Easy King Cake is a semi-homemade version of the traditional Mardis Gras dessert, made with canned cinnamon rolls and colored sugar.
If you're a fan of Mardis Gras, then you've most likely heard of the famous King Cake. For those of you that aren't familiar, let me explain. Mardis Gras actually means Fat Tuesday in French and it's the day before Ash Wednesday when the Christian Lenten season of fasting begins. If you take part in Lent, then you will be "fasting" or giving up fatty foods until Easter. Mardis Gras is the last day to indulge in extravagant foods and many people like to enjoy King Cake. Especially in New Orleans.
I love making homemade yeast breads since baking is my passion, but I'm also a busy mom and sometimes (a lot of the time), I simply don't have the time. This Easy King Cake is a quick and simple version. But I promise, it is still just as tasty! My kids absolutely LOVE it and I've been making it this way for many years.
The secret to this recipe is that I used canned cinnamon rolls which includes the frosting. So there are actually just 2 ingredients when you add the colored sugar!
I used Pillsbury Flaky Cinnamon Rolls with Butter Cream Icing. Although this is not a sponsored post, it's important to use this kind, if you can find them because they are actually rolled cinnamon rolls. The other ones on the market are more like biscuits with cinnamon sugar topping and they won't work as well for this recipe.
This is how the cinnamon rolls looks when you first take them out of the package.
Then you will simply press them down, so they look more like flattened oval shapes.
Place the flattened cinnamon rolls on their sides in a circular pattern on a greased or silicone mat lined, large cookie sheet.
Here are silicone mats similar to the one I used on Amazon (affiliate):
And here's the type of pan I used (affiliate):
Bake according to package instructions. I baked mine at 375°F for about 12 minutes. Let it cool.
Note: Some people like to hide a little plastic Baby Jesus somewhere inside their King Cake. When I made this cake, I didn't have a baby to put inside. But if you do have one, then you can cut a little hole somewhere in the baked King Cake and stick the plastic baby inside. It's fun when you serve it to see who will get the Baby Jesus. There are different theories on the meaning of this. Some say the person who gets the baby will have good luck all year. I also read that, in New Orleans, it means that you will be the person to make the King Cake next year.
Frost with the butter cream icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls. Then add colored sugar in green, yellow and purple - the colors of Mardis Gras.
Slice and enjoy!
Isn't it pretty? I just love colorful, sweet foods!
Are you celebrating Mardis Gras this year? If so, I highly recommend this Easy King Cake! And if you want to add a baby, you can probably find one at your local craft store. You could also ask your grocery store bakery if they have one you could buy.
Does anyone know the meaning of the Baby Jesus in the King Cake? I would love to hear your thoughts. What does it mean if you get the baby in your slice of King Cake? Let me know in the comments and Happy Mardis Gras!
Easy King Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cans store-bought cinnamon rolls I used Pillsbury Flaky Cinnamon Rolls with Butter Cream Icing
- Yellow green and purple sugar
- 1 plastic toy baby if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place cinnamon rolls sideways on a large cookie sheet that has been greased or lined with a silicone mat. Arrange cinnamon rolls in a circular pattern. It should look like a flower when you're done. Press down on cinnamon rolls with your hand to flatten them slightly.
- Bake according to package instructions. Let cool.
- Frost with the buttercream that comes with the cinnamon rolls. Add yellow, green and purple sugar. Serve immediately or store covered for up to 24 hours at room temperature. It is best when eaten the first day.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Chellie Williams says
I made this for church the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. I didn't pass it off as homemade, but everybody thought it was. It was easy, and people gobbled it up! I hid a little Baby Jesus in it. So that, the person who finds it brings the King Cake next year. It definitely is a fun way to celebrate Mardi Gras.
Dottie says
Baby Jesus in a King Cake is because Jesus is King for Christians. Starts on Epiphany and goes to Ash Wednesday (start of Lent) Mardi Gras is day before. Will be serving this at church Sunday because I found Jesus at Epiphany.
Angela says
My son mentioned me last night his class is having a MardiGras party tomorrow and they are suppose to bring food 😱Thank you for this super easy recipe! What a life saver!
Carmen says
This looks great! Does anyone have a suggestion on where to buy one baby?
Becky says
I got a package of 6 at Wal-Mart in the party supply section for $1.47!!
Chris says
From Ohio and hosting Mardi Gras party for family. I'm trying this since nobody here sells King Cakes. It will do grandkids love cinnamon rolls anyway and they know nothing else. Great idea! Next year I'll buy cake while in Louisiana.
Lise Ode says
Have fun making Easy King Cake with your grandkids!
Marisa says
I ate it at church for Mardi Gras... I can't believe how buttery and delicious it was... WOW!
Mom Loves Baking says
Awesome! :-))
Kat says
Does not look real
Looks delicious
Getting the baby means you have to host the next party/bake the next king cake OR you will have good luck this year OR you will get pregnant soon OR you can put three babies of coins in and whoever gets those are the three kings.
Michelle Osburn says
Thank you for sharing this great recipe! It is perfect for a busy family who wants to enjoy this Mardi Gras tradition. I can’t wait to serve this tonight for dessert. Let the Good Times Roll! 😄
Will says
Thank you! I wanted to make a king cake for my office, but was not looking forward to making the yeast dough from scratch. This is a life & time saver all the way and no one from my office is familiar with what a "traditional" king cake is so I can totally get away with it.
Mom Loves Baking says
Thank you, Janine and Amanda! 🙂
Janine says
I love this! Easy as it states and for those of us with no time for authentic, a perfect solution. 🙂 Thanks Lise!
Nicole Sparkle says
This does not look like an authentic King Cake. Fail!!
Amanda says
Do you make King Cake from scratch? Do you live where Gambino's or Ambrosia are a few minutes away?
It's a pretty close approximation. Cool your jets. It tastes like a King Cake. That's the important part.
Jennifer says
AGREED, Amanda! I grew up in and around New Orleans, and normal people did not make King Cakes. They bought them at a bakery. So if you can make something close to a King Cake this easily and have it look this good, Hallelujah! (By the way, I went to college in Mobile, AL, the home of Mardi Gras, and we did NOT get out for Mardi Gras. I went home to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and played hooky.)
Jenn says
It’s a DOABLE king cake for this busy mom. Thanks for the recipe!
Amy says
I agree with Nicole. This is an attempt to say a tube of refrigerated cinnamon rolls baked in a ring is a king cake. I make the cakes from scratch each year. If you don’t have the time or interest to bake one, that’s fine. Just don’t call this a king cake. It’s just cinnamon rolls.
Vasu v says
Wow its so color full i think the taste will also be so nice and it will be so yummy
Beth Davidson says
Great way to make the cake! I blog about trying to host when I have no time, so I love any idea that I might actually be able to accomplish. We have friends down in New Orleans, but we're moving next weekend so no time for Mardi Gras this year. Definitely saving this recipe for next year though!
Leslie Anne Tarabella says
Happy Mardi Gras! Our schools are out next Monday and Tuesday for Mardi Gras—which originated in the United States in our lovely Mobile, Alabama! I'm on my way to a parade tonight as a matter of fact. The Baby represents Jesus (because Mardi Gras is all about leading up to Lent) and the tradition is, that whoever finds the baby in their slice of cake has to host the next party! I just bought a big bag of babies today and will send you some. Love your idea!
Olga Lopez says
Wow looks so yummy.
I am going to buy all the ingredients today so I can make it for my family.
Olga.