Print

King Cake Recipe That Delivers Soft, Bakery-Style Results

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A homemade king cake recipe made with soft enriched dough, sweet cinnamon or cream cheese filling, and a smooth vanilla glaze, baked into a beautiful ring-shaped bread.

  • Author: Catherine
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 4 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 6 to 6 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for filling)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup or honey
  • Warm milk or water as needed

Instructions

  1. Combine warm milk, yeast, 2 cups flour, and 1 tablespoon sugar to form a sponge. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Cream butter and remaining sugar, then add eggs and mix until combined.
  3. Add sponge to the mixture and blend until smooth.
  4. Gradually add remaining flour, salt, and cardamom, kneading until dough is soft and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
  6. Prepare cinnamon filling and cream cheese filling while dough rises.
  7. Divide dough, roll into rectangles, spread fillings, and roll into logs.
  8. Twist logs together and form into a ring shape.
  9. Allow shaped dough to rest briefly, then bake at 350°F until golden and cooked through.
  10. Cool completely, glaze evenly, decorate as desired, slice, and serve.

Notes

  • Dough can be chilled overnight to improve handling.
  • Use one filling or combine both for layered flavor.
  • Glaze consistency can be adjusted with warm liquid.
  • Freeze unglazed cake for longer storage.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/king-cake-recipe/