King Cake Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a festive, flavorful twist to your breakfast or brunch table, the King Cake Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is your go-to delight. This vibrant bread beautifully combines the sweet tang of lemon cream cheese filling with the soft, tender crumb of a braided yeast bread. Inspired by the colorful tradition of King Cake, this version is easier than you might think and offers a stunning presentation packed with bright, zingy flavors that make every bite memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this King Cake Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the rich cream cheese filling to the sweet and citrusy glaze, blending together to create that perfect balance of textures and flavors that make this bread so irresistible.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation giving the bread its soft yet sturdy structure.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the dough without overpowering the lemon filling.
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: Essential for giving the bread its light, fluffy rise.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm: Keeps the dough tender and moist, helping activate the yeast.
• 1/2 cup warm water: Another yeast activator and hydration source for the dough.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Brings richness and structure to the dough.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the bread with a soft texture and buttery flavor.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, providing creamy tang and smooth texture.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling harmoniously.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds refreshing brightness to the filling and glaze.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with its fragrant oils.
• 1 egg yolk: Enhances the creaminess of the filling mixture.
• 1 egg: For the egg wash that gives the bread a golden, shiny crust.
• 1 tablespoon milk: Mixed with the egg wash for a perfect glaze base.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Creates the luscious glaze to drizzle on top.
• 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice or milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency and flavor to taste.
• Purple, green, and gold colored sanding sugar: Traditional King Cake colors that make the bread festive and eye-catching.

How to Make King Cake Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate Yeast

Begin by stirring the active dry yeast into warm water and lukewarm milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes. This little waiting period is where magic happens—the yeast starts to foam and bubble, signaling it’s ready to give your bread that perfect airy rise.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Next, mix in sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the bubbly yeast mixture. This combination builds a rich flavor base and ensures the dough has the right balance of moisture and sweetness to complement the lemon cream cheese filling.

Step 3: Form Dough

Gradually add flour, stirring until the mixture forms a soft dough. Then knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic—this is where your hands really get to work creating a texture that will make each slice tender and light.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until it has doubled in size. Patience pays off, as this step gives the dough bounce and depth in flavor that makes the difference between ordinary bread and something special.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

While the dough is rising, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. This zesty filling is the heart and soul of the King Cake Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe, delivering a luscious contrast to the soft dough.

Step 6: Shape Dough

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a 10 by 18-inch rectangle. This shape sets you up perfectly to spread that delicious filling and create the iconic braided look.

Step 7: Fill Center

Spread the lemon cream cheese filling neatly down the center third of the dough rectangle. Keeping the filling centered helps in achieving an even braid and those beautiful swirls of cream cheese in every slice.

Step 8: Cut Strips

Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal 1-inch strips along both sides of the filling, making sure to leave the ends intact so nothing escapes. These strips are the building blocks for your braid.

Step 9: Braid Loaf

Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to create a gorgeous braided pattern. Then tuck the ends under to seal the loaf, ensuring that filling stays put during baking while giving your bread a stunning look.

Step 10: Second Rise

Transfer your braided loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover it loosely, and let it rise again for 45 minutes. This final rise encourages fluffy texture and helps those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 11: Preheat Oven and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the loaf with an egg wash made from an egg and milk to encourage a golden, glossy crust. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the bread is cooked through and has that perfect golden hue.

Step 12: Prepare Glaze and Decorate

While the bread cools, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice or milk to make a thick glaze. Drizzle this over the loaf, then immediately sprinkle with sanding sugars in alternating purple, green, and gold stripes. This final flourish adds the iconic King Cake look and a bit of festive sweetness.

How to Serve King Cake Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Garnishes

To amp up the presentation and flavor, consider topping slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of lemon zest. These fresh accents highlight the lemony brightness in every bite and make it feel extra special for your guests.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads or a tangy berry compote that echoes the citrus notes. For a richer spread, a cup of coffee or a cinnamon-spiced tea rounds out the experience with cozy warmth.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring unique charm to your table by slicing the bread and arranging it on a colorful platter alongside small bowls of assorted fruit preserves or cream cheese spreads. You could even serve it as individual braided mini loaves or as gorgeous French toast the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers fresh by wrapping the bread tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature. It will maintain its softness and flavor beautifully for 2 to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy the bread warm and fresh-tasting, reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or warm in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Adding a light brush of butter before warming adds extra softness and richness.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese if you prefer, but keep in mind this might make the filling slightly less creamy and rich. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor for the filling.

What if I don’t have colored sanding sugar?

You can use regular granulated sugar or decorate with finely chopped nuts or zest for a different look. Alternatively, you could tint some sugar at home with food coloring for that festive touch.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

How long does the dough need to rise?

The first rise should last about 1 hour and 30 minutes until doubled in size, and the second rise after braiding should be about 45 minutes. Proper rising times ensure the bread will be light and fluffy.

Can this recipe be made without yeast?

This recipe relies on yeast for structure and texture, so skipping yeast wouldn’t give the right rise or bread crumb. For a quicker alternative, look for a no-yeast lemon bread recipe instead.

Final Thoughts

Trying the King Cake Lemon Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is like inviting a burst of sunshine and celebration right into your kitchen. It’s a delight to make and even more fun to share with family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying it as a holiday treat or a weekend breakfast, the sweet and tangy flavors combined with the colorful finish will undoubtedly make this recipe a cherished favorite in your home.

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