Easy King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

Bite into a slice of king cake and you’ll find soft, buttery pastry with layers of sweet cinnamon swirls, smooth cream cheese, chewy nuts and tart fruit fillings, all topped with icing and sugar crystals in purple, green and gold — the colors of Mardi Gras.

King cake is a must-have at any Mardi Gras celebration. You can find this decadent treat in bakeries and restaurants across Louisiana from early January until Mardi Gras Day. While there are many places to get a delicious king cake in Louisiana, you can also bake your own Mardi Gras classic.

Try this recipe from cookbook author Holly Clegg, known for her healthy, quick and tasty meals. This recipe uses an uncomplicated dough.

Ingredients for King Cake

• 2 8 oz. cans reduced-fat crescent rolls
• 4 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Mardi Gras Icing (recipe below)

Method of Preparation for King Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 10-inch round pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Separate crescent rolls at perforations into 16 slices. Place slices around prepared pan with points in the center. About halfway down from points, press seams together.
3. In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners sugar and vanilla until creamy. Spread on dough in the center where seams have been pressed together.
4. In another small bowl, combine butter, brown sugar and cinnamon with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over cream cheese. Fold dough points over filling, then fold bottom of triangle over points, forming a circular roll like a king cake.
5. Bake about 20 to 25 minutes or until golden-brown. Cool slightly and drizzle with colored Mardi Gras Icing. 

Ingredients for Mardi Gras Icing

• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons skim milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Yellow, green, red and blue food coloring

Method of Preparation for Mardi Gras Icing

1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients except food coloring. Divide mixture into three bowls.
2. In first bowl, add a few drops of yellow food coloring. In second bowl, add a few drops of green food coloring. In third bowl, add equal amounts of red and blue food coloring (to create purple).
3. Drizzle over cooled cake.

Discover more recipes and immerse yourself in Louisiana's Food Culture. For more insights into Louisiana cuisine, culinary experiences and travel inspiration, sign up for our enewsletter and stay connected to the flavors of Louisiana.