Ah, King Cake! Just the thought of it brings back a flurry of vibrant memories. Growing up, I would eagerly await Mardi Gras season to indulge in this delightful pastry. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a celebration! Each bite is a mix of tender dough, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a glaze that sparkles with carnival colors. The atmosphere buzzes with laughter and the sweet scent of cinnamon wafts through the air, mingling with the lively rhythms of New Orleans jazz. When you pull this Perfect New Orleans King Cake out of the oven, it’s like holding a piece of history sprinkled with joy!

This recipe for Perfect New Orleans King Cake with Easy Cream Cheese Filling is easy to follow, ensuring that whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious novice, you can create your very own festive centerpiece. So let’s put on some jazz, roll up our sleeves, and dive into this culinary adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s simple enough for any skill level—no need to be a pastry chef!
• Perfect for parties, celebrations, or just to treat yourself on a rainy day.
• The cream cheese filling adds a rich, creamy flavor that takes it over the top.
• It looks stunning, making it an impressive centerpiece for any gathering.
• Leftovers (if any!) taste just as delicious the next day, warm or cold.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious King Cake, gather the following ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 1 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F)
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• Colored sugars (green, yellow, purple for decoration)

Tip: Make sure your milk is warm—not too hot, or it will kill the yeast! You want it just right to create that fluffy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get our hands doughy and embrace the magical process of making a King Cake!

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and eggs. Once combined, pour in that bubbly yeast mixture.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon until it starts to come together.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Remember, don’t over-knead—just until it feels nice and soft.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about an hour.
6. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is rising, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
7. Shape the Cake: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the dough, leaving a little margin at the edges.
8. Roll It Up: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal it, then shape it into a ring (like a wreath), pinching the ends together. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it’ll taste amazing either way!
9. Second Rise: Place your King Cake on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it and let it rise again for about 30 minutes. It’s not a race; let it puff up nicely!
10. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The aroma will be heavenly, trust me!
11. Glaze Time: Let the King Cake cool for a few minutes, then mix the powdered sugar and milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over your cake and sprinkle with colored sugars!

Pro Tips & Variations

Looking to add your own twist? Here are some fun ideas!

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
• Fruity Fillings: Swap in different fillings like blueberry or strawberry for a fruity kick. Just make sure the filling isn’t too watery!
• Vegan Version: You can use a plant-based milk, substitute butter with coconut oil, and replace eggs with flax eggs for a vegan-friendly option.
• Decorate Your Way: Instead of traditional colored sugars, get creative with edible glitter or even sprinkles for a fun flair!

Serving Suggestions

Once your King Cake is baked and garnished with that dazzling glaze, it’s time to celebrate! I love to serve it with a warm cup of coffee, or if it’s a special occasion, pair it with some sparkling mimosas. You can even slice it up as a dessert after a hearty gumbo or jambalaya meal. Picture a cozy gathering with friends or family, laughter filling the air as everyone enjoys a piece (and maybe searches for the hidden baby!). It’s a treat that brings everyone together!

Storage Tips

Wondering how to save your delicious King Cake for another day? Here’s the scoop:

• Refrigerating: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds if you want to warm it!
• Freezing: You can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.

FAQs

Can I make this King Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance, then assemble and bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve it.

What if I don’t have colored sugars?

No worries! You can make your own by mixing granulated sugar with food coloring or just skip it altogether and top it with the glaze—it’ll still be fabulous!

Do I have to hide a baby in the cake?

While it’s traditional to hide a plastic baby in the King Cake for fun, it’s entirely up to you! If you do, just make sure to let everyone know before they dig in!

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the milk is warm—not too hot!

Conclusion

Your Perfect New Orleans King Cake with Easy Cream Cheese Filling is not just a treat; it’s an experience filled with love and joy. I hope you feel as excited about making this cake as I do. I’d love to hear about your baking adventures and any personal touches you added! Please leave a comment below sharing your King Cake story. Happy baking, friends! Let the festivities begin!

Irresistible New Orleans King Cake Recipe: Easy Cream Cheese Fill

---

• Author: meryem
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Discover the secret to a perfect New Orleans King Cake with easy cream cheese filling. Enjoy this delightful treat for any occasion!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F)

1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)

2 large eggs

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

8 oz. cream cheese (softened)

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup powdered sugar

2–3 tablespoons milk

Colored sugars (green, yellow, purple for decoration)

---

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and the yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and eggs. Pour in the yeast mixture.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until it starts to come together.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about an hour.

While the dough is rising, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the dough.

Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Shape it into a ring and pinch the ends together.

Place the King Cake on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Let it cool for a few minutes, then mix the powdered sugar and milk to make a glaze. Drizzle it over the cake and sprinkle with colored sugars.

Notes

This Perfect New Orleans King Cake with Easy Cream Cheese Filling is a delightful pastry perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations, combining tender dough, rich cream cheese filling, and a colorful glaze.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: New Orleans

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g

Keywords: King Cake, New Orleans, Mardi Gras, dessert recipe, cream cheese filling