Bavarian Cream King Cake Recipe For A Sweet Celebration

The rich, velvety texture of Bavarian cream combined with the festive charm of a traditional King Cake creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and celebratory. Bavarian cream King Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Mardi Gras treat, offering a luscious custard filling that balances perfectly with the soft, sweet bread.

Whether you’re celebrating Carnival season or simply craving a decadent dessert, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Making this King Cake from scratch might seem intimidating, but with a little patience and the right ingredients, you’ll create a bakery-worthy masterpiece. The dough is tender and fluffy, while the homemade Bavarian cream adds a creamy, dreamy layer inside.

Finished with the iconic colored sugar topping, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ready to embark on a baking adventure that brings a taste of New Orleans right into your kitchen? Let’s dive into this detailed Bavarian Cream King Cake recipe that will become a favorite for years to come!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bavarian Cream King Cake recipe stands out because it combines the best of both worlds: the traditional, soft, and slightly sweet dough of a King Cake with a smooth, creamy Bavarian cream filling.

Unlike typical King Cakes filled with cinnamon or cream cheese, a luxurious custard that’s light yet indulgent.

What’s more, this recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients and walks you through every step, from making the yeast dough to preparing the silky Bavarian cream. You don’t need to be a pro baker to achieve stunning results.

Plus, the vibrant sugar topping adds that unmistakable Mardi Gras flair, making it perfect for parties or special occasions.

If you love classic desserts with a twist, or you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece dessert, this King Cake is sure to become your go-to recipe. And if you’re interested in other delicious baking ideas, be sure to check out our Clementine Bakery Vegan Recipes for Delicious Treats for more inspiration!

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup warm whole milk (about 110°F)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Bavarian Cream:
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 tsp powdered gelatin (or agar powder for vegetarian option)
• 3 tbsp cold water
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
• For Decoration:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
• Colored sanding sugar in purple, green, and gold

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet or King Cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Plastic wrap
• Cooling rack
• Pastry brush
• Whipped cream bowl and mixer (electric or hand whisk)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until the dough begins to come together.
2. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough by hand or with the dough hook for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Make the Bavarian Cream: While the dough is rising, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. In a saucepan, heat the milk until just simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
4. Cook the Custard: Slowly pour about half of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened and bubbling, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin, vanilla extract, and butter until fully incorporated. Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator until cold, about 2 hours.
5. Finish the Bavarian Cream: Once the custard is chilled, gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined and smooth. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
6. Shape the King Cake: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle approximately 12×18 inches. Spread the Bavarian cream evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
7. Roll and Form: Carefully roll the dough into a log from the longer side, pinching the edges to seal. Shape the log into a ring and pinch the ends together to form a circle. Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
8. Bake the King Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes to prevent deflation. Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
9. Glaze and Decorate: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice to make a pourable glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled King Cake using a spoon or pastry brush. Immediately sprinkle the traditional Mardi Gras colored sugars (purple, green, and gold) alternately over the glaze before it sets.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Traditionally, a small baby figurine is hidden inside the cake for fun, but be sure to warn guests or place it carefully after baking.

Tips & Variations

“For the creamiest Bavarian cream, make sure to fully chill the custard before folding in the whipped cream. This prevents it from melting and keeps the texture light and airy.”

• Substitute gelatin: For a vegetarian version, use agar powder instead of gelatin, following package instructions for blooming and dissolving.
• Flavor twists: Add a splash of rum or orange blossom water to the Bavarian cream for an extra festive touch.
• Fruit additions: Incorporate small diced strawberries or raspberries into the cream for a fruity surprise inside the cake.
• Vegan adaptation: While this recipe uses traditional dairy, you can explore vegan custard alternatives similar to those in our Banoffee Recipe Vegan for a plant-based version.
• Decorative glaze: Swap out the powdered sugar glaze for a cream cheese frosting for a richer finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Bavarian Cream King Cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve slices with a cup of strong coffee or a sweet dessert wine to complement the creamy richness.

For a brunch event, pair it with fresh fruit salad or a light citrus sorbet to balance the sweetness. If you’re preparing for a Mardi Gras party, this cake perfectly fits the festive theme alongside classic Cajun dishes.

Looking for more savory dishes to accompany your dessert? Check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Conclusion

The Bavarian Cream King Cake is a delightful celebration of texture and flavor, marrying the soft, sweet King Cake dough with a rich, velvety custard filling that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

This recipe combines tradition with a luxurious twist, making it perfect for festive occasions or whenever you crave a special treat.

While the process involves several steps, following the instructions carefully will reward you with a stunning and delicious cake that looks as incredible as it tastes. Don’t forget to add the colorful sugar topping to give it that authentic Mardi Gras vibe.

For more delicious recipes to try alongside this cake, explore our collection of easy and tasty dishes like the Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide or the Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy.

Happy baking and enjoy your taste of New Orleans!

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