Classic King Cake with Cinnamon and Cream Cheese Filling

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-27 · Updated 2026-04-27

A tender yeast-raised cake braided with cinnamon sugar and cream cheese, topped with vibrant Mardi Gras colored sugar. This french-inspired mardi gras ready in about 65 minutes layers all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, whole milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup, warmed to 110°F whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened unsalted butter
• 3, room temperature large eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 8 oz, softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
• 1/2 cup each of purple, green, and gold colored sanding sugar
• 1 (optional, for tradition) plastic baby figurine

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast in 1 cup warmed whole milk (110°F) with 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix with a dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes, then increase to medium speed and knead for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
5. Step 5: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
6. Step 6: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
7. Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
8. Step 8: Cut the log lengthwise into two strips and twist the two strips together, keeping the filling side up.
9. Step 9: Form the twisted dough into a ring shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
10. Step 10: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the ring for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
11. Step 11: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp milk to make a glaze. Drizzle over the warm cake.
12. Step 12: While glaze is wet, sprinkle evenly with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars.
13. Step 13: Insert the plastic baby figurine under a piece of cake when serving for Mardi Gras tradition.