If you’ve ever wanted to capture the festive spirit of Mardi Gras with a treat that’s as fun and flavorful as the celebration itself, this Easy King Cake Recipe is the answer you’re looking for. Taking classic cinnamon rolls and transforming them into a colorful, soft, sticky, and sweet ring, this recipe brings all the joy and tradition of New Orleans right to your kitchen with minimal fuss and spectacular results. Whether you’re new to King Cake or looking for a quicker twist on a beloved classic, this recipe makes it simple to create a stunning centerpiece dessert bursting with cinnamon goodness and crowned with vibrant Mardi Gras colors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy King Cake Recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward by using just a handful of pantry staples, each playing a vital role in building that signature tender, sweet, and festive dessert you’ll love.
- 26 oz. cans of cinnamon rolls plus included icing: These are the heart of the cake, providing that soft, fluffy, and cinnamon-swirled base without starting from scratch.
- 1/4 cup salted butter (melted): Butter adds luscious richness and helps caramelize the brown sugar to give the cake a delectable gooey finish.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar: Brown sugar brings a deep molasses flavor that complements the cinnamon and caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- Green, yellow, and purple sanding sugar: These vibrant sugars add the festive colors essential for an authentic King Cake look and a lightly crunchy texture on top.
How to Make Easy King Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously spraying a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your cake comes out easily after baking. Open the cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside for later. Having everything ready makes the layering process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Butter and Brown Sugar Base
Drizzle about one-third of the melted butter along the bottom and sides of the bundt pan, followed by a sprinkle of a third of the brown sugar. This layering at the base helps create that irresistible caramelized crust you’ll want to savor with every bite.
Step 3: Smash and Arrange Half the Cinnamon Rolls
Using your hands, gently press each cinnamon roll so it expands slightly, allowing for better coverage in the pan. Arrange half of the rolls around the bundt pan, forming a solid base layer that will rise beautifully when baked.
Step 4: Add More Butter and Brown Sugar
Now, drizzle half of the remaining melted butter over the cinnamon rolls and sprinkle half of the remaining brown sugar on top. This second layer of butter and sugar ensures every part of the cake has that sticky, sweet flavor we adore.
Step 5: Layer Remaining Rolls and Sugar
Repeat the smashing and layering process with the rest of the cinnamon rolls. Finish with the remaining butter and brown sugar drizzled and sprinkled over the top for a golden, glossy finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection and Add the Secret Baby
Bake your cake for about 30 minutes until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown, filling the bundt pan beautifully. After cooling for five minutes, create a small hole and insert your baby figurine or trinket—the fun Mardi Gras tradition that adds excitement to every slice!
Step 7: Cool and Invert
Carefully invert your cake onto a plate or cooling rack to let it cool completely. This step helps the cake set perfectly while showcasing that gorgeous ring shape.
Step 8: Ice and Decorate
Warm the cinnamon roll icing for just 5 to 10 seconds in the microwave so it’s easy to pour and spread over the cake. Finish by sprinkling the purple, yellow, and green sanding sugar liberally on top to complete your festive masterpiece.
How to Serve Easy King Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The traditional sanding sugars in Mardi Gras colors make this cake pop with eye-catching appeal. For extra flair, you can add fresh edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A light drizzle of homemade glaze can add a personalized touch if you want to jazz it up even more.
Side Dishes
Easy King Cake is wonderfully sweet on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or spiced chai. For a brunch gathering, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or savory bites like cheese and charcuterie to balance the sweetness with some freshness and variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cake on a bright platter that complements the Mardi Gras colors for extra festivity. You can also decorate your serving table with beads and candles. For a crowd, cutting individual slices and placing each on a colorful napkin invites your guests to enjoy their own slice of tradition and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Easy King Cake Recipe is cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for a day or two, maintaining softness and that perfect cinnamon flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze it for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving to preserve its soft, fresh-baked texture.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. This will refresh the cinnamon rolls’ softness and make the icing slightly melty again, just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this Easy King Cake Recipe uses canned cinnamon rolls for convenience, swapping in your favorite homemade version will definitely add a personalized touch and can be even more delicious.
What is the significance of the baby in King Cake?
The baby figurine symbolizes luck and prosperity. Whoever finds it in their slice is traditionally expected to host the next King Cake party or bring the next cake, adding a fun tradition to the celebration.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan or dairy-free twist, look for plant-based cinnamon rolls and substitute butter with a vegan alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly, but it’s still a festive treat!
Why is sanding sugar used instead of regular sugar?
Sanding sugar adds a decorative sparkle and a slight crunch that regular granulated sugar does not. The bright Mardi Gras colors help make the cake visually vibrant and festive.
How long can this cake sit out before it goes bad?
This cake is best enjoyed within two days at room temperature. Beyond that, it might start to dry out, so storing it properly or refrigerating leftovers is recommended to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy King Cake Recipe is the perfect way to bring a slice of Mardi Gras celebration into your home without the fuss. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for bakers of any skill level, while the festive colors and sweet flavors create an unforgettable centerpiece everyone will enjoy. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this joyous tradition with your friends and family!
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Easy King Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy King Cake recipe transforms store-bought cinnamon rolls into a festive, colorful treat perfect for Mardi Gras or any celebration. Layered with brown sugar and butter in a bundt pan, baked until golden and puffy, then topped with icing and vibrant sanding sugars, this cake offers a quick and delicious twist on the traditional King Cake.
Ingredients
King Cake Base
- 2 (16 oz) cans cinnamon rolls with icing
- 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
Decorations
- Green sanding sugar
- Yellow sanding sugar
- Purple sanding sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a bundt pan generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the cake.
- First Layer of Butter and Sugar: Drizzle about one third of the melted butter evenly across the bottom and sides of the bundt pan, then sprinkle approximately one third of the light brown sugar over the buttered surface.
- Prepare and Layer Cinnamon Rolls: Using your hands, gently smash each cinnamon roll to a slightly larger size. Arrange half of the cinnamon rolls evenly around the bundt pan to form the first layer.
- Add Second Layer of Butter and Sugar: Drizzle half of the remaining melted butter over the first layer of cinnamon rolls, then sprinkle half of the remaining brown sugar on top.
- Second Layer of Cinnamon Rolls: Repeat the smashing and layer the remaining cinnamon rolls on top of the brown sugar. Drizzle the rest of the melted butter and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar evenly over the top.
- Bake the Cake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown, puffy, and have mostly filled the bundt pan. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Add the Baby or Trinket (Optional): When the cake is cool enough to handle, use a small tool or your finger to create a hole in the cake, then insert the hidden baby or trinket if desired.
- Invert and Cool Completely: Carefully invert the cinnamon roll cake onto a serving plate or cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before adding the icing.
- Warm the Icing and Decorate: Microwave the cinnamon roll icing for 5 to 10 seconds, just until it softens and is easy to spread. Pour the icing evenly over the cooled cake.
- Apply Colored Sugars: Sprinkle green, yellow, and purple sanding sugars over the icing while it is still wet to create the signature Mardi Gras colors.
Notes
- You can add a small plastic baby or trinket inside the cake after baking to stay true to the traditional King Cake custom.
- If you prefer, substitute colored sanding sugars with finely chopped nuts or edible glitter for decoration.
- Make sure the cake is cooled completely before applying icing to avoid it melting off.
- Using fresh cinnamon rolls is possible but may affect baking time slightly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
