Mexican King's Cake: Blackberry & Cheese Recipe

Updated at: 12/01/2025

Rosca de Reyes, the Mexican King's Cake, is far more than just a delicious treat; it's a vibrant tradition celebrated annually on January 6th, Epiphany. This ring-shaped bread, adorned with candied fruits and often concealing small figurines, symbolizes the journey of the Three Wise Men and holds a playful surprise for its lucky eaters. Its rich, slightly sweet flavor profile, often enhanced with citrus notes, makes it a captivating centerpiece for any gathering. Unlike its European cousins, the Mexican Rosca often boasts unique regional variations, incorporating ingredients reflecting local tastes and preferences. This year, why not try something new?

This recipe offers a twist on the classic, incorporating the delightful combination of blackberry and cheese for a truly unforgettable experience. Forget dry, bland Rosca—prepare yourself for a taste sensation that perfectly balances sweet and savory. Ready to bake your own magical Mexican King's Cake? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below.

Tools Needed

  • Bowls
  • Mixing spoon
  • Baking tray
  • Rolling pin
  • Pot
  • Oven

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Dough and Filling

  • Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and orange zest in a bowl. Make a volcano shape, add milk, vanilla, orange blossom tea, and eggs one by one. Mix with your fingertip until integrated.
  • Add butter (cut into pieces), and continue working the dough until elastic and comes off the table easily (up to 40 minutes).
  • Grease a bowl with vegetable oil, place dough inside, cover with a wet rag, and let it sit in a warm place for 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
  • Cook blackberries with sugar in a pot, stirring constantly for 20 minutes until thick. Let cool.
Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and orange zest in a bowl. Make a volcano shape, add milk, vanilla, orange blossom tea, and eggs one by one. Mix with your fingertip until integrated.Add butter (cut into pieces), and continue working the dough until elastic and comes off the table easily (up to 40 minutes).Grease a bowl with vegetable oil, place dough inside, cover with a wet rag, and let it sit in a warm place for 90 minutes or until doubled in size.Prepare blackberry marmalade: Cook blackberries with sugar in a pot, stirring constantly for 20 minutes until thick. Let cool.
Prepare the Dough and Filling

Step 2. Assemble and Proof the Rosca

  • Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Divide mentally into three sections. Put cream cheese, blackberry sauce, and figurines (optional) in the middle section.
  • Fold the side sections over the filling, roll into a ring shape, place on a baking tray, cover with a wet rag, and let sit for 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Divide mentally into three sections. Put cream cheese, blackberry sauce, and figurines (optional) in the middle section.Fold the side sections over the filling, roll into a ring shape, place on a baking tray, cover with a wet rag, and let sit for 30 minutes.
Assemble and Proof the Rosca

Step 3. Decorate and Glaze

  • Varnish with egg yolk.
  • Mix butter, sugar, and flour. Roll into balls and stretch to cover the ring. Decorate with crystallized fruit.
Varnish with egg yolk.Prepare sweet topping: Mix butter, sugar, and flour. Roll into balls and stretch to cover the ring. Decorate with crystallized fruit.
Decorate and Glaze

Step 4. Bake the Rosca

  • Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
Bake the Rosca

Read more: No-Bake Carlota de Limon: Easy Mexican Lime Icebox Cake Recipe

Tips

  • If you don't have orange blossom tea, use orange tea or any citrus-flavored tea.
  • The figurines are a traditional Mexican addition for Dia de la Candelaria (February 2nd). Whoever gets a figurine hosts a party.
  • You can make this cake by hand or with a stand mixer.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the blackberries with other fruits?

Yes! Raspberries, blueberries, or even chopped figs would work well. Choose a fruit that holds its shape well when baked.

2. What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?

A firm, crumbly cheese like queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese is ideal. Avoid anything too soft or it might melt excessively.


Your deliciously unique Mexican King's Cake, brimming with the unexpected flavor combination of blackberry and cheese, is now ready to share. Gather your friends and family, and let the tradition of Epiphany unfold with this delightful twist on a classic. Enjoy the sweet surprise and the joy of sharing this special treat!