Oven-Baked Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
This is an AI-generated recipe that combines common cooking techniques and ingredients. It follows traditional culinary principles but has not been kitchen-tested. Please adjust cooking times and seasonings based on your experience and preferences.
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Total Time
2 hours 30 minutes
Cuisine
Cajun
Category
Dessert
Description
This Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a festive delight, featuring a soft, buttery dough filled with a rich and creamy cheese center. The cake is beautifully adorned with vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar sprinkles, symbolizing justice, faith, and power. The combination of sweet and tangy cream cheese with the tender cake creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both indulgent and satisfying.
Originating from the vibrant celebrations of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the King Cake is a beloved tradition that brings joy and festivity to any gathering. This version of the King Cake incorporates a luscious cream cheese filling, adding a modern twist to the classic recipe. Serve this cake at your Mardi Gras party, and watch as guests delight in finding the hidden trinket inside. The choice of colored sugars not only adds visual appeal but also pays homage to the traditional colors of the festival.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 5 large egg yolks
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Colored sugars (purple, green, gold)
Instructions
Preparation
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy.
Add melted butter and egg yolks to the yeast mixture. Stir in flour, salt, and cinnamon until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
Assembly
For the filling, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the cream cheese filling, and roll up tightly.
Shape into a ring, place on a baking sheet, and let rise again.
Baking
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and decorate with colored sugars.
Chef's Tips
- Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts when slicing the dough.
Nutrition Information
Serving_size
1 slice
Calories
350
Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
50g
Fat
15g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
25g
Sodium
250mg
Saturated_fat
8g
Cholesterol
50mg
*Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Variations
Chocolate King Cake
Add cocoa powder to the dough and chocolate chips to the filling for a rich chocolate twist.
Fruit-Filled King Cake
Incorporate a fruit jam or preserve into the cream cheese filling for a fruity surprise.
Nutty King Cake
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
Shelf
Not recommended for shelf storage due to cream cheese filling.