If you’re looking for a festive treat that brings all the joy and flavor of Mardi Gras without the fuss, this Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine the sweet, cinnamon-spiced swirl of jumbo cinnamon rolls baked into the classic ring shape, then topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and colorful purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals that capture all the party vibes. It’s a celebration you can whip up in under an hour, perfect for sharing with friends and family or impressing guests with minimal effort but maximum charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe is how effortlessly the ingredients work together. Each one plays a small but essential role — from the soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls creating that irresistible base to the cream cheese icing adding a tangy richness, and finally, the festive sugar crystals bringing both color and crunch.
- 2 (17.5-ounce) cans jumbo cinnamon rolls with icing: These are the foundation of the cake, providing soft, cinnamon-spiced swirls that bake perfectly into a ring.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Adds a creamy tang that balances the sweetness and makes the icing extra luscious and spreadable.
- Sugar crystals in purple, yellow, and green: The iconic Mardi Gras colors that transform the cake into a festive centerpiece, adding a delightful crunch and sparkle.
How to Make Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, grab a Bundt or tube pan and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. This little step is crucial because it makes sure your king cake turns out perfectly shaped and comes out of the pan without any sticky mishaps.
Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Next, pop open both tubes of cinnamon rolls. Carefully remove the icing packets and set them aside — you’ll be jazzing those up shortly! Take the cinnamon rolls and line them snugly into the bottom of your prepared pan. You might have to gently squeeze a few to fit them in just right, but the cozy arrangement will bake into a beautiful ring that’s soft and gooey inside.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Into the oven it goes! Bake the rolls for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dough is fully cooked through and no longer gooey. You want the edges to be golden brown while keeping the inside tender and chewy — the perfect balance that makes this Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe such a hit.
Step 4: Cool and Prepare the Icing
Once baked, carefully turn the cake out onto a platter and let it cool while you mix up the icing. Combine the reserved icing packets with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese — this transforms the simple roll icing into a rich, tangy spread that’s absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
After the cake has cooled, generously spread the cream cheese icing all over the top. Then comes the fun part — sprinkling the purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals in alternating bands. The colors pop beautifully, giving your Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe that classic Mardi Gras flair and a festive crunch with every bite.
How to Serve Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this cake, consider adding a few fun garnishes. Fresh berries or edible gold leaf can add extra color and elegance. A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar can also enhance aroma and appearance without overpowering the traditional decorations.
Side Dishes
Pair your king cake with simple sides that complement its sweetness. A warm cup of coffee or spiced tea is perfect for breakfast or brunch. For larger gatherings, fresh fruit platters or even a citrusy salad can help balance the richness of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
This Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe looks stunning on a colorful serving platter or a tiered cake stand surrounded by Mardi Gras beads and masks. You can also cut the cake into individual slices and wrap them in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon for easy party favors or take-home treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
King cake is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake soft without drying out the icing or the cinnamon rolls underneath.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the baked cake before icing it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It should stay good for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices of the king cake gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) wrapped loosely in foil. Just be careful not to melt the sugar crystals too much or lose the festive crunch.
FAQs
Can I use regular cinnamon rolls instead of jumbo?
Yes, you can use regular cinnamon rolls, but you may need to adjust the quantity or the pan size. Jumbo rolls create a more substantial and dramatic king cake ring, which is part of what makes this recipe so quick and visually impressive.
What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
A tube pan or any deep round cake pan with a removable center will work well. The key is creating that classic ring shape for the king cake, so choose a pan that can mimic that look.
Can I make the icing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the cream cheese and icing a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just let it come to room temperature before spreading to make it easier to work with.
Is there a way to make the cake less sweet?
Reducing the sugar crystals or icing is one way. You can also try using a lighter cream cheese or a whipped cream cheese frosting to tone down the sweetness while keeping the festive feel.
How do I keep the sugar crystals from melting?
Apply the sugar crystals shortly after spreading the icing and serve soon after. Avoid covering the cake or refrigerating it with the sugar crystals on top if you want to maintain their crunchy texture and vibrant colors.
Final Thoughts
This Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves the festive spirit but wants to keep things simple in the kitchen. It captures the essence of Mardi Gras without hours of fuss, making it perfect for last-minute celebrations or whenever you want to bring a bit of New Orleans magic to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and make it your new go-to party treat!
Print
Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake is an easy and festive twist on the traditional New Orleans treat, made with jumbo cinnamon rolls, cream cheese icing, and colorful Mardi Gras sugar crystals. Perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 (17.5-ounce) cans jumbo cinnamon rolls with icing (each tube has 5 rolls)
Icing
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 packets of icing from cinnamon roll tubes
Decorations
- Sugar crystals in purple, yellow, and green, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a Bundt or tube pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy release of the cake.
- Arrange Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cinnamon roll tubes and carefully remove the icing packets to save for later. Place the cinnamon rolls tightly in the prepared pan, lining the bottom. You may need to gently squeeze the rolls to fit snugly without gaps.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cinnamon rolls are cooked through and no longer gooey in the center.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and carefully turn it out onto a serving platter. Allow it to cool completely to set before decorating.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Icing: While the cake cools, combine the two saved packets of cinnamon roll icing with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese in a bowl. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Decorate: Once the cake has cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese icing over the top. Immediately sprinkle the sugar crystals in alternating Mardi Gras colors of purple, yellow, and green to decorate the cake festively.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is completely cool before applying the cream cheese icing to prevent it from melting and sliding off.
- You can use a Bundt pan or any tube-shaped pan to achieve the traditional King Cake shape.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- For a stronger Mardi Gras flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese icing.
- Feel free to customize with additional toppings like chopped pecans or a drizzle of extra icing if desired.
