Mardi Gras King Cake

Mardi Gras King Cake

from houseofnasheats.com
55 min

Enjoy this delicious homemade Mardi Gras King Cake this year and let the good times roll! Made with a sweet brioche dough and a cinnamon or cream cheese filling, this is the best king cake recipe and 1,000x better than anything you'll find in a grocery store or bakery! Heads up that this recipe makes TWO regular sized king cakes so you can enjoy one now and freeze one for later or share with friends.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup salted butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup warm water
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 2 large eggs (beaten)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 5 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled (705g to 776g))
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ((68g))
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons salted butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons milk
  • 1 Tablespoon salted butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat milk and butter for 60-90 seconds in a microwave safe bowl. Add the salt, then set aside to cool until just warm (about 120° to 130°F).

  2. 2

    For the cinnamon filling, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon and butter, mixing to combine. Set aside. Only use half of the amounts if you are only filling one king cake with this filling.

  3. 3

    Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

  4. 4

    Beat the powdered sugar, milk, butter, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth. The frosting should be pourable but thick.