Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
This Mardi Gras King Cake is a festive New Orleans dessert with a creamy filling and praline glaze. Made with a soft yeast dough, filled with sweet cream cheese, and topped with a buttery pecan glaze, it’s perfect for celebrating with friends and family. Enjoy the rich and delicious flavors!
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Calories: 480kcal
Servings: 0
Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Rolling Pin
- Greased Bowl
- Damp cloth
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Saucepan
Ingredients
For the King Cake:
- 1 package 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Praline Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit until foamy (5 minutes).
- Combine warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, nutmeg, 2 cups flour, yeast mixture, and eggs. Gradually add remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (1-1.5 hours).
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
- Roll out dough into a rectangle, spread with cream cheese filling, and roll tightly from the long edge. Shape into a ring on a greased baking sheet.
- Allow cake to rise for an additional 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare praline glaze by melting butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, adding milk, boiling, then whisking in powdered sugar, vanilla, and pecans. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 270mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 38g