Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake Recipe

Get ready to indulge in a slice of pure Mardi Gras magic with our Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake Recipe! This iconic dessert hails from New Orleans, where it reigns supreme during Carnival season. With its vibrant colors, hidden trinket, and rich history tied to the Epiphany, King Cake isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration on a plate.

We’re taking this classic to the next level by stuffing it with luscious Bavarian cream, a velvety custard that melts in your mouth. Imagine biting into a soft, sweet dough swirled with cinnamon and oozing with creamy goodness. It’s a game-changer that’ll have everyone at your party begging for seconds.

About Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake

Dive into the heart of Mardi Gras celebrations with our indulgent Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake. This iconic dessert hails from New Orleans and embodies the festive spirit with its vibrant colors and rich flavors. We’ve taken the traditional King Cake to new heights by stuffing it with a luscious Bavarian cream filling that melts in your mouth. Let’s explore the allure of this delightful treat and why it deserves a spot at your next gathering.

The History and Significance

The King Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of tradition tied to the Epiphany and the festive Mardi Gras season. Originating from European customs, this cake represents the journey of the Three Kings to visit the Christ Child. In New Orleans, it’s a staple from January 6th through Fat Tuesday. We love how each slice holds a hidden trinket or plastic baby, symbolizing luck and the responsibility to host the next party. Our Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake honors this legacy while adding a creamy twist that elevates every bite.

Why Bavarian Cream Makes It Special

What sets our King Cake apart is the velvety Bavarian cream nestled within the soft, sweet dough. This custard-like filling brings a luxurious texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender, brioche-style cake. We can’t get enough of its silky smoothness and subtle vanilla notes that linger on the palate. Unlike traditional fillings like cinnamon or cream cheese, Bavarian cream offers a lighter yet indulgent experience, making each slice a celebration of flavor and festivity.

Perfect for Any Celebration

While deeply rooted in Mardi Gras culture, our Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake shines at any event. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gathering, this dessert dazzles with its iconic purple, green, and gold icing—colors representing justice, faith, and power. We’ve seen guests light up as they discover the hidden trinket, sparking laughter and joy. Serve this masterpiece at your next party and watch it become the centerpiece of unforgettable memories.

Key Elements of Our Recipe

To give you a glimpse of what makes our King Cake extraordinary, here’s a breakdown of its core components in a handy table:

Element	Description
Dough	A soft, enriched brioche-style base that’s tender and slightly sweet.
Bavarian Cream Filling	A rich, custard-like cream infused with vanilla for a luxurious mouthfeel.
Icing and Colors	Vibrant purple, green, and gold icing symbolizing Mardi Gras traditions.
Hidden Trinket	A small plastic baby or bean hidden inside, bringing luck to the finder.

We’ve crafted this recipe to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring every element from the Bavarian cream to the colorful decor sings with festive charm. Stick with us as we guide you through creating this showstopping Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake in the upcoming sections.

Ingredients for Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake

We’re excited to share the essential components that make our Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake a true Mardi Gras masterpiece. Let’s dive into the precise ingredients needed for each part of this festive dessert.

Ingredients for the Dough

For the soft, brioche-style dough that forms the foundation of our King Cake, gather these items in the order they’ll be used:

1 cup whole milk (warmed to about 110°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
½ cup granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs (room temperature)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened and cut into small pieces)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing the bowl)

Ingredients for the Bavarian Cream Filling

To create the luxurious Bavarian Cream that sets this King Cake apart with its silky texture and subtle vanilla notes, you’ll need:

2 cups whole milk
1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup granulated sugar
5 large egg yolks
¼ cup cornstarch
1 cup heavy cream (chilled for whipping)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for the whipped cream component)

Ingredients for the Glaze and Decoration

For the vibrant glaze and iconic Mardi Gras colors that symbolize justice, faith, and power, prepare these decorative elements:

3 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons whole milk (adjust for desired consistency)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring in purple, green, and gold (or yellow)
Colored sanding sugar in purple, green, and gold (for sprinkling)
1 small plastic baby or trinket (to hide inside the cake for tradition)

Equipment Needed

To craft our showstopping Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake, we need the right tools to ensure every step of the process is seamless. Having the proper equipment on hand will help us create that perfect brioche-style dough, whip up a velvety Bavarian cream, and decorate with vibrant Mardi Gras colors. Let’s gather everything we need to bring this festive dessert to life with ease and precision.

Essential Kitchen Tools

We rely on these fundamental tools to streamline our preparation and baking process for the King Cake:

Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Vital for kneading the soft, sticky brioche dough to the perfect consistency without tiring out our hands.
Mixing Bowls (Various Sizes): Necessary for combining ingredients for the dough, Bavarian cream, and glaze.
Whisk: Essential for blending the custard base of our luxurious Bavarian cream filling.
Saucepan (Medium): Used to heat milk and create the smooth custard for the cream filling.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise measurements of ingredients like flour, sugar, and vanilla for consistent results.
Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down bowls and folding whipped cream into the Bavarian cream.
Rolling Pin: Helps us roll out the dough evenly before shaping it into the iconic King Cake ring.
Baking Sheet: A sturdy surface to bake our King Cake to golden perfection.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze while baking.
Cooling Rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly after baking, preserving its tender texture.

Specialty Tools for Precision

For those finer details that elevate our Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake, these tools are game-changers:

Pastry Bag with Tip: Indispensable for piping the Bavarian cream neatly into the baked cake for a polished finish.
Candy Thermometer: Useful for monitoring the temperature of the custard to avoid curdling while preparing the cream filling.
Serrated Knife: Ideal for making a clean slit in the cooled cake to insert the hidden trinket without damaging the structure.
Small Paintbrush (Food-Safe): Optional but handy for applying colored glaze with precision in purple, green, and gold patterns.

Decoration and Finishing Touches

To achieve that festive Mardi Gras look, we need tools to apply the icing and colored sanding sugar:

Small Bowls: For mixing individual batches of glaze with food coloring to create the iconic justice, faith, and power hues.
Spoons or Small Spatulas: Useful for drizzling or spreading the glaze over the cooled King Cake.
Shaker or Sifter: Helps evenly distribute colored sanding sugar over the glaze for a sparkling finish.

With this lineup of equipment, we’re fully prepared to tackle every stage of our Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake recipe. From kneading the dough to hiding the lucky trinket and decorating with vibrant Mardi Gras colors, these tools ensure our dessert is as stunning as it is delicious.

Instructions for Making Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of crafting our delectable Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake. With clear instructions and a focus on precision, we’ll guide you through creating this iconic Mardi Gras dessert that blends tradition with indulgence.

Preparing the Dough

Activate the Yeast: Start by warming 1 cup of whole milk to about 110°F in a small saucepan. Pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle 2 and 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast over it. Add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to feed the yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy—a sign that the yeast is alive and ready.
Mix the Dough: Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer. Add 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Crack in 3 large eggs and pour in 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled). Mix on low speed for 2 minutes until combined, then increase to medium speed and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should pull away from the sides of the bowl but remain slightly sticky.
First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased large bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours or until doubled in size. This slow rise ensures a tender brioche-style texture for our King Cake.

Making the Bavarian Cream Filling

Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups of whole milk with 1/2 of a vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract over medium heat. Bring it just to a simmer, then remove from heat. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the next steps.
Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large egg yolks, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of cornstarch until smooth and pale. This forms the base of our luxurious Bavarian Cream.
Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Once combined, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens into a custard-like consistency (about 2-3 minutes).
Cool and Whip: Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps or vanilla bean bits. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Once cooled, fold in 1 cup of whipped heavy cream (whipped to soft peaks) to lighten the cream and achieve that silky-smooth texture perfect for our King Cake filling.

Assembling the King Cake

Roll Out the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle (about 20×12 inches). Keep the thickness even to ensure uniform baking.
Add the Filling: Spoon the chilled Bavarian Cream along the long edge of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. If desired, hide a small plastic baby or trinket inside the cream for that traditional Mardi Gras surprise. Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long edge with the filling, pinching the seam to seal.
Shape the Cake: Form the log into a ring by bringing the ends together and pinching to seal. Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with a towel and let it rise for another 45-60 minutes until puffy. This second rise ensures our King Cake is light and airy.

Baking the King Cake

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the risen King Cake with an egg wash made from 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water. This gives the cake a golden sheen that’s visually stunning.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. If it browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil after 15 minutes. Use a candy thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should read around 190°F for a fully baked dough.
Cool Before Decorating: Let the King Cake cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before icing. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures those vibrant Mardi Gras colors—purple, green, and gold—stand out as symbols of justice, faith, and power.

Baking Details	Specification
Oven Temperature	350°F
Baking Time	25-30 minutes
Internal Temperature Check	190°F
Cooling Time	At least 30 minutes

With these steps, we’re crafting a Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake that’s not just a dessert but a celebration of tradition and flavor.

Glazing and Decorating

Now that our Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake is baked and cooled, it’s time to bring the vibrant Mardi Gras spirit to life with colorful glazing and decorating. This step transforms our cake into a stunning centerpiece that embodies the festive hues of purple, green, and gold—representing justice, faith, and power. Let’s dive into creating a glossy glaze and adorning our creation with the iconic colors that make this dessert a true celebration of tradition.

Preparing the Glaze

First, we’ll whip up a simple yet shiny glaze to give our King Cake that irresistible sheen. Here’s how we do it:

Gather your ingredients: 2 cups powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. These create a smooth and sweet glaze that complements the rich Bavarian cream filling.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps. This ensures a silky texture for our glaze.
Add the vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of milk to start. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Test the glaze by drizzling a small amount over a spoon. It should flow easily but still hold some shape. Adjust as needed for that perfect balance.

This glaze will act as the base for our vibrant Mardi Gras colors, so let’s move on to tinting and applying it with flair.

Coloring and Applying the Glaze

To capture the essence of Mardi Gras, we’ll divide and color our glaze to reflect the traditional palette. Follow these steps to achieve a show-stopping look:

Divide the glaze into three small bowls, ensuring each has roughly equal amounts.
Tint each bowl with food coloring: one with purple, one with green, and one with gold (or yellow if gold coloring isn’t available). Use gel food coloring for richer hues and start with a few drops, mixing well until you reach the desired shade. Pro tip: A little goes a long way, so add gradually!
Place the cooled King Cake on a wire rack over a baking sheet to catch drips. Starting with one color, drizzle the glaze over one-third of the cake using a spoon or small ladle. Repeat with the other two colors, alternating sections to create a tri-color pattern.
Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes. Watch as the glossy finish enhances the soft curves of the brioche dough, making the cake look as festive as a New Orleans parade.

The visual appeal of these colors isn’t just for show—they evoke the celebratory spirit of Fat Tuesday and make every slice a feast for the eyes.

Adding the Final Touches

No King Cake is complete without a sprinkle of whimsy and tradition. Let’s add those final decorations to elevate our masterpiece:

Sprinkle colored sanding sugar over the respective glaze sections while they’re still slightly tacky. Use purple, green, and gold sugar to match the glaze colors for a cohesive and dazzling effect. This adds a delightful crunch and sparkle.
If you’ve hidden a trinket or plastic baby inside the cake (a nod to Epiphany tradition), consider placing a small decorative crown on top to hint at the surprise within. “Whoever finds the trinket is king or queen for the day!” we often say during our Mardi Gras gatherings.
For an extra festive touch, scatter a few edible gold pearls or beads around the top. These mimic the iconic Mardi Gras beads and add a luxurious flair that ties into the theme of celebration.

Glaze and Decoration Tips

To ensure precision and creativity in this final step, here are some quick tips in a handy table format:

Aspect	Tip
Glaze Consistency	Keep it pourable but not runny—aim for a honey-like texture.
Color Intensity	Use gel food coloring for bold Mardi Gras hues without thinning the glaze.
Sugar Application	Apply sanding sugar immediately after glazing to ensure it sticks.
Trinket Tradition	Remind guests to chew carefully if a trinket is hidden inside!

As we admire the finished Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake, the glossy glaze and vibrant decorations bring to mind the lively streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The sweet aroma of vanilla glaze mingles with the subtle scent of brioche, while the dazzling colors promise a burst of creamy richness in every bite. This is more than a dessert—it’s a symbol of joy and tradition ready to share with loved ones.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

We understand that preparing a Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake can be a labor of love. To help streamline the process for your Mardi Gras celebration or any festive gathering, we’ve compiled essential tips for making components ahead of time and storing this delightful dessert. With our guidance, you can ensure that your King Cake remains as fresh and flavorful as the day it was made.

Preparing Components in Advance

Let’s save time without sacrificing quality. Here are the elements of the Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake that we can prepare ahead:

Dough Preparation: We can make the brioche-style dough up to 24 hours in advance. After kneading and completing the first rise, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften before rolling it out. This method keeps the dough tender and ready for shaping.
Bavarian Cream Filling: Our rich Bavarian cream can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. After cooking and cooling the cream, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Wait to fold in the whipped cream until just before filling the cake to maintain its luxurious texture. If it thickens too much in the fridge, give it a gentle stir before use.
Glaze Base: We can mix the powdered sugar glaze (without tinting) up to 3 days in advance. Store it in a sealed container at room temperature. When ready to decorate, divide and tint the glaze with the iconic Mardi Gras colors—purple, green, and gold—for that vibrant finish.

“Planning ahead allows us to enjoy the festive spirit of Mardi Gras without the last-minute rush. A little prep goes a long way in creating a stunning King Cake!”

Storage Guidelines for Freshness

Once our Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake is assembled and decorated, proper storage is key to preserving its soft texture and creamy filling. Follow these tips to keep it tasting fresh:

Room Temperature Storage: If planning to serve the cake within 1-2 days, store it at room temperature in a cool dry place. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in a cake dome to protect the glaze and decorations while preventing the dough from drying out. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources as they can melt the icing.
Refrigeration for Longer Storage: For storage beyond 2 days, refrigerate the cake due to the perishable Bavarian cream filling. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to revive the dough’s softness.
Freezing Option: We can freeze an undecorated King Cake for up to 2 months. After baking and cooling completely, wrap the cake (without glaze or decorations) in several layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before decorating with fresh glaze and colored sanding sugar. Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the filling so use this method only if necessary.

Quick Reference: Storage Durations

To make it even easier for us to plan, here’s a handy table summarizing the storage durations for each component and the finished Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake:

Component/Stage	Storage Location	Duration	Notes
Prepared Dough (pre-rise)	Refrigerator	Up to 24 hours	Let it warm up before rolling out.
Bavarian Cream Filling	Refrigerator	Up to 2 days	Fold in whipped cream just before filling.
Glaze Base (untinted)	Room Temperature	Up to 3 days	Tint before decorating.
Finished King Cake (decorated)	Room Temperature	1-2 days	Cover loosely; avoid heat sources.
Finished King Cake (decorated)	Refrigerator	3-5 days	Warm slightly before serving.
Finished King Cake (undecorated)	Freezer	Up to 2 months	Thaw overnight before decorating.

With these make-ahead and storage tips, we can ensure our Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake remains a showstopping centerpiece for any Mardi Gras celebration or festive event. Whether prepping components early or storing leftovers, these strategies help us maintain the cake’s irresistible flavor and vibrant presentation.

Conclusion

We hope you’re as excited as we are to bring this Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake to life for your next celebration. It’s a showstopping dessert that blends rich tradition with a creamy twist.

Share this festive treat with friends and family and let the good times roll. We’d love to hear how your creation turns out so drop us a comment or tag us in your Mardi Gras photos!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake?

A Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake is a twist on the traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras dessert. It features a soft, brioche-style dough filled with a rich, velvety Bavarian cream infused with subtle vanilla notes. Decorated with vibrant purple, green, and gold icing, it symbolizes justice, faith, and power, and often hides a trinket inside for luck. This version elevates the classic King Cake with its luxurious creamy filling, making it a standout for celebrations.

Why is King Cake associated with Mardi Gras?

King Cake is a Mardi Gras staple because of its historical ties to the Epiphany on January 6th, marking the Three Kings’ journey. It’s enjoyed through Fat Tuesday, the last day before Lent. Rooted in European traditions, the cake represents festivity and community, with its hidden trinket symbolizing luck for the finder. Its vibrant colors and circular shape embody the spirit of Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.

What do the colors on a King Cake represent?

The colors on a King Cake—purple, green, and gold—hold special meaning. Purple represents justice, green symbolizes faith, and gold stands for power. These hues are iconic to Mardi Gras and reflect the cultural and spiritual significance of the season. They’re typically applied through icing or sanding sugar, making the cake a visually striking centerpiece for any festive gathering.

What is the hidden trinket in a King Cake?

The hidden trinket in a King Cake is usually a small plastic baby, representing Baby Jesus, tied to the Epiphany celebration. Finding it in your slice is considered good luck, and often, the finder is tasked with hosting the next King Cake party or bringing the cake for the next event. It adds a fun, traditional element to sharing this dessert during Mardi Gras.

Can I make a Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare a Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake ahead of time. Make the dough and Bavarian cream filling in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake closer to your event for freshness. The glaze base can also be prepped early. For storage, keep the finished cake at room temperature for a day, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze undecorated for longer.

What tools do I need to make a King Cake?

To make a King Cake, you’ll need basic kitchen tools like a stand mixer, mixing bowls, a whisk, and a baking sheet. Specialty tools such as a pastry bag for filling and a candy thermometer for precision with the Bavarian cream are also helpful. These ensure a smooth baking process, helping you achieve the perfect dough texture and creamy filling for your festive cake.

How do I store a Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake?

Store a Bavarian Cream Filled King Cake at room temperature for up to a day if serving soon. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week to maintain freshness, especially due to the cream filling. For extended periods, freeze the undecorated cake for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge before glazing and decorating to preserve texture and flavor.