Tartine King Cake Recipe

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Tartine King Cake, you know it’s in a league of its own—luxuriously soft brioche, a decadent cinnamon cream cheese filling, and that perfect balance of sweetness topped with colorful icing and sanding sugars. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a festive tradition wrapped in flavor!

How to make Tartine King Cake

Tartine King Cake is a modern, artisan-style take on the traditional New Orleans King Cake, inspired by the baking philosophy of Tartine Bakery (the famous San Francisco bakery known for naturally leavened breads and laminated pastries).

Ingredients

For the Brioche Dough:

• 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (around 100°F; not too hot)
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened, cut into small pieces
• For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Royal Icing:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (or adjust for desired consistency)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Purple, green, and yellow sanding sugars (classic Mardi Gras colors)
• Optional: a small plastic baby figurine (to hide in the cake)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brioche Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes, until the yeast is frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the frothy yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until combined, then knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or use the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll and Assemble the King Cake

1. After the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle (around 18×12 inches).
2. Spread the cinnamon cream cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed to seal.
4. Form the rolled dough into a circle (or oval shape), pinching the ends together to seal. If using the plastic baby, tuck it into the dough before sealing.
5. Transfer the shaped dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Once the dough has risen again, bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely.

Step 5: Make and Decorate with Royal Icing

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl to create a smooth icing. Adjust milk quantity for desired thickness.
2. Drizzle the icing generously over the cooled cake.
3. Sprinkle purple, green, and yellow sanding sugars on top, creating festive Mardi Gras patterns.

Tips for Success

• Proper Dough Kneading: To achieve the soft, fluffy brioche texture, be sure to knead thoroughly. The dough should be stretchy and smooth once ready.
• Temperature Matters: Use warm milk to activate the yeast, but not hot. If the milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
• Hidden Baby Figurine: If you don’t have a figurine, you can use a whole almond or another small object.
• Chill Your Filling: If the cream cheese filling feels too runny, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before spreading it over the dough.
• Decorating Tip: For clean sugar lines, use a spoon to carefully apply each color of sanding sugar to different sections of the cake.

What to serve with

Tartine King Cake is stunning in itself—rich, buttery, and filled with cinnamon cream cheese perfection. However, pairing it with complementary beverages and accompaniments can elevate the experience even further, especially if you’re hosting a Mardi Gras celebration or enjoying it as a weekend dessert.

1. Coffee or Espresso

Tartine King Cake loves coffee, especially rich and bold brews that balance its sweetness. Pair your slice with:

• A freshly brewed cappuccino, latte, or macchiato: The creamy texture works beautifully with the cake’s brioche dough and cream cheese filling.
• Dark roast coffee: A robust French Press or drip coffee complements the cinnamon spice in the filling. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to your coffee for a cohesive flavor.
• Iced coffee with cream: Perfect if you’re enjoying King Cake in the warmer Mardi Gras months.

2. Chicory Coffee (New Orleans Style)

Take the authenticity up a notch by serving chicory-blended coffee, a classic New Orleans beverage. The slightly bitter flavor cuts through the sweetness of the cake for a balanced bite after every sip.

3. Tea

If you’re a tea lover, opt for blends that enhance the Tartine King Cake rather than overpowering it:

• Chai tea: The warming spices in chai mirror the cinnamon flavors in the filling.
• Creamy Earl Grey: A hint of bergamot complements the cake’s sweetness.
• Green tea or lightly-sweetened iced tea: Refreshing options for those who want lighter pairings.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a Tartine-inspired King Cake is a labor of love, but sometimes you may find yourself missing a key ingredient or catering to dietary preferences.

1. Flour

All-Purpose Flour Substitute:

• Use bread flour for a chewier texture, which works well in enriched doughs like brioche.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Keep in mind that brioche has a soft, stretchy texture that may be harder to replicate without gluten.

2. Granulated Sugar

• Replace with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a subtle molasses-like flavor.
• To lower sugar, use stevia powder or your preferred sugar alternative. Adjust quantity based on its sweetness level (for example, stevia is much more concentrated than sugar).

3. Salt

Kosher salt or sea salt are great substitutes for table salt. Use the same quantity but check that finer salts are measured correctly to avoid oversalting.

4. Active Dry Yeast

• Substitute with instant yeast—it can be added directly to the dry ingredients without reactivating in warm liquid. However, check the package for correct measurements; often, instant yeast is slightly more potent (use about ¾ the amount).
• For a more natural option, use sourdough starter if you already have one at home. Increase the dough’s resting time to achieve proper rising.

5. Milk

• Non-Dairy Milk: Almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk works well as long as it’s unsweetened. Almond milk is exceptionally versatile and closest to cow’s milk in texture.
• For extra richness, use half-and-half or evaporated milk. If you only have heavy cream, dilute it with water to mimic the consistency of milk.

6. Eggs

Egg Substitutes:

For a vegan King Cake, replace each egg with one of the following:

• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce.
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water, mixed and allowed to thicken (flax “egg”).
• ¼ cup mashed banana—though this adds a fruity flavor.

7. Butter

• Non-Dairy Butter: Use plant-based alternatives like vegan butter or margarine.
• For a healthier twist, substitute coconut oil (solid at room temperature). This will give the brioche dough a slightly nutty aroma.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Tartine King Cake might take some time, but the payoff is well worth it. The rich flavor, tender dough, and festive appearance are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice.

More King Cake Recipes:

• Copycat Antoine’s King Cake Recipe
• Homemade Rouses King Cake Recipe