Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese

Instructions:

1. Combine warm milk (105°F–110°F) with one tablespoon of the granulated sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Whisk in the remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, and egg yolks into the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually add the 3.75 cups (450g) flour and salt. Knead by hand for about 8 minutes on a floured surface until the dough is satin smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour 30 mins.
5. Prepare the filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, 0.5 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, vanilla bean paste, and cinnamon until smooth.
6. Punch down dough and roll into a large rectangle. Cut the rectangle lengthwise into three long strips. Spread the cream cheese filling down the center of each strip, leaving a small border. Pinch the edges of each strip together tightly to create three long ropes. Braid the ropes together loosely — don't pull too tight, or the dough won't have room to expand. Form the braid into a circle on your prepared baking sheet, pinching the ends together to hide the seam.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Insert the plastic baby into the bottom of the cake after baking.
8. Whisk 2 cups powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to create a glaze. Pour over the warm cake and immediately decorate with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars.