Puerto Rican Vegan King Cake with Strawberry and Cream Cheese Filling
As Mardi Gras approaches, why not infuse this festive tradition with the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico? Here’s a deliciously unique Puerto Rican Vegan King Cake recipe, filled with strawberry and cream cheese, and infused with the essence of the island.
The Cultural Significance
King Cake, a staple of Mardi Gras celebrations, has its roots in European traditions but has been beautifully adapted in various cultures. By incorporating Puerto Rican flavors, we honor the island’s culinary heritage and the blending of cultures that make our dishes so unique.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup plant milk (warm)
- ¼ cup melted vegan butter
- 2 (.25 ounce) packets active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Puerto Rican Sazón (optional, for added depth)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 1/2 blocks (12 ounces) vegan cream cheese, softened (Tofutti or Violife work well)
- 3 tablespoons strawberry preserves
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2/3 cup plant milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple, green, and yellow food coloring or sugar crystals for decoration
Instructions
Make the King Cake Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm plant milk with 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Let it stand for about 10 minutes until it becomes slightly creamy and bubbly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted vegan butter, salt, cinnamon, and yeast mixture to the bowl. Whisk in the remaining sugar.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, until the dough pulls together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
- Let it Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2-3 hours.
Prepare the Fillings:
- Cream Cheese Filling: Mix the softened vegan cream cheese with strawberry preserves, sliced strawberries, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
- Cinnamon Sugar Filling: Combine the light brown sugar and cinnamon.
Assemble the King Cake:
- Roll Out the Dough: Divide the risen dough in half and roll each half into large rectangles (about 10×15 inches).
- Add Fillings: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Roll and Shape: Roll each half of the dough tightly, starting from the wide side. Bring the ends of each roll together to form two oval-shaped rings. Place each ring on a prepared cookie sheet.
- Let it Rise Again: Make cuts about 1/4 of the way through the rings at 1-inch intervals. Let the king cakes rise in a warm spot until they double in size, about 30-45 minutes.
Bake the King Cake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the king cakes for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Glaze and Decorate:
- Prepare Glaze: Mix the powdered sugar, plant milk, and vanilla extract. Add more milk if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Glaze and Decorate: While the cake is still warm, glaze it with the powdered sugar mixture. Decorate with purple, green, and yellow sugar crystals or food coloring.
Traditional Touches
- The King Baby: After baking, tuck a small plastic baby or bead into the bottom of the cake, a traditional Mardi Gras custom.
- Puerto Rican Flair: If you choose to add a splash of Puerto Rican flavor, a pinch of Sazón can be added to the dough for an extra layer of depth.
Serving Tips
- Best Served Fresh: This king cake is best served the day it is made, but leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer storage.
- Reheat Before Serving: For optimal flavor and texture, reheat the king cake before serving.
Embracing Puerto Rican Flavors
Puerto Rican cuisine is renowned for its rich and vibrant flavors, thanks to the trio of Adobo, Sazón, and Sofrito. While these blends are typically used in savory dishes, they can add a unique twist to various recipes. Here, we keep the focus on sweet and creamy, but for those interested in exploring more Puerto Rican flavors, these spice blends are essential.
Conclusion
This Puerto Rican Vegan King Cake with strawberry and cream cheese filling is a delightful fusion of cultures and flavors. It’s perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations and any occasion when you want to add a touch of tropical elegance to your dessert table. Enjoy the process of making this cake, and relish the joy of sharing it with your loved ones. ¡Buen provecho