Introduction

King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a festive and delicious tradition enjoyed during Mardi Gras. This sweet, tender cake filled with creamy, tangy filling and finished with a glossy icing is perfect for celebrations or any time you want a special treat.

King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling: A Delicious Mardi Gras Tradition Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour, or more if needed
½ cup white sugar
1 (.25 ounce) package rapid rise yeast
1 ¼ teaspoons salt
3 large eggs at room temperature
6 tablespoons butter
¾ cup Bulgarian-style buttermilk
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for filling)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for filling)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 egg (for egg wash)
¼ cup water
1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for icing)
4 teaspoons corn syrup
4 teaspoons milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice, or as needed (for icing)

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
Step 2: Melt the butter over low heat, then whisk in the buttermilk and heat the mixture until it reaches 120°F (49°C). Slowly pour this into the beaten eggs, whisking constantly, then let cool to 110°F (43°C).
Step 3: Beat the egg mixture into the flour mixture on medium-low speed until a firm, elastic dough forms, about 10 minutes. Add up to ¼ cup more flour if the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl.
Step 4: Turn the dough onto a work surface and knead for 1 minute. Shape into a ball, place in a buttered bowl, and turn to coat with butter. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 2 hours.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter the outside edge of an 8-inch cake pan.
Step 6: To make the filling, stir together the cream cheese, 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, flour (if using), lemon juice, vanilla, and nutmeg until smooth.
Step 7: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on lightly floured parchment to a 10×28-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling on the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Step 8: Starting at one long edge, roll the dough into a log using the parchment paper to assist. Pinch the seam to seal the filling inside.
Step 9: Shape the log into a ring and pinch the ends together. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment, lifting the ring out of the cake pan to bake freeform.
Step 10: Whisk the egg with water and brush the egg wash over the cake.
Step 11: Bake for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool for 30 minutes.
Step 12: To make the icing, mix confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, and milk. Add lemon juice gradually until the icing is thick but pourable.
Step 13: Drizzle the icing over the cooled King Cake before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a classic Mardi Gras touch, sprinkle purple, green, and gold sugar or sanding sugar on the icing before it sets.
Use a thermometer to check the buttermilk mixture temperature carefully; too hot will cook the eggs, too cool will not activate the yeast properly.
Substitute regular buttermilk if Bulgarian-style isn’t available; the tang helps tenderize the dough.
Add cinnamon or other warm spices to the filling for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover King Cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a low oven to restore softness before serving. The icing may soften upon refrigeration; add fresh drizzle if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature and complete the shaping and second rise before baking.

Is it necessary to use the cream cheese filling?

No, you can omit the filling or replace it with traditional cinnamon sugar filling, but the cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with the sweet dough.

King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling: A Delicious Mardi Gras Tradition Recipe

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4.5 from 115 reviews

This King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a delicious Mardi Gras tradition featuring a sweet yeast dough wrapped around a smooth, tangy cream cheese filling. Topped with a lightly sweetened icing, this festive cake is perfect for celebrating the carnival season with family and friends.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American (Southern)

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour, or more if needed
½ cup white sugar
1 (.25 ounce) package rapid rise yeast
1 ¼ teaspoons salt
3 large eggs at room temperature
6 tablespoons butter
¾ cup Bulgarian-style buttermilk

Cream Cheese Filling:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (Optional)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Egg Wash:

1 egg
¼ cup water

Icing:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
4 teaspoons corn syrup
4 teaspoons milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice, or as needed

Instructions

Prepare the dough mixture: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
Warm the butter and buttermilk: Melt butter over low heat, whisk in buttermilk, and heat until temperature reaches 120°F (49°C). Slowly add this mixture to the beaten eggs while whisking constantly, then let cool to 110°F (43°C).
Knead the dough: On medium-low speed, beat the egg and buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture until a firm elastic dough forms, about 10 minutes. Add up to ¼ cup more flour if dough is too sticky.
Proof the dough: Turn dough onto a work surface, knead 1 minute, form into a ball, and place in a buttered bowl. Turn to coat all sides with butter, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
Preheat oven and prepare pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter the outside edge of an 8-inch cake pan.
Make the cream cheese filling: Stir together cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, flour (optional), lemon juice, vanilla, and nutmeg until smooth.
Roll and fill the dough: Punch down dough, roll out on floured parchment into a 10×28-inch rectangle. Spread cream cheese filling evenly over dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
Form the cake ring: Starting from a long edge, roll dough into a log using the parchment paper. Pinch seams closed. Wrap the log around the outer edges of the prepared cake pan, pinching ends to form a ring. Remove the pan carefully leaving the ring-shaped cake on the parchment.
Apply egg wash: Whisk egg and water to make egg wash and brush over the entire cake surface.
Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 40 minutes. Remove and cool for 30 minutes.
Make the icing: Mix confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, and milk. Add lemon juice to achieve a thick but pourable texture.
Decorate and serve: Drizzle icing over the cooled king cake before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best dough rise.
Adjust flour amount as needed to achieve a firm but elastic dough.
The optional flour in the filling helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture during baking.
Allow the cake to cool completely before icing to prevent the glaze from melting.
For a traditional Mardi Gras look, consider adding colored sugar in yellow, green, and purple after icing.

Keywords: King Cake, Cream Cheese Filling, Mardi Gras, Sweet Dough, Southern Dessert, Holiday Cake