Mardi Gras Magic Classic King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Bake My Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe Cream Cheese Bliss

By Chef BakerSeptember 27, 2025

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4.75 (4 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for something totally indulgent? This king cake recipe hits the spot. It's got that sweet, cinnamon-y flavour with a proper cream cheese filling!

Brief Overview

Originating from France and popularized in New Orleans, the New Orleans king cake is a Mardi Gras must. This homemade king cake recipe is of medium difficulty and takes around 3 hours.

It yields 12-16 servings.

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best thing is the pure joy it brings. It's the perfect centrepiece for a Mardi Gras party and a great talking point.

Plus, finding the little baby inside is always a laugh! This Mardi Gras king cake recipe is special because it is so easy to follow.

Diving into the King Cake Magic

This isn't just any old cake, you know? This king cake with cream cheese filling is a proper showstopper. Picture this: soft, sweet dough, swirled with a creamy filling and topped with colourful sprinkles.

Who could say no?

I remember trying a slice of authentic king cake recipe for the first time in New Orleans. Oh my gosh, it was amazing! I knew I had to recreate that magic at home.

This recipe is my attempt at capturing that flavour. You know?

Easy King Cake Ingredients What You'll Need

For this easy king cake recipe , you'll need simple stuff. Think flour, sugar, yeast, butter, eggs, and cream cheese.

Don't forget the cinnamon and nutmeg for that warm, comforting spice. And of course, the all-important purple, green, and gold sanding sugar! The king cake ingredients are easy to find at the supermarket.

One little tip: make sure your milk is lukewarm about 105- 115° F (40- 46° C). Too hot, and it'll kill the yeast.

Too cold, and it won't activate properly. Trust me, I've been there and made that mistake. It is a lesson that helps for others king cake baking tips .

It's all about patience when you use a best king cake recipe , you know?

A World of King Cake Variations

Mardi Gras Magic Classic King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling presentation

Fancy mixing things up? There are loads of king cake variations . Try adding lemon zest for a citrusy kick or using a pecan praline filling instead of cream cheese.

The world's your oyster! Enjoy and have fun mixing it.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!

Alright, so you're thinking about tackling a Mardi Gras king cake recipe ? Ace! Let's break down what you'll need.

I'm not gonna lie, it looks like a lot, but it’s totally manageable. Plus, the taste is well worth the effort!

Main King Cake Ingredients

Lukewarm Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml). Aim for 105- 115° F (40- 46° C). Not too hot, or you'll kill the yeast. I almost did that last year, Oh my gosh!
Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g / 1 packet). Make sure it's fresh! Old yeast won't rise properly.
Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g), plus a pinch to wake up the yeast.
Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (57g), melted and cooled.
Large Eggs: 2 , lightly beaten. Free range eggs, for that extra richness.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon . Good quality vanilla is key!
Lemon Zest: 1/2 teaspoon . This is what gives that authentic king cake recipe a good flavour.
Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon . The warm spice, honestly, it's a must.
All-Purpose Flour: 3 1/2 cups (420g), plus extra for dusting.
Salt: 1 teaspoon .
Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (113g), softened. Full fat is best for a rich filling.
Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup (57g), softened. Again, good quality!
Light Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g), packed. Adds a lovely caramel flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons .
Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon . Can't have a king cake with cream cheese filling without it.
Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon .
Powdered Sugar: 2 cups (240g). Sift it for a smoother glaze.
Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml), plus more if needed.
Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon .
Sanding Sugar: Purple, green, and gold. Get those Mardi Gras colours!
Plastic Baby: Totally optional, but so traditional!

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Cinnamon and nutmeg are the classic duo, trust me! Don't skip the lemon zest. If you're feeling fancy, a pinch of cardamom in the filling is amazing.

For a little kick, add a tiny bit of ginger, but not too much!. It is an easy king cake recipe , so you can always experiment.

Equipment Needed: The Essentials

Okay, you don't need a ton of stuff. A stand mixer makes life easier but is not essential. You can knead by hand, too. I know because I have done it.

Stand Mixer (optional)
Large Mixing Bowl
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper
Rolling Pin
Pastry Brush
Wire Rack
Small Bowl for Glaze
Whisk

Listen if you don't have parchment paper, foil works. No rolling pin? A clean wine bottle will do. It's all about working with what you've got.

We're going for a homemade king cake recipe , so there is no need to be fancy! Let's get baking!

Let's Bake Some Magic: Cooking Your Very Own Mardi Gras King Cake

Okay, so honestly , who doesn’t love a good king cake ? Especially one that brings the spirit of New Orleans right into your kitchen.

We're diving headfirst into a homemade king cake recipe that’s not only gonna impress your mates but also deliver a slice of Mardi Gras magic.

I’m talking about a Mardi Gras king cake recipe that’s easy enough for any home baker to tackle. Ready to get started?

Prep Steps: Mise en Place and Making Magic Happen

Before you even think about touching that flour, let's get organised. It's the chef's secret for a stress free bake. Get all your king cake ingredients measured out that's your "mise en place".

Soften that cream cheese, melt that butter. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way. For yeast, lukewarm milk (about 105- 115° F / 40- 46° C) is the sweet spot.

Too hot, and you’ll kill it. Too cold, and it won’t wake up. Also, remember we are hiding a plastic baby in there, don't forget to buy it!.

step-by-step to King Cake Glory

Follow these easy steps and you will have a delicious king cake with cream cheese filling in no time:

Proof it: Combine 1/2 cup (120ml) lukewarm milk , a pinch of sugar, and 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) yeast. Let it get foamy, about 5- 10 minutes .
Mix It Up: Combine all ingredients in the mixer. Get ready for some kneading.
Knead Time: Knead that dough until it's smooth and elastic for 5- 7 minutes .
Rise and Shine: Let that dough rise until it's doubled. This will take time.
Filling Frenzy: Cream together cream cheese and butter. Add the spices, mix until it is well combined.
Roll It Out: Roll that dough, spread the filling and roll it into a tight log. Don't forget the baby!
Bake: Bake that baby at 350° F ( 175° C) until golden. Around 30- 35 minutes.
Decorate: Glaze and sprinkle with those vibrant colours!

Pro Tips for a Top-Notch King Cake

Don’t rush the rise! That dough needs time to get all fluffy.
Make sure that your oven temp is accurate. A too high heat will burn the outside before the inside cooks.
Let the cake cool completely before glazing it. That is essential!

I remember the first time I made a New Orleans king cake . Oh my gosh, it was a disaster! The dough was too dry, the filling was too runny.

.. But hey, that's how we learn, right? Now, this easy king cake recipe is my go-to, and it always brings a smile to everyone's face.

So, give it a go, and let the good times roll with this best king cake recipe ! You might even find your own secret to baking the perfect authentic king cake recipe .

Have fun!

Recipe Notes for Your King Cake Masterpiece

Alright, you're ready to tackle the king cake recipe ! Here are a few extra tidbits to make sure your Mardi Gras king cake recipe turns out amazing.

I've learned a few things over the years, and I'm sharing them all with you. Baking a homemade king cake recipe can be intimidating, but trust me, it's easier than you think.

Think of this as your cheat sheet!

Serve Up Some NOLA Flair

Plating and Presentation Ideas : Seriously, presentation is everything! Dust the cake with a generous amount of the colorful sanding sugar.

Make it rain! A simple cake stand elevates the whole thing. For extra credit, add some Mardi Gras beads around the base.

Complementary Sides or Beverages : You know what goes great with New Orleans king cake ? Coffee! Specifically, a strong, hot cup of chicory coffee.

Also, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side never hurt anyone. Honestly, I sometimes eat it for breakfast.

Don't judge me.

Storing Your King Cake (If There's Any Left!)

Refrigeration Guidelines : If you manage to not devour the entire king cake with cream cheese filling in one sitting, store it in an airtight container.

Pop it in the fridge. It'll last for about 3 days.

Freezing Options (if applicable) : Freezing? Hmm, I've never tried it myself. I doubt the glaze will hold up well.

Reheating Instructions : If you want to warm up a slice, a few seconds in the microwave does the trick. Don’t overdo it! You don't want it rubbery.

King Cake Remix: Variations on a Theme

1-2 Dietary Adaptations : Want a healthier king cake variations ? I get it!

dairy-free: Use almond milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version. It will not drastically change the taste.
gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It might be a little denser but still tasty.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : This is where you can get creative!

Nutrition Basics of Your Authentic king cake recipe

Simplified Nutrition Information : Okay, let's be real, this isn't health food. But life is too short for boring desserts! A slice is roughly 350-400 calories.

Key Health Benefits : The main benefit? Pure happiness!

So there you have it. All my king cake baking tips rolled into one handy guide. Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

I promise, this easy king cake recipe will bring a taste of New Orleans right into your kitchen. With all these tips and tricks, this might just be the best king cake recipe you've ever made! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Delicious King Cake Recipe Cream CheeseFilled Mardi Gras Treat

Frequently Asked Questions

My king cake dough didn't rise. What went wrong?

Oh crumbs! A common baking blunder. Firstly, check your yeast's expiration date old yeast is a common culprit. Also, ensure your milk was lukewarm, not hot, as too much heat can kill the yeast.

Lastly, a cold kitchen can hinder the rising process, so find a warm spot, like near a radiator (but not too close!), for your dough to work its magic.

Can I make the king cake recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the day before. After the first rise, punch it down, wrap it well, and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature a bit before rolling it out the next day.

The baked king cake is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored at room temperature for a day or two in an airtight container.

What's the deal with the plastic baby in the king cake recipe?

Finding the baby is all part of the fun! It's a Mardi Gras tradition. Whoever finds the baby in their slice is said to have good luck, but is also traditionally responsible for bringing the next King Cake or hosting the next party.

Make sure the baby is thoroughly embedded in the dough before baking and warn your guests to watch out for it before they tuck in!

Can I freeze my baked king cake?

Freezing is indeed an option. Make sure your King Cake is completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, before placing it in the freezer. For best results, use it within 2-3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before glazing and decorating.

Is there a way to make this King Cake recipe healthier?

While King Cake is definitely a treat, you can make some swaps to lighten it up. Consider using whole wheat flour (although this will affect the texture), reducing the sugar in the filling, and using a lighter cream cheese. You could also skip the glaze and just dust with powdered sugar for a less sweet finish.

But remember, it's Mardi Gras enjoy responsibly!

Help! My glaze is too runny (or too thick). How can I fix it?

A runaway glaze, disaster! For glaze that is too runny, add powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired thickness. Alternatively, if your glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk (or other liquid ingredient) at a time until the consistency loosens up.

It's a bit like Goldilocks you're aiming for just right!