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This easy King Cake recipe takes the hassle out of making the traditional Mardi Gras dessert while keeping all the festive flavors. Using store-bought cinnamon rolls means you can whip up this treat quickly, making it perfect for busy bakers or last-minute celebrations.
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Cuisine: American (Mardi Gras Tradition)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Easy & Beginner-Friendly – No need to make dough from scratch; this recipe uses store-bought cinnamon rolls for a simple yet delicious shortcut.
- Festive & Fun – The vibrant sugar colors make this cake a perfect centerpiece for any Mardi Gras celebration.
- Quick & Delicious – With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this rich, sweet treat ready in under an hour.
- Customizable – Want to make it even more traditional? Add a hidden baby figurine for an authentic King Cake experience!
Ingredients
- 2 (17.5-ounce) cans jumbo cinnamon rolls with icing – These premade rolls create the perfect soft, fluffy layers for the cake.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened – Adds a creamy tang to the icing for a richer flavor.
- Sugar crystals in purple, yellow, and green – These colors symbolize justice (purple), faith (green), and power (yellow), making the cake truly festive.
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Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously spray a Bundt or tube pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cinnamon roll tubes and remove the icing packets, setting them aside. Separate the rolls and arrange them in the bottom of the pan, pressing them together slightly to create a seamless layer. If necessary, gently stretch or adjust the rolls to ensure they fit evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If the rolls still seem too soft, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Cool & Invert the Cake
Remove the pan from the oven and let the cake rest for about 5 minutes. Carefully turn it out onto a serving platter by placing the platter on top of the pan and flipping them over together. If the cake sticks, gently run a knife around the edges to help release it. Let it cool completely before icing.
Step 5: Prepare the Icing
In a small bowl, mix the icing packets with the softened cream cheese until smooth and well combined. The cream cheese adds thickness and balances the sweetness of the icing. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a teaspoon of milk and stir until desired texture is reached.
Step 6: Decorate the Cake
Drizzle or spread the icing evenly over the cooled cake, letting it drip slightly down the sides for a classic King Cake look. Immediately sprinkle the sugar crystals over the icing in alternating sections of purple, yellow, and green to create the signature Mardi Gras design.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Slice and serve your King Cake as the highlight of your Mardi Gras festivities. For an extra festive touch, hide a small plastic baby figurine inside the cake before serving. The person who finds it is traditionally responsible for hosting the next celebration!
FAQs
Can I make this King Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Add the icing and sugar just before serving for the freshest taste.
What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
No problem! A round cake pan or even a springform pan will work—just arrange the cinnamon rolls in a circular pattern and bake as directed. The shape will be slightly different, but the flavor will be just as delicious.
