King Cake Cheesecake

Indulge in the ultimate Mardi Gras treat: King Cake Cheesecake! This decadent dessert combines the flavors of traditional King Cake with the creamy richness of cheesecake. A festive and unforgettable way to celebrate Carnival season.

Jump to:

• Ingredients - Here's What You'll Need
• Steps to Make Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
• Steps to Make Cinnamon Roll Batter
• Steps to Make Cheesecake Filling
• Steps to Build the Cheesecake
• Steps to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
• Recipe Tips and Tricks
• Other Great King Cake Recipes
• Recipe

Ingredients - Here's What You'll Need

Steps to Make Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a non-stick 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and set aside until ready to use. Melt unsalted butter in a small microwave-proof bowl. Then add dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon.

2. Use a small whisk or fork to combine. Set aside until ready to use.

Steps to Make Cinnamon Roll Batter

1. Place flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Combine with a small whisk or fork. Set the bowl aside until ready to use.

2. Place room-temperature butter in a medium bowl and beat with an electric hand mixer for about a minute until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar and beat for five minutes until light and fluffy.

3. Add whole milk, one egg, and vanilla extract. Beat for two minutes until well combined.

4. Add the flour mixture, about ½ cup at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Continue beating the cinnamon roll batter for about two minutes until a smooth, sticky dough forms. Set bowl aside until ready to use.

Steps to Make Cheesecake Filling

1. Place room-temperature cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer for about two minutes until smooth. Then, add sugar and beat for another two minutes until smooth and fluffy.

2. Scrape the sides of the bowl. Then, add vanilla extract and eggs. Mix for about a minute or so.

3. Scrape the sides of the bowl and add the flour. Beat with the mixer for about 30 seconds until just combined.

Steps to Build the Cheesecake

1. Use a medium-sized ice cream scoop to transfer about half of the cinnamon roll batter to the prepared cheesecake pan. Spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray and carefully press the batter into an even layer in the bottom of the pan. Make sure you don't get any of the batter underneath the parchment; it will move around while you're pressing the batter.

2. Use a small ice cream scoop or teaspoon to drop the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the batter.

3. Use a small skewer or knife to swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter.

4. Use a large ice cream scoop to add the cheesecake filling to the pan.

5. Drop the remaining cinnamon mixture on top of the cheesecake filling.

6. Then, add the remaining cinnamon roll batter on top of the cinnamon mixture.

7. Swirl everything together on top of the cheesecake, taking care to break up the chunks of the cinnamon mixture. It's going to look like a big mess, but that's ok - it's supposed to. It's going to come out beautifully. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, or until the top of the cheesecake is set and slightly browned.

8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature for about an hour. Then, refrigerate uncovered for at least four hours. For best results, refrigerate overnight. It's ok if the top cracks, the frosting will cover it.

Steps to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

1. With an electric hand mixer, beat together room-temperature cream cheese and unsalted butter for about two minutes. Then, add the vanilla extract and beat for another minute.

2. Add the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Add the milk and beat into the frosting until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, you can add more milk, a teaspoon at a time.

4. Remove the cheesecake from the pan and the parchment from the bottom. Place the cheesecake on a cardboard cake round or large serving plate. Use a large ice cream scoop to add the frosting to the top of the cheesecake.

5. Use an icing spatula to smooth the frosting into an even layer.

6. Decorate the top of the King Cake Cheesecake with yellow, purple, and green sanding sugar. I used the 3-inch and 5-inch cookie cutters from my round cookie cutter set to create the three-ring effect on top.

7. After sprinkling the sugar and removing the rings, I used my fingers to carefully spread the sugar to the lines where the cutters had been, as well as filling in any holes in the sugar.

Forget ordinary King Cake! This year, try King Cake Cheesecake, a unique and irresistible twist on a classic favorite. This delicious fusion of flavors will impress your guests and make your celebration truly memorable.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• To make it easier to distribute the cinnamon roll batter and cinnamon swirl mixture, I evenly divided each mixture between two bowls after making them.

• Store the completed King Cake Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Other Great King Cake Recipes

Recipe