If you’re craving the festive, colorful delight of a New Orleans classic but want to skip the fuss, this Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe has your back. Using jumbo cinnamon rolls as the base, it transforms everyday ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that’s bursting with cinnamon flavor, creamy icing, and all the purple, green, and gold sparkle you want for Mardi Gras celebrations. Friendly, fast, and absolutely delicious, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion where you want a taste of that magical King Cake tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a few pantry staples come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a role: cinnamon rolls bring that soft, swirly sweetness; cream cheese adds a luscious tang to the icing; and sugar crystals deliver iconic Mardi Gras colors for a festive finish.
- 2 (17.5-ounce) cans jumbo cinnamon rolls with icing: These rolls are the foundation, providing that tender, cinnamon-packed texture and flavor that you love.
- 2 ounces cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blended into the icing makes it irresistibly creamy and rich, balancing the cinnamon’s warmth.
- Sugar crystals in purple, yellow, and green: The essential colorful decoration that brings Mardi Gras spirit alive on your cake.
How to Make Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s set perfectly for baking your king cake. Then, grab a Bundt or tube pan and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. This will help your cake release beautifully once it’s baked, keeping those intricate swirls intact.
Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Now, carefully pop open the cinnamon roll cans and remove their icing packets (save those for later!). Nestle the cinnamon rolls snugly into the bottom of your prepared pan. You might have to gently squeeze them together to fill the space, which creates that classic layered look once baked.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Bake your cinnamon rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re no longer gooey in the middle and have a beautiful golden-brown top. The aroma will start filling your kitchen, hinting at the indulgent treat waiting just moments away.
Step 4: Cool and Prepare the Icing Mixture
Once baked, turn your cake out onto a serving platter to cool. While it cools, mix together the two packets of cinnamon roll icing with the softened cream cheese. This creamy, tangy frosting will add that extra dimension of flavor and a perfect spreadable texture to your shortcut king cake.
Step 5: Frost and Add Colorful Sugar Coating
When the cake is completely cool to the touch, spread your cream cheese icing evenly on top. Finally, decorate the cake by generously sprinkling alternating bands of purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals. This step brings the vibrant Mardi Gras flair that makes this shortcut dessert so festive and fun to share.
How to Serve Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add an extra touch of flair beyond the sugar crystals, consider adding edible gold leaf or some chopped pecans for crunch. A few fresh berries on the side can also add a splash of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the cinnamon sweetness.
Side Dishes
This Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, spiced chai, or even a simple cup of hot cocoa. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or savory dishes like scrambled eggs or sausage to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a Mardi Gras party, place the cake on a colorful platter surrounded by festive beads and feathers to amp up the celebration vibe. You can also cut the cake into individual slices and top each with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of colored sugar for a charming, ready-to-eat presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature, and the cake actually tastes great even the next day once the flavors have melded.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the cake and freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil. When stored properly, your cake can last for up to a month in the freezer without losing its moistness or flavor.
Reheating
To revive the softness and warmth, gently heat slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm the whole cake in a low oven (about 300°F) covered with foil until just heated through. This will soften the cinnamon rolls and slightly melt the icing, making it feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular cinnamon rolls instead of jumbo?
Absolutely! While jumbo cinnamon rolls give you a thicker, more substantial cake, you can use regular cinnamon rolls and adjust the quantity to fill your pan. The baking time might vary slightly depending on the size.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can certainly experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and cinnamon roll options made without eggs or milk. Just be sure to check ingredient labels for compatibility with your dietary needs.
What if I don’t have a Bundt pan? Can I use a different pan?
A Bundt pan gives your cake that classic ring shape, but you can use a tube pan or even a springform pan if needed. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary and the shape won’t be exactly the same.
How do I keep the sugar crystals from melting after decorating?
Make sure your cake is completely cool and the icing has set slightly before sprinkling the sugar crystals. This helps them stay crisp and vibrant without melting into the icing.
Can I add the traditional baby figurine inside the cake?
Yes! To honor the Mardi Gras tradition, you can hide a small plastic baby figurine inside one of the cinnamon rolls before baking. Just remind guests to be cautious while eating to avoid biting into it unexpectedly.
Final Thoughts
This Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake Recipe brings the joy and color of Mardi Gras right into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s a fun way to celebrate the season or impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. I highly encourage you to give it a try and share the festive goodness with your loved ones because nothing says party like a homemade king cake ready in under an hour!
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
A quick and easy Shortcut Mardi Gras King Cake made with jumbo cinnamon rolls, cream cheese icing, and festive purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals. Perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras with minimal prep and delicious results.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (17.5-ounce) cans jumbo cinnamon rolls with icing (each tube has 5 rolls)
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Sugar crystals in purple, yellow, and green for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a Bundt or tube pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Cinnamon Rolls: Pop open the cinnamon roll tubes, remove the icing packets, and line the bottom of the prepared pan with the cinnamon rolls. You may need to gently squeeze the rolls into place to fit snugly.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls are cooked through and no longer gooey in the middle.
- Cool the Cake: Once baked, carefully turn the cake out onto a platter and allow it to cool completely before icing.
- Prepare Icing: Mix the two removed icing packets with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Decorate: Spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the cooled cake, then sprinkle with purple, yellow, and green sugar crystals in alternating colors to recreate the signature Mardi Gras look.
Notes
- If you prefer, use homemade cinnamon rolls for a fresher taste, but the shortcut recipe saves time.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before icing to prevent the icing from melting and sliding off.
- Use vibrant colored sugar crystals to make the cake visually festive.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For extra decadence, add chopped pecans on top of the icing before decorating with colored sugar.
