King Cake Lemon Cream Cheese

There's something magical about a King Cake Braid with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling—the golden, braided dough glistening with glaze, crowned with the traditional purple, green, and gold sugar that instantly transports you to the heart of Mardi Gras. This festive sweet bread combines the rich, buttery texture of classic King Cake with a tangy, bright lemon cream cheese filling that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Whether you're celebrating Carnival season or simply want to bring a touch of celebration to your table, this braided beauty is as impressive to look at as it is delicious to eat.

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The beauty of this King Cake Braid lies not just in its appearance, but in the way each element works together. The soft, pillowy dough is enriched with butter, milk, and eggs, creating a tender crumb that stays moist for days. The lemon cream cheese filling adds a luxurious tang and creamy texture that prevents the bread from being overly sweet. And those colorful sugar stripes? They're not just for show—they represent justice, faith, and power in traditional Mardi Gras symbolism. While this recipe does require some patience for the rising times, the active preparation is straightforward, making it perfect for intermediate bakers ready to try something special.

Ingredients

• For the Dough: 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet, 7 g) active dry yeast, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk (lukewarm), 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water, 2 large eggs (room temperature), 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter (melted)
• For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened), 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 egg yolk
• For the Egg Wash: 1 egg, 1 tbsp milk
• For the Glaze & Decoration: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp lemon juice or milk, purple, green, and gold (yellow) colored sanding sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm water, milk, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough Base

Add sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt. Mix well.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1½ hours or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

Meanwhile, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolk; blend until creamy. Set aside.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

When dough has risen, punch down and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 10x18-inch (25x45 cm) rectangle.

Step 7: Add the Filling

Spread the lemon cream cheese filling lengthwise down the center third of the dough.

Step 8: Cut the Strips

Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal strips (about 1 inch/2.5 cm wide) along both sides of the filling, leaving the ends intact.

Step 9: Create the Braid

Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a braid. Tuck the ends under to seal.

Step 10: Second Rise

Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.

Step 11: Prepare to Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 12: Bake

Brush the braid with egg wash. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Cool on a wire rack.

Step 13: Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice or milk to form a thick glaze. Drizzle over cooled braid.

Step 14: Decorate

Immediately sprinkle with colored sanding sugars in alternating stripes.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, make sure all dairy ingredients are at the right temperature—lukewarm milk and water activate the yeast properly, while room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the dough. When kneading, the dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky; add a tablespoon of flour at a time if needed. During the rising times, place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot such as an oven with just the light on. When creating the braid, don't worry about perfection—the rustic, handmade look adds to the charm. If the filling starts to seep out during braiding, simply use less next time or ensure your strips are tightly folded over the center.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While this lemon cream cheese version is wonderfully bright and tangy, you can customize the filling to suit your taste. For extra lemon flavor, add more zest to the filling as suggested in the notes. You can also incorporate a cinnamon-sugar filling for a more traditional King Cake flavor, or add chopped pecans for crunch. If you want to honor the King Cake tradition, hide a small plastic baby or almond inside after baking—whoever finds it in their slice is said to have good luck and must host next year's party. The colored sugars can be found in most baking aisles, but if unavailable, a simple powdered sugar glaze is equally delicious.

Serviervorschläge

This King Cake Braid is perfect for brunches, celebrations, or as a show-stopping dessert. Serve it slightly warm or at room temperature, sliced into thick pieces that showcase the beautiful spiral of filling inside. It pairs wonderfully with hot coffee for breakfast, or sparkling wine for a festive afternoon treat. The braid stays fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, though it rarely lasts that long. For a complete Mardi Gras spread, serve alongside chicory coffee, beignets, or fresh fruit to balance the richness of the bread.

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This King Cake Braid with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling brings the spirit of Mardi Gras into your kitchen with every golden, sugar-topped slice. The combination of tender yeasted dough, creamy tangy filling, and festive decoration makes it a recipe worth the time and effort. Whether you're honoring tradition or simply creating a memorable dessert, this braid delivers both beauty and flavor in equal measure. So gather your ingredients, let the dough rise, and get ready to impress everyone at your table with this stunning celebration bread.

Recipe FAQs

→ What ingredients soften the dough for this bread?

Whole milk, warm water, and melted butter combine with yeast to create a soft, elastic dough ideal for braiding.

→ How is the lemon cream cheese filling prepared?

Cream cheese is beaten smooth, then mixed with sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolk until creamy and tangy.

→ What is the purpose of the egg wash before baking?

Brushing the braid with egg wash gives the bread a shiny, golden-brown crust after baking.

→ How do you create the braid pattern on the bread?

Diagonal strips are cut on both sides of the filling, then folded alternately over the center to form a braided appearance.

→ What can be used to add festive color to the finished bread?

Colored sanding sugars in purple, green, and gold are sprinkled over the lemon glaze to add vibrant decoration.

→ Can this bread be made ahead of time?

The dough can be prepared and allowed to rise in stages, but best served fresh after baking for optimal texture and flavor.