If you’re craving the festive flavors and joyful spirit of New Orleans but short on time, this Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe is your golden ticket. It captures all the colorful fun and sweet cinnamon goodness of a traditional king cake without the hours of baking and prepping dough. Using jumbo cinnamon rolls as a base, this cake dazzles with vibrant icing and sugary Mardi Gras colors, making it perfect for celebrations or whenever you want a slice of carnival magic at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and pack a delightful punch. Each component plays a key role: the cinnamon rolls provide that soft, sticky center you expect, the cream cheese adds a luscious tang to the icing, and the purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals bring that unmistakable Mardi Gras flair to your creation.
- 2 (17.5-ounce) cans jumbo cinnamon rolls with icing: The easiest way to create the base of your king cake, offering warm, gooey cinnamon swirls.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Adds richness and smoothness to the icing, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Sugar crystals in purple, yellow, and green: These vibrant sprinkles bring the festive Mardi Gras colors right to your dessert plate.
How to Make Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. It’s best to use a Bundt or tube pan for that classic king cake shape. Give your pan a good coating of non-stick cooking spray so the cake will release easily after baking.
Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Pop open the cinnamon roll tubes and carefully remove the icing packets. Place the cinnamon rolls snugly at the bottom of your prepared pan. They might need a little gentle nudging to fit just right, but don’t worry—the dough will puff nicely as it bakes.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown exterior and a texture that’s firm but still soft inside—no gooey dough left. That’s when you know it’s ready to come out.
Step 4: Cool and Flip
Once baked, carefully turn the cake out onto a platter to cool. This step is important so the icing doesn’t melt too soon when you spread it on.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While your king cake cools, mix together the two packets of icing you set aside earlier with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese. This creamy, tangy frosting is what elevates your cake from a simple cinnamon roll to a festive masterpiece.
Step 6: Ice and Decorate
Spread the cream cheese icing generously over the cake’s surface. Then, sprinkle the purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals in alternating patterns to mimic that joyful Mardi Gras tradition. The colors aren’t just for show—they bring the spirit and celebrate the season.
How to Serve Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe even more eye-catching, consider adding a few extra garnishes like edible gold leaf flakes or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or grapes can add a fresh contrast to all that sweetness. Just be sure to keep the classic sugar colors front and center for that authentic vibe.
Side Dishes
A king cake is often the star, but pairing it with the right sides can turn your gathering into a full Mardi Gras feast. Serve alongside a rich café au lait or hot coffee to balance the sugary cinnamon flavors. Fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait can also offer a refreshing counterpoint, keeping things bright and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
This recipe’s festive look is perfect for little twists. Try placing a hidden tiny baby figurine inside the cinnamon rolls before baking to honor the classic king cake tradition—that surprise delight will spark fun conversations. Alternatively, serve slices on colorful Mardi Gras-themed plates or trays, and maybe add beads or masks around your display to set a festive scene.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover shortcut king cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cinnamon rolls soft and the icing creamy without drying out or getting sticky.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead of time for a later celebration, wrap the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It will keep well in the freezer for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat leftover king cake slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for 5–7 minutes. This refreshes the gooey cinnamon rolls and softens the cream cheese icing beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized cinnamon rolls instead of jumbo?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the amount and possibly the baking time. Jumbo rolls help create that signature big-ring look and soft texture, which is ideal for this Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe.
Is it okay to skip the cream cheese in the icing?
Though the icing packets alone are sweet and tasty, adding cream cheese gives the frosting a tangy smoothness that complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly, making the cake much more special and balanced.
How should I store the cake if I want to eat it the next day?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature to retain freshness. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can dry out the rolls.
Can I make this gluten-free?
This recipe depends on store-bought cinnamon rolls, which typically contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, look for cinnamon rolls labeled gluten-free or consider making your own dough from scratch using gluten-free flour blends.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Absolutely! Kids will love the colors, sweetness, and fun of eating a king cake, especially if you hide a small figurine inside, which is a wonderful Mardi Gras tradition to share with the family.
Final Thoughts
There is something deeply satisfying about enjoying the festive charm of a king cake without the fuss, and this Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe delivers it in spades. Perfect for both Mardi Gras celebrations and any sweet craving, it’s a joyful way to bring a slice of New Orleans magic into your home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for fun, easy, and delicious festive treats.
Print
Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake recipe offers a quick and festive twist on the traditional Louisiana treat. Using canned jumbo cinnamon rolls and a cream cheese-enhanced icing, this cake is easy to assemble and bake in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute celebrations. Decorated with vibrant purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals, it brings the spirit and colors of Mardi Gras to your table with minimal effort.
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
- Icing from the 2 cinnamon roll tubes
- Sugar crystals in purple, yellow, and green for decoration
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a Bundt or tube pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Arrange Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cinnamon roll tubes and carefully remove the icing packets, setting them aside for later use. Place the cinnamon rolls into the bottom of the prepared pan, squeezing them in tightly to form a ring.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until the dough is fully cooked and the rolls are no longer gooey in the center.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a platter to release the cake and allow it to cool completely before icing.
- Prepare the Icing: While the cake cools, mix together the two packets of cinnamon roll icing with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Decorate the King Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top. Decorate the icing with alternating bands of purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals to capture the festive Mardi Gras colors.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the icing.
- You can substitute colored sugar crystals with colored sanding sugar or sprinkles if preferred.
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before icing to prevent the icing from melting.
- Use a Bundt or tube pan to create the traditional King Cake ring shape.
- This recipe serves 8, making it ideal for small gatherings or parties.
