King Cake Cheesecake

Indulge in the ultimate Mardi Gras dessert with this decadent King Cake Cheesecake, a festive fusion that combines the traditional cinnamon-spiced flavors of a classic King Cake with the velvety, creamy richness of a premium cheesecake. Perfect for Carnival season, this eye-catching treat features a unique cinnamon roll batter base and a stunning three-ring sanding sugar decoration that will be the centerpiece of any celebration.

Why You'll. Want to Make King Cake Cheesecake

• Best of Both Worlds: You get the iconic cinnamon-swirl flavor of a traditional King Cake paired with a smooth, rich cheesecake filling.

• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: The vibrant purple, green, and gold sanding sugar rings make it an instant showstopper for Mardi Gras parties.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe actually tastes better when made in advance, as it requires at least four hours (ideally overnight) to set perfectly in the refrigerator.

• Generous Yield: One cheesecake provides roughly 16 servings, making it a high-yield option for feeding a larger Mardi Gras crowd.

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.

Whether you are hosting a large Carnival bash or just looking for a unique Mardi Gras treat to share with family, this King Cake Cheesecake offers a sophisticated and delicious alternative to standard fare. With its layers of cinnamon-swirl dough and festive decorations, it is sure to become a new seasonal favorite that guests will request year after year. Laissez les bons temps rouler!