King Cake Lemon Cream

The King Cake Braid with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling brings the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras to your kitchen with its golden braided dough, tangy citrus filling, and festive purple, green, and gold sugar topping. This stunning dessert combines the traditional celebration of King Cake with an elegant braided presentation that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Each slice reveals a swirl of creamy lemon filling nestled within soft, buttery bread—a perfect centerpiece for any celebration or special brunch gathering.

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This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that captures the essence of Southern celebration baking. The yeast dough rises to pillowy perfection, while the lemon cream cheese filling adds a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the sweetness. The braiding technique may look complex, but it's surprisingly approachable for home bakers willing to invest a little time and care into creating something truly special.

Ingredients

• 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)
• 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
• Egg Wash: 1 egg, 1 tbsp milk
• 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: Preheat oven

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, ensure all dairy ingredients are at the proper temperature—lukewarm for the milk and water to activate the yeast without killing it, and room temperature for the eggs to incorporate smoothly into the dough. When kneading, the dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not sticky; add flour sparingly if needed. The first rise is crucial for developing flavor and texture, so find a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen. When braiding, work gently but confidently, alternating sides evenly to create a symmetrical pattern. If the dough springs back while rolling, let it rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten before continuing.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While this recipe celebrates traditional lemon cream cheese filling, you can customize it to suit your taste. Try adding a layer of cinnamon sugar mixed with chopped pecans for a classic King Cake variation, or swap the lemon for orange zest and juice for a different citrus profile. For a richer filling, fold in mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks. You can also experiment with the glaze by using cream cheese frosting instead of the simple powdered sugar glaze, or add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract for extra depth. If you want to honor tradition fully, tuck a small plastic baby or whole almond into the braid after baking—just be sure to warn your guests!

Serviervorschläge

This King Cake Braid shines as the centerpiece of a festive brunch spread or afternoon celebration. Serve it alongside hot coffee, chicory coffee for an authentic New Orleans touch, or sparkling wine for a more elegant affair. The braid slices beautifully, revealing the spiral of lemon filling within each piece. For a complete Mardi Gras celebration, pair it with savory dishes like jambalaya or gumbo, and finish with traditional King Cake cocktails. It's also wonderful as a special breakfast treat on Fat Tuesday or any day you want to bring a little celebration into your home. Leftovers keep well covered at room temperature for up to two days, or can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to one month.

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Whether you're celebrating Mardi Gras, hosting a special brunch, or simply want to try your hand at beautiful braided bread, this King Cake Braid with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling delivers on every level. The combination of soft, sweet dough, tangy citrus filling, and festive decoration creates a dessert that's as joyful to make as it is to share. With a little patience during the rising times and care in the braiding process, you'll create a stunning centerpiece that brings the magic of New Orleans celebration into your own kitchen. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Questions & Answers

→ What makes the braid tender and soft?

The combination of eggs, butter, and milk in the dough adds richness and moisture, resulting in a tender crumb.

→ How is the lemon cream cheese filling prepared?

The filling blends softened cream cheese with sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolk for a smooth, tangy taste.

→ How do I create the braid effect?

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

→ What is the purpose of the egg wash?

Brushing the braid with an egg wash before baking gives it a shiny, golden-brown finish.

→ How do the colored sanding sugars enhance the bread?

The purple, green, and gold sanding sugars add a festive look and a subtle crunchy texture on top.

→ Can this bread be prepared ahead of time?

The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated during the rising phase to develop flavor and make timing easier.