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–+ servings

Ooey Gooey King Cake

A rich, buttery cake filled with cream cheese and topped with a sweet glaze, perfect for Mardi Gras or any celebration.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Feel free to reduce for less sweetness
  • 1 packet active dry yeast Key for rising; fresh yeast can be used at a 2:1 ratio
  • 1 cup whole milk Heated to 110?F; almond milk is a non-dairy alternative
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Melted; coconut oil serves as a dairy-free substitute
  • 3 large eggs Can replace with flax eggs for a vegan option
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste if you're watching sodium intake
For the Filling
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Packed; white sugar can be used in a pinch
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon Nutmeg is a lovely alternative
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Omit if you have nut allergies
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese Softened; Greek yogurt can work as a lighter substitute
For the Glaze
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Adjust based on your desired sweetness level
  • 3 tablespoons milk or cream Use plant-based milk for dairy-free options
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Almond extract makes an interesting swap
For Topping
  • colored sugar Traditional festive colors for decoration
  • plastic baby figurine Optional; signifies good luck

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350?F.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, combining flour, sugar, and yeast thoroughly.
  3. Combine wet ingredients in another bowl, whisking eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gradually, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough lightly and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
  6. Roll out the dough, fill with the cream cheese mixture, and shape into a ring.
  7. Place on a baking sheet and let it rise again before baking.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. Let cool before glazing and decorating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This cake is perfect for celebrations and can be customized with different fillings and toppings.

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