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Authentic New Orleans Style King Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl

Close-up of a slice of king cake showing the cinnamon swirl interior, topped with white icing and purple, green, and gold sprinkles.
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Bake this soft, brioche-style King Cake, perfect for Mardi Gras. This recipe features a rich cinnamon swirl filling and a cream cheese option, finished with traditional purple, green, and gold decoration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, for brushing
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, for swirl
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, for swirl
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for swirl
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, for swirl
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (optional filling)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional filling)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (optional filling)

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, softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the filling: If using the cream cheese filling, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Set aside. For the cinnamon swirl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup flour in a small bowl.
  5. Shape the cake: Punch down the risen dough. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Brush the entire surface with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. If using cream cheese, spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge.
  6. Roll and form the ring: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed. Gently curve the log into a circle, overlapping the ends by about an inch. Pinch the ends together firmly to seal the ring.
  7. Second rise: Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let it rise again in a warm spot for 45 to 60 minutes, or until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the rise.
  8. Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Decorate: Prepare a simple glaze using powdered sugar and a little milk or water until you reach a thick, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars or sprinkles to achieve the traditional Mardi Gras colors.

Notes

  • For the best brioche texture, make sure your milk and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
  • If you are short on time, you can use the dough setting on a stand mixer for kneading, which cuts down on manual effort.
  • Hide a small plastic baby inside the cake before baking for good luck, a classic Carnival tradition.

Nutrition

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