📝 About This Recipe
Transport yourself to the heart of the French Quarter with this quintessential Carnival season centerpiece. This recipe features a brioche-style dough that is buttery, light, and swirled with a decadent pecan and cinnamon cream cheese filling. Adorned with a silky glaze and the iconic purple, green, and gold sugars, it’s a festive celebration of New Orleans heritage that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
🥗 Ingredients
The Dough
- 4 cups All-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 cup Whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
- 1 packet Active dry yeast (0.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 2 large Egg yolks (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Praline Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz Cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Pecans (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Glaze and Topping
- 2 cups Powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2-3 tablespoons Whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon Almond extract
- 3 tablespoons Sanding sugar (each of purple, green, and gold)
- 1 piece Plastic baby figurine (to be hidden after baking)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm milk (110°F), 1 tablespoon of the sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
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2
Add the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg yolks, and salt. Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until combined.
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3
Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead on medium-low speed for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticking to the sides.
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4
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
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5
While the dough rises, prepare the filling by beating the cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and chopped pecans together until smooth and creamy.
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6
Once risen, punch the dough down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle, approximately 10x20 inches.
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7
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border at the edges.
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8
Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a long log, pinching the seam to seal.
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9
Gently bring the ends of the log together to form a ring/oval. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Tuck one end into the other and pinch to seal the circle.
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10
Cover the ring loosely and let it rise for another 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during this time.
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11
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is a beautiful golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
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12
Once cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until a thick but pourable glaze forms. Drizzle generously over the cake.
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13
Immediately sprinkle the sanding sugars in alternating bands of purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power) before the glaze sets.
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14
Carefully cut a small slit in the bottom of the cake and insert the plastic baby. Place the cake on a serving platter and get ready to celebrate!
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use a thermometer to check your milk temperature; too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won't activate it. If the dough is too sticky during kneading, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it clears the bowl. For the best flavor, toast your pecans in a dry pan for 3-5 minutes before chopping. Ensure the cream cheese is truly at room temperature to avoid lumps in your filling. Don't bake the plastic baby! Always insert it after the cake has cooled and before serving to avoid melting or safety issues.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a steaming cup of Cafe au Lait or chicory coffee for the full NOLA experience. Pair with a chilled glass of Champagne or a sparkling French cider for a festive brunch. Slice into 2-inch thick pieces and serve on festive purple or gold plates. For a truly decadent treat, serve slightly warmed so the cream cheese filling is soft. Keep a bowl of extra pecans on the side for those who want an extra crunch.