Classic New Orleans King Cake with Cinnamon and Cream Cheese Filling

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A festive braided yeast bread swirled with cinnamon sugar and a rich cream cheese filling, topped with colorful Mardi Gras sugar. This French American-inspired Mardi Gras recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, layers active dry yeast, warm whole milk, granulated sugar 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 320 calories and feeds 10, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 10 French American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast in 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F) with 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, and 2 large eggs. Add the yeast mixture and whisk to combine.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add 4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Step 4: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare filling by beating 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Punch down risen dough and roll into a 15x12-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
  7. Step 7: Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut the log lengthwise down the center, exposing the layers.
  8. Step 8: Twist the two strands together with the cut sides facing up, then shape into an oval ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, tuck a plastic baby figurine inside the ring.
  9. Step 9: Cover and let rise 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  10. Step 10: Brush the dough with egg wash and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Step 11: While warm, sprinkle generously with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar in alternating sections to mimic Mardi Gras colors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic New Orleans King Cake with Cinnamon and Cream Cheese Filling take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Classic New Orleans King Cake with Cinnamon and Cream Cheese Filling?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic New Orleans King Cake with Cinnamon and Cream Cheese Filling?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic New Orleans King Cake with Cinnamon and Cream Cheese Filling for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic New Orleans King Cake with Cinnamon and Cream Cheese Filling?

French American mardi gras like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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