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Authentic New Orleans Style King Cake with Cinnamon Swirl

Close-up of a delicious king cake with a cinnamon swirl filling, cut open to show the texture, topped with white icing and Mardi Gras sprinkles.
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Make a traditional New Orleans King Cake for Mardi Gras featuring a sweet yeast dough, a rich cinnamon swirl, and an optional cream cheese filling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup warm milk (105-115 degrees F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for filling)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for filling)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional filling)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional filling)
  • 1/4 cup milk (optional filling)
  • For Icing: 2 cups powdered sugar
  • For Icing: 3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
  • For Decorations: Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars or sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the remaining granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, salt, and 3 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the filling: While the dough rises, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth for the cinnamon swirl. If using cream cheese filling, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1/4 cup milk until smooth.
  5. Shape the cake: Punch down the risen dough. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches.
  6. Spread filling: Spread the cinnamon mixture evenly over the dough. If using cream cheese filling, spread it over the cinnamon layer.
  7. Roll and form: Roll the dough tightly lengthwise into a log. Pinch the seam closed. Form the log into a circle by bringing the ends together and pinching them securely. Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Second rise: Cover the cake loosely and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  9. Bake: Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. Decorate: Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk/lemon juice to create a thick icing. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake. Immediately sprinkle generously with purple, green, and gold sugars before the icing sets.

Notes

  • For an authentic brioche texture, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
  • If you prefer a simpler decoration, skip the icing and simply dust the warm cake with powdered sugar.
  • You can hide a small plastic baby inside the cake before the final shaping, as is tradition for Mardi Gras.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/king-cake-authentic-new-orleans-recipe/