Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of New Orleans with this irresistible Cinnamon Cream Cheese King Cake! More than just a dessert, this recipe is a culinary celebration that brings the spirit of Mardi Gras right into your kitchen. Imagine biting into a golden, flaky pastry filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture, adorned with festive colored sugar that sparkles like the beads of a parade. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious food lover, this King Cake will make you the star of any gathering, promising a delightful blend of tradition, flavor, and pure indulgence.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Colored sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and arrange the two sheets side by side, slightly overlapping, to create one large rectangular surface. Press the seams together to seal.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the center of the dough, leaving about 2 inches of space on each side.
- Carefully fold the long sides of the dough over the filling, creating a circular shape and pinching the edges to seal completely.
- Gently transfer the cake to the prepared baking sheet, forming a ring or oval shape.
- Whisk the egg and brush the entire surface of the cake with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Sprinkle colored sugar in traditional Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold) over the top of the cake.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional: Hide a small plastic baby figurine inside the cake after cooling, following traditional King Cake custom.
- Slice and serve at room temperature, enjoying the sweet cinnamon cream cheese filling.
Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Press crescent roll seams carefully to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Use a light hand when brushing egg wash to get a beautiful golden sheen without making the dough soggy.
- For authentic Mardi Gras flair, use purple, green, and gold colored sugars.
- If you can't find a traditional plastic baby figurine, a whole almond works as a fun alternative.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to maintain its structural integrity.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For extra moisture, you can drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cake.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
