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Fluffy King Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling

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A soft and light king cake featuring a creamy cinnamon cream cheese filling, perfect for celebrations or cozy weekend baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C) (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: colored sugar or edible gold and purple sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk (110°F/43°C) with active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Combine with dough hook or sturdy spoon until shaggy dough forms (3-4 minutes).
  3. Knead the dough: Knead with dough hook on medium speed for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic, or knead by hand on floured surface for 10-12 minutes, adding flour sparingly if sticky.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or damp towel and let rise in warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
  5. Prepare filling: Beat softened cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  6. Shape dough: Punch down risen dough and roll out on floured surface into 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving 1-inch border.
  7. Form cake: Roll dough tightly from long side into log. Pinch seams to seal. Bring ends together to form ring and pinch edges to seal.
  8. Second rise: Place ring on parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake king cake 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly.
  10. Make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm cake and sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles if desired.

Notes

If dough feels resistant when rolling, let it rest for a few minutes to avoid tearing. Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth filling. Don’t skip the second rise for a light, airy crumb. Yeast activation is crucial; ensure it foams before mixing dough. Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature up to 2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: king cake, cinnamon cream cheese filling, Mardi Gras, fluffy cake, homemade dessert, celebration cake

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/fluffy-king-cake-with-cinnamon-cream-cheese-filling-easy-homemade-recipe/