Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

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

A festive, colorful King Cake with a soft, cinnamon-swirled dough filled with smooth cream cheese and topped with vibrant Mardi Gras colored sugar. This french-inspired mardi gras ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast 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 400 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: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves 10 French cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast in 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F) with 1 tbsp granulated sugar, let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt to the yeast mixture; whisk to combine.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add 4 cups all-purpose flour, 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, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp ground cinnamon until smooth; set aside.
  6. Step 6: Once risen, roll out dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread cream cheese filling evenly over dough, leaving 1-inch border.
  7. Step 7: Roll dough tightly lengthwise into a log and shape into a ring, pinching ends to seal. Place on a greased baking sheet.
  8. Step 8: Cover and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  9. Step 9: Brush dough ring with egg wash, bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Step 10: Cool slightly, then sprinkle purple, green, and gold sanding sugars in sections over the top to create the traditional Mardi Gras colors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 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 Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake with 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 Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake with 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 Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake with 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 Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling?

French 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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