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Perfect King Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Filling and Mardi Gras Icing for Easy Homemade Celebration

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A festive and delicious King Cake featuring a soft, buttery dough, tangy cream cheese filling, and colorful Mardi Gras icing, perfect for celebrations like Mardi Gras or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (for filling)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar (for icing)
  • 2–3 tbsp (30-45ml) whole milk or water (for icing)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
  • Food coloring in purple, green, and gold/yellow
  • Colored sugar sprinkles in Mardi Gras colors

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk (about 110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour about a cup at a time, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead with a stand mixer dough hook for 6-7 minutes.
  4. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  5. While dough rises, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to use.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
  7. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  8. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Shape into a circle and pinch ends to seal. Optionally, cut into three strips and loosely braid before joining ends again.
  9. Place shaped cake on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise for 45 minutes until puffed.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the cake with melted butter.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  12. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack.
  13. Prepare the Mardi Gras icing by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to a thick but pourable consistency. Divide into three bowls and tint with purple, green, and gold food coloring.
  14. Drizzle the colored icing over the cooled cake in stripes and sprinkle with colored sugar while icing is still wet.

Notes

Do not rush the rises to ensure a soft, airy texture. Brush melted butter before baking for a golden crust. Use room temperature dairy ingredients for best mixing results. The braid is optional but adds a beautiful presentation. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly. Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to two days or freeze un-iced cake for up to two months.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Cake, Mardi Gras, Cream Cheese Filling, Celebration Cake, New Orleans, Festive Dessert, Homemade King Cake

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/perfect-king-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-filling-and-mardi-gras-icing-for-easy-homemade-celebration/