If you’re looking to celebrate Mardi Gras with a burst of flavor and color but without the fuss of complicated baking, this Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Louisiana treat using jumbo cinnamon rolls that makes the entire process quicker and more accessible, without sacrificing that iconic sweet cinnamon flavor wrapped in vibrant festive hues. Whether it’s your first time attempting a king cake or you’re a seasoned fan craving a speedy option, this recipe guarantees a showstopping centerpiece that is as joyous to eat as it is to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build those signature layers of sweetness, creaminess, and bright pops of Mardi Gras colors. These essentials come together quickly to help whip up a festive dessert that tastes homemade even when speed is key.
- 2 (17.5-ounce) cans jumbo cinnamon rolls with icing: The foundation of your king cake, these rolls bring that irresistible cinnamon swirl and soft texture.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Adds a smooth, tangy richness to the icing, elevating the cake’s glaze beyond ordinary sweetness.
- Sugar crystals in purple, yellow, and green: Classic Mardi Gras colors that provide just the right amount of sparkle and festive cheer.
How to Make Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. A good non-stick foundation is key for easy removal later, so spray your Bundt or tube pan generously with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures your cake will pop out perfectly to show off its gorgeous twisted shape.
Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Grab your jumbo cinnamon rolls and pop open each tube. Carefully remove the icing packets and set them aside for now. Place the rolls snugly at the bottom of your prepared pan—some friendly squeezing might be necessary to fill in all those lovely curves. This layering creates the traditional king cake ring in a flash.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into the oven and bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a thoroughly cooked center—say goodbye to gooey dough and hello to fluffy, perfectly baked rolls. The aroma alone will have everyone in the kitchen buzzing.
Step 4: Cool the Cake
Once baked, carefully turn the cake out onto a platter and let it cool completely. Cooling is crucial so that your luscious icing won’t melt off and will spread smoothly when the time comes.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Icing
While the cake cools, mix the icing packets from the cinnamon rolls with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese. This step transforms the original icing into something creamy, tangy, and just irresistible—perfect for that indulgent topping.
Step 6: Decorate with Festive Flair
Spread the cream cheese icing all over the cooled cake, taking care to cover every nook and cranny. Then sprinkle the sugar crystals in alternating sections of purple, yellow, and green, giving the cake that quintessential Mardi Gras sparkle and making it absolutely impossible to resist.
How to Serve Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, consider adding edible gold leaf accents or a few whole pecans around the edges. Fresh mint leaves can bring a subtle freshness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the king cake. These touches make your Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe shine even brighter on any celebration table.
Side Dishes
A Mardi Gras party deserves complementary delights, so serve your king cake alongside a rich cup of café au lait or hot chocolate. Fresh fruit like orange slices or berries adds a balance of brightness that contrasts the sweetness, keeping the palate fresh for every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by placing the cake on a decorative Mardi Gras-themed platter or elevated cake stand. You could even add a colorful party mask or beads nearby to heighten the festive vibe. For a fun twist, slice and serve in mini portions wrapped with a tiny ribbon matching the traditional colors—perfect as party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, tightly wrap the king cake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days, retaining that soft cinnamon roll texture and creamy icing that makes this Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe so comforting.
Freezing
Want to save some for a later celebration? Wrap the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and texture, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftover or thawed Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe fresh and warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This refreshes the gooey cinnamon rolls and softens the icing just right, making every bite taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use regular cinnamon rolls instead of jumbo size?
Absolutely! Regular cinnamon rolls will work just fine; just make sure to adjust the number to fill your pan adequately, and the baking time may vary slightly. The magic of this recipe is in its flexibility.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the icing?
While the original cinnamon roll icing is sweet, adding cream cheese transforms it into a richer, tangier glaze that complements the cinnamon and enhances the king cake’s signature flavor. It’s highly recommended to follow this tip for the best taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, with a few substitutions. Choose vegan jumbo cinnamon rolls or make your own and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Keep in mind that results may vary slightly in texture but will still be delicious.
What type of pan works best for this recipe?
A Bundt or tube pan is ideal as it creates the traditional king cake shape with the beautiful ring that everyone expects. If you don’t have one, a round cake pan can work but won’t have the same iconic look.
How do I find sugar crystals in Mardi Gras colors?
Many baking supply stores and online retailers carry purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals specifically for Mardi Gras. Look for them in the cake decorating aisle or specialty ingredient shops, especially around the season.
Final Thoughts
This Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves the festive spirit of Mardi Gras but wants to spend more time celebrating than baking. Its ease, bold flavors, and charming colors bring that carnival joy right into your kitchen. I promise once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for every Mardi Gras gathering, spreading the fun and sweetness with every bite!
Print
Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake recipe is a quick and festive twist on the traditional New Orleans treat, using jumbo cinnamon rolls to create a sweet, colorful dessert perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras. Cream cheese-infused icing and vibrant sugar crystals add a delicious, decorative touch in purple, yellow, and green.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 (17.5-ounce) cans jumbo cinnamon rolls with icing (each tube contains 5 rolls)
For the Icing
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 icing packets from cinnamon roll tubes
For Decoration
- Sugar crystals in purple, yellow, and green
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a Bundt or tube pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Arrange Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cinnamon roll tubes and carefully remove the icing packets and set them aside. Place the cinnamon rolls in the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing gently as needed to fit them snugly without overlapping.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer gooey in the center. The top should be golden brown.
- Cool and Remove from Pan: Once baked, carefully invert the cake onto a platter or serving dish and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing: While the cake cools, combine the two reserved icing packets from the cinnamon roll tubes with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Ice and Decorate: Spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate the top with alternating stripes or patterns using the purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals to capture the festive spirit of Mardi Gras.
Notes
- You can substitute regular cinnamon rolls, but jumbo rolls provide the best size and texture for this recipe.
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before icing to prevent the icing from melting.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese icing before spreading.
