If you’re craving the vibrant, festive flavors of New Orleans but short on time, this Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe is the perfect way to celebrate. Bursting with sweet cinnamon goodness wrapped in a soft, pillowy dough, then topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze and sparkling sugar crystals in the traditional Mardi Gras colors, it captures all the joy and tradition without the fuss. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, this cake brings the spirit of Mardi Gras right to your kitchen in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll create a show-stopping dessert that balances softness, sweetness, and the iconic festive look that makes king cake so special. Each ingredient plays its part, from the cinnamon rolls that form the base, to the cream cheese frosting adding just the right tang and creaminess, all topped off with colorful sugar crystals that celebrate Mardi Gras in style.
- 2 cans jumbo cinnamon rolls with icing: These provide the perfect fluffy, cinnamon-spiced foundation and save you hours of dough prep.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Adds richness and a smooth tang to the glaze, making it irresistible.
- Sugar crystals in purple, yellow, and green: These vibrant colors are traditional Mardi Gras hues that add festive sparkle and crunch.
How to Make Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Getting the oven ready at 350°F is key to ensuring your king cake bakes evenly. A Bundt or tube pan works wonders here, giving the cake its classic ring shape. Don’t forget to spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticky surprises when you remove the cake.
Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Open each tube of jumbo cinnamon rolls and carefully remove the icing packets—save those for later! Press the rolls tightly into the pan’s bottom. It’s okay if you need to snug them in a bit; they’ll expand as they bake into one glorious swirl of cinnamon goodness.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden exterior and a center that’s fully baked but still tender—not gooey anymore. The aroma filling your kitchen will make it hard to wait!
Step 4: Cool and Invert
Once baked, allow the cake to cool just enough to handle, then carefully turn it out onto a serving platter. This will show off the beautiful ring shape that’s iconic to Mardi Gras celebrations.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
While the cake cools, mix the two packets of the cinnamon roll icing with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese. This combination transforms standard icing into a rich, velvety glaze that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon rolls.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate with Mardi Gras Colors
Spread the cream cheese glaze generously over the cake, making sure to cover it evenly. Then, sprinkle the purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals in alternating sections to create that unmistakable Mardi Gras flair. This finishing touch makes the Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your king cake even more, consider adding a few festive touches like edible gold leaf or a few small Mardi Gras beads around the serving platter. Fresh mint sprigs can also add a pop of green that complements the sugar colors beautifully. These little details make the presentation truly party-ready.
Side Dishes
This cake shines as a sweet centerpiece but pairs wonderfully with brunch items like scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or even a bold coffee blend. The rich, cinnamon sweetness contrasts nicely with savory flavors and helps create a balanced Mardi Gras meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve individual slices with miniature colorful flags or place small plastic baby figurines inside the ring before baking, as tradition suggests. You can also drizzle extra glaze and scatter sugar crystals on plates for an extra festive touch that invites everyone to join in the fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the king cake soft and fresh, though you’ll want to consume it relatively quickly since cinnamon rolls can dry out over time.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked king cake wrapped well in plastic wrap and then foil for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. For best results, wait to add the cream cheese glaze and sugar crystals until after thawing to maintain that fresh-frosted appeal.
Reheating
Gently warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven at low heat to revive that soft, gooey texture. Avoid overheating which can dry out the cake or melt the sugar crystals.
FAQs
Can I use regular cinnamon rolls instead of jumbo ones?
Absolutely! Just adjust the quantity to fit your pan size and expect a slightly different ring size. The smaller rolls might need a bit less baking time, so keep an eye on them.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free version and use a vegan margarine-based icing. Just check that the cinnamon rolls you buy are also free of dairy ingredients.
Can I add my own filling to the cake?
Yes! For a fun twist, place dollops of fruit preserves or cream cheese in between the cinnamon rolls before baking. This adds flavor surprises when you slice into it.
Why are the sugar crystals purple, yellow, and green?
These colors are traditional Mardi Gras hues symbolizing justice (purple), power (green), and faith (gold/yellow). Decorating with them honors the vibrant culture and history behind the king cake tradition.
How long should I bake the cinnamon rolls if my oven runs hot?
If your oven tends to be on the warmer side, start checking around 20 minutes to avoid burning. The goal is a golden brown exterior and fully set dough, so use visual cues and a toothpick test for doneness.
Final Thoughts
This Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe makes celebrating the joy and tradition of Mardi Gras so easy and delightful. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring a taste of New Orleans into your home that’s both festive and delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this special cake with your friends and family—let the good times roll!
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, Cajun
Description
This Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake is an easy and festive twist on the traditional New Orleans dessert. Using store-bought jumbo cinnamon rolls and a creamy homemade icing blend, this cake comes together quickly and is perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras with vibrant purple, green, and yellow sugar decorations. Its soft, cinnamon-spiced layers paired with the rich cream cheese icing deliver a deliciously sweet and colorful treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (17.5-ounce) cans jumbo cinnamon rolls with icing (each tube contains 5 rolls)
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Sugar crystals in purple, yellow, and green, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a Bundt or tube pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cinnamon roll tubes and carefully remove the included icing packets for later use. Arrange the rolls snugly in the bottom of the prepared pan, slightly squeezing them in if necessary to fill the space evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through and no longer gooey in the center.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and carefully invert it onto a platter. Allow it to cool completely before icing to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Prepare the Icing: While the cake cools, combine the two icing packets from the cinnamon roll cans with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Frost and Decorate: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese icing mixture evenly over the cake surface. Decorate the top with alternating stripes or patterns of purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals to celebrate Mardi Gras colors.
Notes
- You can substitute cream cheese icing with plain cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar if you want a different texture.
- If you like, hide a small plastic baby figurine inside the cake for a traditional Mardi Gras surprise.
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before icing to avoid melting the frosting and losing decorations.
- Use Bundt pans or tube pans of similar size to ensure even cooking of the cinnamon rolls.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the icing before spreading.
