easier than you think.

The key is to let the dough rise properly and to not overwork the filling – otherwise, you’ll end up with a dense and tough cake instead of one that’s light and fluffy. So why do I love this cream cheese king cake recipe so much? For one thing, it’s just plain delicious. But beyond that, I appreciate how easy it is to make and how versatile it is for different occasions.

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a show-stopping dessert for your next dinner party, this recipe has got you covered.

Cream Cheese King Cake

4.7 from 957 votes

A delicious twist on the classic King Cake, this version features a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. Perfect for Mardi Gras or any festive occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup warm water
1 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration

Colored sugars in purple, green, and gold
1/2 cup sprinkles

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine warm water and yeast.
2Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
3Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt.
Mix well.
4Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
5Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth.
6Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
8Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12×16 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
9In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
10Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
11Roll the dough tightly from the long side, pinch the seam to seal, and place it seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
12Shape the dough into a ring, pinching the ends together to form a circle.
13Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
14Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
15Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
16In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
17Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
18Decorate with colored sugars and sprinkles.
19Slice and serve.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 350mg🌾Total Carbs: 65g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

Tips: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. You can also add a touch of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor.

This cream cheese king cake recipe is always a hit at our house – whether we’re making it for a special occasion or just needing something sweet on a Tuesday afternoon. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – whether you’re freezing leftovers or keeping them at room temperature for up to three days.

If you’re looking for ways to serve this delicious treat beyond just slicing into wedges (although let’s be real – who doesn’t love just cutting into wedges?) , try serving it alongside some fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra-special touch.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese King Cake

What is king cake?

King cake is a type of sweet bread that originated in France and was brought to North America by French colonizers. It’s traditionally made with yeast dough, sugar, eggs, milk, butter or oil, salt, and spices.

How long does king cake take to make?

This recipe makes one large king cake that serves 8-10 people. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, and the rising time is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast in this recipe. Just be sure to proof the yeast first by mixing it with warm water and sugar before adding it to the dough.

How do I store leftover king cake?

Leftover king cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I make king cake without cream cheese?

Yes, you can make king cake without cream cheese by substituting in another type of filling such as Nutella or peanut butter.

Similar Posts