Mardi Gras King Cake with Cinnamon or Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a little Mardi Gras magic into your kitchen, you’re going to adore this Mardi Gras King Cake with Cinnamon or Cream Cheese Filling Recipe. It’s the perfect way to celebrate with that iconic colorful swirl and a deliciously soft, fluffy dough that’s filled with either a warm cinnamon sugar blend or a rich, dreamy cream cheese filling. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a Mardi Gras tradition that can brighten any day beyond Fat Tuesday!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! This king cake relies on basic pantry staples, and I’ve included some tips so you can shop smart and get the best results.

• Milk: Whole milk works best here for richness in the dough.
• Salted Butter: Using salted butter balances sweetness and adds depth.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.
• Warm Water: Helps activate the yeast properly.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast.
• Active Dry Yeast: The yeast makes the dough light and fluffy—make sure it’s fresh and proofed properly.
• Eggs: Adds richness and structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aroma and flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the dough—spoon and level for accuracy.
• Brown Sugar & Ground Cinnamon (for Cinnamon Filling): Gives that classic spicy sweetness everyone loves.
• Flour (for Filling): Helps thicken the cinnamon filling so it doesn’t ooze too much.
• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar & Butter (for Cream Cheese Filling): This luxurious mix makes an incredibly creamy and sweet filling.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Lemon Juice (for Frosting): Creates that glossy, tangy glaze that’s essential for the perfect king cake finish.
• Colored Sugar (Purple, Green, Gold): Iconic Mardi Gras colors for the topping—grab at craft stores or DIY with food coloring.

Variations

I love how versatile this Mardi Gras King Cake with Cinnamon or Cream Cheese Filling Recipe is—you can really make it your own! Whether you want to stick with tradition or mix things up, the possibilities are endless.

• Cinnamon Filling Only: When I’m short on time, I make just the cinnamon filling—it’s quick and everyone still raves about it.
• Cream Cheese & Fruit Combo: One of my favorite twists is mixing cream cheese filling with a bit of strawberry or cherry pie filling swirled in for an extra burst of flavor.
• Non-Dairy Adjustment: You can swap the milk and butter for plant-based versions to make this recipe vegan-friendly, just be sure to check how your yeast reacts.
• No Braid Version: If braiding feels intimidating, just roll the dough into a thick log and shape it into an oval—it’s easier but just as delicious!

How to Make Mardi Gras King Cake with Cinnamon or Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough Base

Start by warming the milk and butter until they’re just melted and heated through—about 60-90 seconds in the microwave. You want it warm, not hot, so aim for around 120° to 130°F. This keeps the yeast happy later. Stir in the salt, then set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Activating the Yeast

In a separate bowl, combine the warm water with a bit of sugar and the yeast. Stir it and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy on top—that’s the yeast waking up and ready for action. This is a fun step to watch—it feels like tiny bubbles are coming to life!

Step 3: Mixing and Kneading Dough

Once the yeast is foamy, mix it with the warm milk and butter mixture, remaining sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and one cup of flour. Stir everything together, then add flour gradually while kneading—use a dough hook in your mixer or your hands if you prefer the old-school way. You’re looking for a dough that’s soft but not sticky, just coming away from the sides of your bowl. Plan for about 5 minutes in a mixer or 8-10 by hand.

Step 4: First Rise

Turn your dough out onto a floured surface, knead lightly, and shape it into a nice smooth ball. Clean your mixing bowl, lightly oil it, and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size. Watching that dough puff up always brings a little joy to my day!

Step 5: Preparing the Fillings

While the dough is rising, blend your choice of fillings. For the cinnamon filling, stir together brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until it’s nice and crumbly. For the cream cheese filling, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Both are delightful—but between us, I’m partial to that creamy tangy filling on occasion.

Step 6: Shaping the King Cake

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and divide it in half (this recipe actually makes two king cakes!). Roll one half into a rectangle—about 10×16 inches—on a floured surface. Use a pizza cutter to slice it lengthwise into two long strips. Now, spread or crumble your chosen filling evenly over those strips.

Roll each strip into a long cylinder—just like cinnamon rolls. When you have two “logs,” twist them together into a rope braid. Then shape this braid into an oval, pinching the ends to seal. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the other dough half and filling.

Step 7: Second Rise and Baking

Cover your shaped king cakes lightly with plastic wrap and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy. As they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and an instant-read thermometer reads 190° to 195°F in the center. This is the best way to avoid undercooked dough, which I learned the hard way one rainy Mardi Gras morning!

Step 8: Glazing and Decorating

Once the king cakes are cooled completely, it’s time for the glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth but still pourable. Don’t rush—you want a thick, shiny glaze that will stick beautifully.

Stick a plastic baby figurine deep into each cake (a classic Mardi Gras tradition!) before pouring the glaze over the top. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle purple, green, and gold colored sugar over generously. Remember: whoever gets the baby in their slice gets to be king or queen for the day—something my family always gets excited about!

How to Serve Mardi Gras King Cake with Cinnamon or Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Garnishes

Besides the colorful sugar, you can jazz up your presentation with edible gold leaf for a luxe Mardi Gras vibe or even a light dusting of powdered sugar if you want a more understated look. I usually stick to the classic tri-color sugar—it’s vibrant and carries the spirit perfectly.

Side Dishes

This king cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of black coffee or some spicy New Orleans-style café au lait. For brunch, I like serving it alongside fresh fruit or a light egg dish to balance all that sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, try serving smaller king cake “wreaths” as individual servings. I’ve also wrapped slices in colorful cellophane with a Mardi Gras bead necklace to give as fun gifts to friends and neighbors. It’s always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover king cake at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap—this keeps it soft for 2-3 days. Sometimes I refrigerate for longer freshness, but I let it come to room temp before slicing to keep the softness intact.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to prep ahead! Wrap the whole cake tightly in plastic, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. It freezes well up to 2-3 months. Thaw on the counter for a few hours before you want to serve—it tastes fresh, and the texture stays lovely!

Reheating

If you want to revive that freshly baked warmth, pop slices in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes wrapped lightly with foil to prevent drying. For a quick fix, microwaving 15-20 seconds works too, though the oven method preserves the crumb better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Mardi Gras King Cake with Cinnamon or Cream Cheese Filling Recipe has become a real celebration staple in my home. It’s more than just a cake—it’s a joyful experience of tradition, fun, and incredible flavors wrapped into one stunning treat. I hope when you try it, you’ll feel that same Mardi Gras spirit sparkle in your kitchen, and maybe start a new family tradition of your own!

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