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Perfect King Cake Cinnamon Roll Braid with Cream Cheese Filling

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A festive and comforting cinnamon roll braid filled with creamy, tangy cream cheese and cinnamon sugar, perfect for celebrations or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet) instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • For the glaze (optional):
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk, plus more if needed
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, stir warm milk (110°F/43°C) with sugar and yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix dough ingredients: Add melted butter, egg, salt, and 3 cups (375 g) flour to yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add remaining flour until dough pulls away from bowl but remains soft and slightly sticky.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead on floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic or use stand mixer with dough hook for 6-7 minutes. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled.
  4. Prepare cream cheese filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth. Refrigerate until ready.
  5. Make cinnamon sugar filling: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until combined and spreadable.
  6. Roll out dough: Punch down dough and roll into 16×12 inch (40×30 cm) rectangle about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick on floured surface.
  7. Spread fillings: Spread cream cheese filling down center lengthwise, leaving 2 inches (5 cm) free on each side. Spread cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over cream cheese.
  8. Cut sides: Slice dough edges into 1-inch (2.5 cm) strips, keeping cream cheese center intact.
  9. Braid dough: Fold alternating strips over filling, crossing to create braid. Tuck ends under to seal.
  10. Final rise: Transfer braid to parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise 30-40 minutes until puffy.
  11. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake braid 30-35 minutes until golden and filling bubbles. Tent with foil if browning too fast.
  12. Glaze (optional): Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm braid after cooling 10 minutes.

Notes

Use warm milk at about 110°F to activate yeast properly. Soften cream cheese to room temperature for smooth filling. If braid browns too quickly, tent with foil. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight. Substitute gluten-free flour or dairy-free cream cheese as needed. For air fryer baking, use 320°F for 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: King Cake, Cinnamon Roll, Braid, Cream Cheese Filling, Mardi Gras, Breakfast, Brunch, Easy Recipe, Homemade

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/perfect-king-cake-cinnamon-roll-braid-recipe-easy-homemade-cream-cheese-filling/