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Ultimate Creamy King Cake Recipe with Easy Cinnamon Filling Guide

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A creamy, comforting king cake with cinnamon filling and a soft, pillowy dough, perfect for celebrations or casual brunches. This recipe balances richness with a subtle tang from cream cheese and a perfectly spiced cinnamon filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • ¾ cup warm whole milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (¾ cup / 180 ml) with 1 teaspoon sugar and the active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour (3 ½ cups / 440 g), remaining sugar (⅓ cup / 67 g), and salt (½ teaspoon). Add the yeast mixture, eggs (2 large), softened butter (⅓ cup / 75 g), and vanilla extract (1 teaspoon). Start mixing until the dough begins to come together.
  3. Knead the Dough: If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook on medium speed for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. By hand, turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10-12 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky—add flour sparingly if needed.
  4. First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese (8 oz / 225 g) with brown sugar (½ cup / 110 g), cinnamon (2 teaspoons), melted butter (2 tablespoons), and vanilla extract (1 teaspoon). Mix until smooth and creamy.
  6. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough gently and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle roughly 12 x 18 inches (30 x 45 cm).
  7. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges.
  8. Shape the Cake: Starting from the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam closed to seal. Then shape the log into a circle, pinching the ends together.
  9. Second Rise: Transfer the ring-shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  10. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the king cake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  11. Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar (1 cup / 120 g), milk (2-3 tablespoons / 30-45 ml), and vanilla extract (½ teaspoon) until smooth and pourable.
  12. Glaze and Decorate: Remove the cake from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake and add colored sugar or sprinkles if desired. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

If the filling is too thick to spread, warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and stir to loosen. Avoid over-rolling the dough to prevent filling from squeezing out. Use an oven thermometer for accurate baking temperature. Dough should be soft but not sticky; add flour sparingly if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: king cake, creamy king cake, cinnamon filling, sweet bread, brunch dessert, cream cheese dessert, easy king cake recipe

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