Save to Pinterest Celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras with a festive King Cake Cinnamon Babka Loaf. This recipe is a stunning fusion of Eastern European traditions and iconic New Orleans flavors, layering rich, yeasted dough with sweet cinnamon and creamy cream cheese. Decorated in vibrant purple, green, and gold, it is a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for any celebration.
Save to Pinterest The process of braiding this loaf is just as rewarding as eating it. As you twist the strands together, you expose the intricate swirls of cinnamon and cream cheese, ensuring every bite is packed with aromatic flavor. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this loaf offers a satisfying project that yields professional results.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 1/4 cups (410 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) instant yeast, 1/2 tsp salt, 2/3 cup (160 ml) lukewarm whole milk, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/3 cup (75 g) softened unsalted butter.
- Cinnamon Filling: 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup (60 g) softened unsalted butter.
- Cream Cheese Filling: 4 oz (115 g) softened cream cheese, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Glaze & Decoration: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp milk, purple, green, and gold sanding sugars, and an optional plastic King Cake baby or almond.
Instructions
- Dough Preparation
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk the lukewarm milk, eggs, and vanilla, then add to the dry ingredients. Beat in softened butter for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1–1.5 hours.
- Preparing Fillings
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter for the cinnamon filling. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Rolling and Filling
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly, then layer the cinnamon filling on top.
- Shaping and Second Rise
- Roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log lengthwise in half, twist the two strands together with the cut sides facing up, and place into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes until puffy.
- Baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35–40 minutes. If the loaf browns too quickly, tent it with foil. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a rack.
- Finishing Touches
- Whisk powdered sugar and milk to create a thick glaze. Drizzle over the cooled loaf, sprinkle with colorful sugars, and insert the King Cake baby or almond if using.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use a stand mixer to achieve the necessary elasticity in the dough. Ensure your milk is lukewarm rather than hot to keep the yeast active, and remember to use a rolling pin to reach the recommended 16x12-inch dimensions for perfect layering.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Add a bright note by mixing orange zest into the dough. If you prefer a richer, tangier flavor profile, you can substitute the cream cheese in the filling with mascarpone cheese.
Serviervorschläge
This sweet bread is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee for breakfast or served with a sweet dessert wine for an evening treat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Save to Pinterest This King Cake Cinnamon Babka Loaf yields 8–10 slices, each containing approximately 340 calories. Please be aware that this recipe contains wheat, eggs, and dairy, and may contain tree nuts if an almond is used for tradition. Enjoy this festive bake with friends and family!
