Easy King Cake Recipe With Cinnamon Rolls Made Simple

Originally posted on October 25, 2022 @ 7:25 am

The vibrant tradition of Mardi Gras isn’t complete without a delicious King Cake, and this easy king cake recipe with cinnamon rolls is a game-changer for anyone who loves quick, fuss-free baking. Instead of making dough from scratch, this recipe uses store-bought cinnamon rolls as the base, making it perfect for busy bakers or those new to King Cake.

You’ll get all the iconic flavors—the cinnamon sugar swirls, the colorful icing, and the festive sprinkles—without the long prep time.

This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly fun to make with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just craving a sweet, cinnamon-spiced treat, this King Cake is sure to become a favorite.

Plus, with the traditional baby hidden inside, it brings a little extra excitement to any gathering! Get ready to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This King Cake recipe stands out for its simplicity and speed. Using canned cinnamon rolls means you skip the hours-long rising and kneading process.

It’s perfect for last-minute celebrations or when you want a festive dessert without a big time commitment.

The combination of warm cinnamon, sweet icing, and bright Mardi Gras colors creates a beautiful centerpiece that tastes amazing. You also get the joy of the tradition by hiding a small figurine or bean inside the cake, which is a fun surprise for whoever finds it.

Best of all, this recipe is flexible! You can customize it with different fillings, toppings, or even add cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent touch.

It’s an approachable way to bring the spirit of Mardi Gras into your home.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (8 count each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup colored sugar sprinkles (purple, green, and gold)
• Optional: plastic baby or dried bean for hiding inside
• Additional icing for drizzling (use the icing from cinnamon rolls or homemade)

Equipment

• Large baking sheet or round cake pan
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Small bowl for melted butter
• Spoon or pastry brush for butter
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or grease your cake pan.
2. Unroll the cinnamon rolls from each can and gently separate them.
3. Form the King Cake shape: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a large circle or oval, overlapping the rolls slightly to create one continuous ring.
4. Optional step: Carefully tuck the plastic baby or dried bean inside one of the cinnamon rolls before placing it in the ring. Make sure it’s well hidden!
5. Brush the entire ring generously with melted butter to ensure a golden, rich crust.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove from oven and let the King Cake cool for about 10 minutes on a cooling rack.
8. Drizzle the icing over the warm cake. You can use the icing provided with the cinnamon rolls or make your own for extra flavor.
9. Sprinkle the colored sugars in the traditional Mardi Gras colors—purple, green, and gold—over the icing while it’s still wet.
10. Let the icing set slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Tip: If you want a richer cake, add a layer of cream cheese frosting inside the ring before baking. It adds a delightful tang and complements the cinnamon perfectly.

You can also experiment by adding chopped pecans or raisins inside the ring for a bit of crunch and texture.

For a vegan version, consider using vegan cinnamon rolls available in many stores and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This King Cake is best served warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat.

It also makes a festive dessert for Mardi Gras parties or any celebration where you want to bring a little New Orleans flair.

For a fun twist, serve slices alongside fresh fruit or a light fruit compote to balance the sweetness. If you want to make it extra indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

This easy king cake recipe with cinnamon rolls brings together the best of convenience and tradition. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the spirit of Mardi Gras without spending hours in the kitchen.

The rich cinnamon flavor combined with the colorful sugary topping is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re baking for a festive party or a simple family breakfast, this King Cake delivers on taste and visual appeal. Plus, hiding the baby inside adds a charming touch of surprise and tradition that everyone will love.

Give it a try this season, and don’t forget to check out other easy and delicious recipes like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, and Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious for more culinary inspiration.

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