The Best Cream Cheese King Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees F)
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 6 3/4 cups bread flour, divided
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted, divided
• 3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons whole milk, or more as needed
• purple, green, and gold/yellow sparkling sugars