King Cake Cinnamon Babka Loaf (Printable)

Sweet yeasted loaf layered with cinnamon and cream cheese, finished with vibrant colored sugar glaze.

# What you need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2/3 cup whole milk, lukewarm
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Cinnamon Filling

09 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
10 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Cream Cheese Filling

12 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Glaze and Decoration

15 - 1 cup powdered sugar
16 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
17 - Purple, green, and gold sanding sugars for decoration
18 - Plastic King Cake baby or almond, optional

# How to make it:

01 - In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
02 - Whisk together lukewarm milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
03 - Beat in softened butter until dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
05 - Mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir in softened butter until combined.
06 - Beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth.
07 - Punch down risen dough. Roll out on a floured surface into a 16 by 12 inch rectangle.
08 - Spread cream cheese filling over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Spread cinnamon filling evenly on top.
09 - Starting from the long side, roll dough tightly into a log.
10 - Slice the log lengthwise in half. Twist the two strands together, keeping cut sides up, and form into a loaf shape.
11 - Place twisted loaf into a greased 9 by 5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise until puffy, about 45 minutes.
12 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
13 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. If browning too quickly, tent with foil.
14 - Cool loaf in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
15 - Whisk powdered sugar with milk to make a thick glaze. Drizzle over cooled loaf.
16 - Sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sugars. Insert King Cake baby or almond if desired before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Combines the beloved twisted layers of babka with festive King Cake tradition
  • Perfect showstopper for Mardi Gras parties, brunches, or holiday gatherings
  • Dual filling of cinnamon sugar and tangy cream cheese creates complex flavor
  • Gorgeous presentation with vibrant purple, green, and gold decorations
  • Rewarding medium-difficulty project that impresses without being overly complicated
02 -
  • Use instant yeast for reliable rising; if using active dry yeast, bloom it in the warm milk first
  • Don't skip softening the butter and cream cheese completely—this ensures even distribution
  • When twisting the halves together, work gently to prevent filling from squeezing out
  • Test doneness with a thermometer; internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C)
  • Store the finished loaf in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature
  • Freeze unglazed loaf for up to 2 months; thaw, then glaze and decorate before serving
Return