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Cream Cheese King Cake

A comforting and indulgent cake with a soft, braided dough and a luxurious cream cheese center, perfect for celebrations and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough ingredients
  • 1 cup warm whole milk About 110 F; can swap with almond milk.
  • 1 package active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly Light butter or coconut oil can be used for different richness.
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Can swap up to half with whole wheat for a hearty flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling ingredients
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Use full-fat for the creamiest result.
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest Optional for brightness.
Cinnamon sugar swirl ingredients
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Glaze ingredients
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1 set Food coloring in purple, green, and gold Natural dyes like grape juice and spinach can be used.
  • to sprinkle Colored sanding sugar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, whisk warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
  3. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a warm towel, and let rise until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  5. While the dough rises, make the cream cheese filling by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until silky. Refrigerate.
Assembling
  1. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each into a rectangle about 12 by 8 inches.
  2. Spread cream cheese mixture down the center of one rectangle, leaving a border. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture, then roll into a tight log. Repeat with the second rectangle.
  3. Braid the two logs together and form into a ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pinching the ends to seal. Cover and let rise for 30 to 45 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Brush the cake with an egg wash (one beaten egg with a tablespoon of water) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until deep golden.
  2. Cool completely, then whisk powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze. Tint with food coloring and drizzle over the cooled cake.

Notes

For variations, consider using applesauce instead of butter, adding nuts or chocolate, or making a savory version. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.