Description
Bake a truly delicious and festive Cream Cheese King Cake with a fluffy brioche-like dough and a creamy, tangy filling. This recipe is perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or any joyous occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
- 4 cups (about 480g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- For the Filling:
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (or water)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Decoration:
- Purple, green, and yellow/gold decorating sugars
- 1 small plastic baby (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast & Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let foam for 5-10 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg to dry ingredients. Knead (mixer or hand) 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a bowl, place dough inside, turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled.
- Prepare Filling: While dough rises, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble & Shape: Punch down dough. Roll into an 18×12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread cream cheese filling, leaving a small border. Roll tightly into a log, pinch seam. Form into a ring, pinch ends well. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover loosely and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Brush cake with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp milk/water). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown (internal temp 200°F / 93°C). Cool completely on wire rack.
- Glaze & Decorate: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for glaze. Drizzle over cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle with colored sugars. Insert plastic baby (if using) from the bottom.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins