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

This King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a delicious twist on a classic Mardi Gras treat. It combines a soft, tender dough with a rich, creamy filling and is topped with a sweet icing that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras, a special occasion, or simply craving something delicious, this king cake will make your day extra special.

Quick Benefits

Customizable Flavors: The rich cream cheese filling adds a decadent touch to this traditional cake, which is perfect for those who love a creamy, flavorful dessert.
Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s Mardi Gras or a festive gathering, this cake is a great choice to share with family and friends.
Make-Ahead Option: You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for later, making the final steps of preparation quicker.
Indulgent and Satisfying: This King Cake provides a great balance of sweetness and spice, with a rich filling and a delightful texture.

Essential Ingredients

For the Sweet Dough:

All-Purpose Flour (4 cups): The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
White Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dough for the perfect balance with the filling.
Rapid Rise Yeast (1 package, 0.25 ounce): Helps the dough rise quickly for a fluffy texture.
Salt (1 ¼ teaspoons): Enhances the flavor of the dough.
Eggs (3 large): Provide richness and structure to the dough.
Butter (6 tablespoons): Adds a rich, tender texture to the dough.
Bulgarian-Style Buttermilk (¾ cup): Adds a tangy flavor to the dough.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

Cream Cheese (8 ounces): The creamy base of the filling, providing smooth texture and richness.
Confectioners’ Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling for a perfect balance with the cake.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons, optional): Helps thicken the filling for the perfect consistency.
Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of tang to balance the richness of the cream cheese.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the filling.
Ground Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds a hint of spice to the filling.

For the Egg Wash:

Egg (1): Used to brush the dough for a golden, shiny finish.
Water (¼ cup): Mixed with the egg to create the egg wash.

For the Icing:

Confectioners’ Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the icing.
Corn Syrup (4 teaspoons): Adds thickness and a glossy finish to the icing.
Milk (4 teaspoons): Thin the icing to the perfect consistency.
Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon, or as needed): Helps adjust the consistency of the icing.

Preparation Steps

Make the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the buttermilk, heating until it reaches 120°F (49°C). Slowly pour the buttermilk mixture into the beaten eggs while whisking constantly. Let cool to 110°F (43°C).
- Add the egg mixture into the flour mixture and beat on medium-low speed until a firm, elastic dough forms, about 10 minutes. If the dough sticks to the sides, add more flour, up to ¼ cup.
- Turn the dough out onto a surface and knead for 1 minute. Place it in a buttered bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, flour (optional), lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg. Mix until smooth and set aside.
Shape and Fill the Dough:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter the outside edge of an 8-inch cake pan.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 10×28-inch rectangle on parchment paper. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly, leaving a 1-inch border on each edge.
- Starting from one long edge, lift the parchment paper and roll the dough into a log. Pinch the ends to seal in the filling.
- Place the dough log around the outer edge of the cake pan and pinch the ends together to form a ring.
Bake the King Cake:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water for the egg wash. Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown. Let the cake cool for about 30 minutes.
Make the Icing:
- In a bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, and milk. Stir in the lemon juice, adding more if necessary, to achieve a thick but slightly runny icing.
Decorate and Serve:
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled king cake. For an extra festive touch, you can top with colored sugar (purple, green, and gold) and even hide a tiny trinket (such as a king cake baby) inside the cake for fun!

Health Benefits

Calcium: The cream cheese and milk in the cake contribute to a good source of calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth.
Protein: Eggs provide a source of protein, which is essential for tissue repair and muscle growth.
Rich in Flavor: This indulgent cake is great for a special occasion and brings joy without being overly sweet.

Serving Suggestions

For Mardi Gras Celebrations: This king cake is perfect for Mardi Gras parties and celebrations, making it a centerpiece for your gathering.
With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet, satisfying breakfast or afternoon snack.
Serve with Fruit: Pair it with fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges to balance the richness of the cake.

Creative Variations

Filling Alternatives: Try adding a fruit filling like raspberry or strawberry for a different flavor profile.
Add Spices: Experiment with additional spices such as cinnamon or cardamom for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Vegan Version: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free option, and use plant-based milk and butter for a vegan version.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze slices of the king cake for up to a month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Best Fresh: This cake is best enjoyed the same day it’s baked, but it will still be delicious the next day.

Pro Tips

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth incorporation.
Proper Rising: Be sure to let the dough rise until it has doubled in size for a soft, fluffy texture in the cake.
Decorating: If you’re using colored sugars, apply them right after icing the cake so they stick well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough and filling ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. Just allow the dough to rise before baking.

Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! You can use a variety of fillings, such as cream cheese and fruit, chocolate, or even nuts and spices for different flavor combinations.

Can I make this cake without a cake pan?
While the cake pan helps shape the king cake, you can free-form the dough into a ring shape and bake it on a baking sheet. Just be sure to pinch the dough ends together to form a secure ring.

King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a rich, flavorful, and festive dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Whether you’re honoring Mardi Gras traditions or simply craving a delicious cake, this recipe will delight your taste buds with its buttery dough and creamy filling. Enjoy!