Print

Authentic New Orleans Style King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Close-up of a slice of cream cheese filled king cake showing the soft dough, rich filling, and purple, green, and gold sprinkles.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make a soft, brioche-style King Cake perfect for Mardi Gras. This recipe includes instructions for a rich cream cheese filling and the traditional purple, green, and gold icing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 small plastic baby (optional, for tradition)
  • For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Cinnamon Swirl (Optional):
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • For the Icing and Decoration:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar or sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Stir well. Gradually add 3 cups of flour and the salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes, adding the remaining flour as needed until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should feel soft, like a brioche.
  4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside. If making the cinnamon swirl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a small bowl.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  7. Add filling: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge. If using the cinnamon swirl, sprinkle the cinnamon mixture over the cream cheese layer.
  8. Roll and seal: Roll the dough tightly lengthwise, starting from the long edge opposite the 1-inch border. Pinch the seam closed. Gently stretch the log slightly.
  9. Form the ring: Bring the ends of the dough log together to form a circle or oval shape. Pinch the ends firmly to seal the ring. If using the plastic baby, insert it into the cake now.
  10. Second rise: Place the ring on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes, or until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of rising.
  11. Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
  12. Make the icing: Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust liquid for desired thickness.
  13. Decorate: Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars while the icing is wet.

Notes

  • For the traditional colors, remember: Purple symbolizes Justice, Green symbolizes Faith, and Gold symbolizes Power.
  • If you want a quicker dough, you can use a high-quality store-bought refrigerated sweet roll dough, but the texture will differ from this brioche style.
  • The person who finds the hidden baby traditionally hosts the next Mardi Gras party or provides the next King Cake.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/king-cake-recipe-authentic-new-orleans-style/