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Homemade King Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling

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A comforting classic king cake with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese filling, perfect for Mardi Gras or any cozy gathering. Soft, buttery dough wrapped around a sweet, spiced filling creates a memorable treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (about 500g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed (240ml)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
  • 2–3 tbsp whole milk (30-45ml)
  • Food coloring (purple, green, and gold)
  • Cinnamon sugar or colored sugar sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C). Sprinkle the yeast and a pinch of sugar over the milk in a large bowl. Let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. Make the dough: Add sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually add flour, about 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Knead with a stand mixer dough hook on medium speed for 7-9 minutes or by hand on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  4. Prepare the filling: Beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and flour in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  5. Shape the cake: Punch down the dough and roll it into a 16×12 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon cream cheese filling evenly, leaving a small border. Roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch edges to seal.
  6. Form the ring and second rise: Shape the log into a circle and pinch ends together. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or round pan. Cover loosely and let rise until puffy but not doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the king cake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  8. Cool and glaze: Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Mix powdered sugar with milk to make glaze and drizzle over warm cake. Sprinkle with colored sugars before glaze sets.

Notes

Keep ingredients at room temperature for best results. Don’t rush the rise times for lighter bread. Seal edges tightly to prevent filling leaks. Use a kitchen scale for consistent flour measurement. Tent cake with foil if browning too fast. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream cheese and plant-based milk. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and adjust moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: king cake, cinnamon cream cheese filling, Mardi Gras, homemade king cake, cinnamon cake, cream cheese dessert, festive cake

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/homemade-king-cake-with-cinnamon-cream-cheese-filling-easy-recipe/