Introduction

This King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a delightful twist on a classic Mardi Gras favorite. It features a soft, tender dough wrapped around a rich and creamy filling, topped with a sweet icing that perfectly complements the flavors. Ideal for celebrations or any time you’re craving a festive treat.

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

Ingredients

For the 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

For the 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

For the Egg Wash:

1 egg
¼ cup water

For the Icing:

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

Instructions

Step 1: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, then whisk in the buttermilk and heat until it reaches 120°F (49°C). Slowly whisk the warm buttermilk mixture into the beaten eggs and let cool to 110°F (43°C).
Step 3: Beat the egg and buttermilk 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 bowl.
Step 4: Turn the dough onto a work surface and knead for 1 minute. Shape into a ball, place in a buttered bowl, turn to coat, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 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: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, flour (if using), lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg until smooth to make the filling.
Step 7: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on parchment paper into a 10×28-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Step 8: Starting at one long edge, lift the parchment and roll the dough into a log, pinching the seams to seal. Wrap the log around the outer edges of the prepared cake pan to form a ring, pinching the ends together.
Step 9: Whisk the egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush it over the dough ring.
Step 10: Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool for 30 minutes.
Step 11: For the icing, stir together confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, and milk. Add lemon juice as needed to achieve a thick but slightly runny consistency.
Step 12: Drizzle icing over the cooled king cake. Optionally, decorate with colored sugar for a festive look.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for a smooth, well-incorporated filling.
Let the dough rise until doubled for a soft and fluffy texture.
Add cinnamon or cardamom to the filling for a spiced twist.
Try fruit fillings like raspberry or strawberry for a different flavor.
For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy milk.
Apply colored sugars immediately after icing so they stick well.

Storage

Store leftover king cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat gently if desired, but the cake is best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. When ready, allow the dough to rise before baking as directed.

Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the cream cheese filling with other options like fruit preserves, chocolate, or nut-based fillings to suit your taste.

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 109 reviews

This King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a rich and festive Mardi Gras classic featuring a soft, tender sweet dough wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a glossy sweet icing, this cake balances buttery richness with creamy tanginess and a hint of spice, perfect for celebrations and gatherings.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
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 (0.25 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:

8 ounces 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

Make the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat then whisk in the buttermilk, heating until it reaches 120°F (49°C). Slowly pour the buttermilk mixture into the beaten eggs while whisking constantly; cool to 110°F (43°C). Add this egg mixture to the flour mixture and beat on medium-low speed for about 10 minutes until a firm, elastic dough forms. Add up to ¼ cup more flour if dough sticks to the bowl.
Knead and Rise Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 1 minute. Shape into a ball and place in a buttered bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter the outside edge of an 8-inch cake pan to help shape the cake ring.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, flour (optional), lemon juice, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until smooth. Set aside.
Shape and Fill the Dough: Punch down the dough and roll it out on parchment paper into a 10 × 28-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all edges. Starting at one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log using the parchment paper. Pinch the seams to seal.
Form Cake Ring: Wrap the rolled dough around the outside edge of the prepared cake pan, pinching the ends to form a ring. Use the parchment paper to lift and slide the cake off the pan onto a baking sheet, maintaining the ring shape.
Brush with Egg Wash: Whisk egg and water in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash to ensure a golden, shiny crust.
Bake the King Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes until the cake is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 30 minutes.
Make the Icing: In a bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, and milk. Add lemon juice gradually to thin to a thick yet slightly runny icing consistency.
Decorate and Serve: Drizzle the icing over the cooled king cake. Optionally, sprinkle with colored sugar in purple, green, and gold for a Mardi Gras theme. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

The flour amount may vary slightly; add more as needed to form a workable dough.
Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing.
Let the dough rise until doubled in size for a soft, tender crumb.
If colored sugar is used, apply immediately after icing for best adhesion.
You can make the dough and filling ahead and refrigerate overnight, then allow the dough to rise before baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze slices for up to 1 month.
For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese, butter, and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: King Cake,Mardi Gras,cream cheese filling,festive cake,sweet dough,icing,Southern dessert,baking recipe,celebration cake