Delicious Strawberry Cream Cheese King Cake Recipe for Every Occasion

When it comes to delightful desserts with a touch of royalty, the King Cake reigns supreme. Traditionally enjoyed during Mardi Gras season, this sweet treat is a symbol of joy, celebration, and indulgence.

But why limit its glory to just one time of year? With a creative twist that incorporates the lusciousness of strawberries and the richness of cream cheese, this Strawberry Cream Cheese King Cake recipe is about to become your year-round obsession.

The Origin of King Cake

Before we dive into the tantalizing details of this delectable recipe, let’s briefly explore the history of King Cake. Originating from European traditions, King Cake is closely associated with the festive season of Mardi Gras, especially in New Orleans, where it has become a cherished culinary tradition.

Its round shape and vibrant colors symbolize the unity of faith, justice, and power, while the hidden trinket or bean inside represents luck and prosperity for the finder.

How To Prepare Strawberry Cream Cheese King Cake Recipe?

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet of active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 plastic baby figurine (for tradition)
• Purple, green, and gold colored sugar (for decoration)

Instructions

For the Dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, yeast, salt, and 2 cups of flour.

2. In a saucepan, warm the milk, water, and butter until the butter melts. Let it cool slightly.

3. Add the milk mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.

4. Gradually add the remaining flour and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

5. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

For the Filling:

1. In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

2. Gently fold in the diced strawberries to create a luscious cream cheese and strawberry mixture.

Assembling the King Cake:

1. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle.

2. Spread the cream cheese and strawberry mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.

3. Carefully roll up the dough from the longer side to form a log, sealing the edges.

4. Shape the log into a ring and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes.

Baking and Decorating:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake the King Cake for 25-30 minutes or until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

3. Once the cake has cooled, insert the plastic baby figurine from underneath (remember the tradition!).

4. Drizzle icing over the cake using a mix of powdered sugar and water, allowing it to flow down the sides.

5. Decorate with the colored sugars in alternating sections of purple, green, and gold.

Nutritional Analysis Of Strawberry Cream Cheese King Cake Recipe

Note: Values are approximate and can vary due to natural variations in the ingredients.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Cream Cheese King Cake is a delightful fusion of flavors, bringing together the fruity freshness of strawberries and the luxurious creaminess of cheese.

This modern twist on a classic dessert not only captures the essence of Mardi Gras but offers a taste of celebration throughout the year.

So, gather your loved ones, slice into this scrumptious creation, and savor the joyous moments that each bite brings. After all, every day is a day worth celebrating when you have a masterpiece like this at your table!