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Authentic New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl and Cream Cheese Filling

A close-up slice of homemade king cake featuring a cinnamon swirl, white icing, and purple, green, and gold Mardi Gras sprinkles.
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Make a traditional New Orleans King Cake for Mardi Gras featuring a sweet yeast dough, a cinnamon swirl, and an optional cream cheese filling. This recipe includes instructions for the signature icing and colored sugars.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the swirl)
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar (for the swirl)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for the swirl)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for optional filling)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for optional filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for optional filling)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
  • 2 tablespoons milk or water (for icing)
  • Purple, green, and gold decorating sugars

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
  3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. 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: If using cream cheese filling, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
  6. For the cinnamon swirl, mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 4 tablespoons softened butter until crumbly.
  7. Punch down the risen dough. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
  8. Spread the softened butter mixture (or cream cheese filling) evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the filling if you did not use cream cheese.
  9. Roll the dough tightly lengthwise, starting from the long edge opposite the border. Pinch the seam closed.
  10. Carefully bring the two ends of the log together to form an oval or ring shape. Pinch the ends firmly to seal.
  11. Place the shaped cake on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes.
  12. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
  13. Make the icing: Whisk together the 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust liquid for desired consistency.
  14. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake. Immediately decorate with the purple, green, and gold sugars for your Mardi Gras King Cake.

Notes

  • For an authentic brioche texture, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
  • If you prefer a simpler version, skip the swirl and filling and just glaze the cake.
  • The traditional colors represent Justice (purple), Faith (green), and Power (gold).

Nutrition

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