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California-Inspired King Cake with Prune Cream Cheese Filling and Mascarpone Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 67 reviews

This California-Inspired King Cake is a delightful twist on the traditional Mardi Gras treat, featuring a soft, yeast-leavened dough filled with a rich cream cheese and California prune filling. Topped with a luscious mascarpone whipped cream and decorated with vibrant green, purple, and gold sanding sugars, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and nutty flavors. Ideal for festive occasions or a special dessert, it combines the elegance of homemade bread with the indulgence of mascarpone cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 1 ¼-oz package active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup sugar (divided)
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 2 TBSP light brown sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ tsp orange blossom water
  • 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • 8 TBSP unsalted butter, softened

Filling

  • 1 8-oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup California prune puree
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 TBSP cane syrup (or substitute with maple syrup)
  • 1 TBSP ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 orange, zested
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Topping

  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 8-oz mascarpone cheese
  • Green, purple, and gold/yellow sanding sugars for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the yeast with ½ tsp sugar and ¼ cup water heated to 115°F (45°C), then let it foam for about 10 minutes. Add the remaining sugar, whole milk, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, orange blossom water, egg, and egg yolk. Using a bread hook, mix on low for 1 minute to combine. Sift in flour and salt, then knead on high for 4 minutes. Add butter chunks and knead an additional 5-6 minutes until dough is smooth and pulls from the bowl. Add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time if sticky. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 ½-2 hours.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese & Prune Filling: In a food processor or large bowl, combine cream cheese, California prune puree, dark brown sugar, cane syrup, cinnamon, salt, and orange zest. Pulse or whisk until well combined. Set aside along with the chopped pecans.
  3. Form the Cake: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a heavily floured surface. Roll out to an 18-20 inch by 12 inch rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the prune filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch margin on the long sides. Sprinkle chopped nuts over the filling. Starting at the long edge near you, gently roll the dough like a cinnamon roll. Bring the ends together to form a circle, overlapping one end to seal. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rest for 1 hour.
  4. Bake the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Uncover the cake and bake for 35-40 minutes until dark golden brown. Tent with foil if browning too quickly. Use a probe thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 190°F (90°C). Remove from oven and cool completely.
  5. Prepare Mascarpone Topping: Chill the mixing bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes. Add whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cold bowl. Whip until stiff peaks form, then fold gently into mascarpone cheese.
  6. Decorate and Serve: Once the cake has cooled, spread the mascarpone whipped cream evenly over top. Garnish with green, purple, and gold sanding sugars for a festive look. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ensure water is at the correct temperature (115°F/45°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
  • If dough feels sticky during kneading, add flour in small increments until manageable.
  • The orange blossom water enhances the floral aroma typical of a King Cake but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or other nuts as preferred.
  • Use a probe thermometer to guarantee the cake is fully baked and not undercooked.
  • Chilling the mixer bowl before whipping cream helps achieve stiffer peaks faster.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: King Cake, California Prune, Mardi Gras Cake, Cream Cheese Filling, Mascarpone Topping, Festive Cake, Yeast Bread Dessert

Find it online: https://recipeswithria.com/california-inspired-king-cake-with-prune-cream-cheese-filling-and-mascarpone-topping-recipe/