Buttermilk king cake with cream cheese filling –There’s something truly special about celebrating traditions, and one of my favorite treats during Mardi Gras is the King Cake. This delightful dessert is not only visually stunning but also offers a blend of flavors that make every bite a joy. Let’s dive into how to make this King Cake with cream cheese and pecan filling.
King Cake with Cream Cheese and Pecan Filling
This vibrant cake is a showstopper at any gathering. With its colorful icing and sweet filling, it is bound to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (purple, green, yellow)
- For Garnish:
- Plastic baby (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, butter, and salt. Add in the yeast mixture once it’s frothy.
- Gradually incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other to form a log. Shape the log into a circle, pinching the ends to seal.
- Place the cake on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.
- To prepare the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Divide into three bowls and color with food coloring.
- Drizzle the colored icing over the cooled cake in a festive pattern. Finally, if desired, hide a plastic baby inside the cake for good luck!
And there you have it! A beautiful and flavorful King Cake that captures the spirit of the season. Enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends and let the festivities begin!