Cinnamon Roll King Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Cinnamon Roll King Cake is a fun and festive twist on a classic Mardi Gras treat. Using jumbo cinnamon rolls as the base makes it quick and easy to assemble while still delivering that sweet, cinnamon flavor everyone loves. Colorful frosting adds a vibrant, celebratory touch perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 tubes (17.5 oz each) jumbo cinnamon rolls
- 1 tub (16 oz) white frosting
- Green, yellow, and violet color gels (such as Wilton Leaf Green, Golden Yellow, and Violet)
- Baby doll figurine (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Press the cinnamon rolls firmly into a baking pan, squeezing them together to keep them level and preventing them from popping up. Use your palms to flatten them evenly.
- Step 2: If desired, place a baby doll figurine inside the cake for a traditional King Cake surprise.
- Step 3: Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until the cake is golden brown. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a flat surface and allow it to cool completely before frosting.
- Step 4: Divide the white frosting into three separate bowls. Add green, yellow, and violet color gels to each bowl to tint the frosting accordingly.
- Step 5: Place each colored frosting into a resealable plastic bag without sealing, then microwave all three bags together for 15 seconds. Seal each bag, knead to mix the color, and snip a small tip off one corner for piping.
- Step 6: Drizzle the three colors of frosting onto the cooled cake. If the frosting thickens, reheat the bags briefly to soften before continuing.
- Step 7: Allow the frosting to set and thicken, then serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For an authentic King Cake, hide a small baby figurine inside the cake; whoever finds it gets good luck or hosts the next party.
- If you don’t have color gels, use food coloring or skip coloring for a simple white-frosted cake.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or cinnamon sugar over the frosting before it sets.
- Use a round or bundt pan for a classic King Cake shape instead of a baking dish.
Storage
Store leftover cinnamon roll King Cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the frosting and warm the cake.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls can be used if you prefer a completely from-scratch cake. Just arrange the unbaked rolls in the pan and adjust baking time as needed.
What if I don’t have a baby doll figurine?
You can omit the figurine if you don’t have one. The cake will still taste delicious and make a lovely centerpiece. Alternatively, use a small, food-safe token or charm.
PrintCinnamon Roll King Cake Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll King Cake puts a fun twist on the traditional Mardi Gras treat by using jumbo cinnamon rolls as the base. Decorated with colorful swirls of green, yellow, and violet frosting, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for celebrations and comes with the classic hidden baby doll figurine tradition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tubes (17.5 oz each) jumbo cinnamon rolls
Frosting and Decoration
- 1 tub (16 oz) white frosting
- Green color gel (Wilton Leaf Green)
- Yellow color gel (Wilton Golden Yellow)
- Violet color gel (Wilton Violet)
- 1 baby doll figurine (for King Cake tradition)
Instructions
- Prepare the cinnamon rolls: Press the cinnamon rolls firmly into a baking pan, making sure to squeeze them together so they don’t pop up. Use your palms to flatten the rolls evenly while keeping them level in the pan.
- Insert the baby doll figurine: Place the baby doll figurine inside the cake by gently tucking it between the cinnamon rolls at this stage to preserve the traditional King Cake surprise.
- Bake the cake: Bake the assembled cinnamon rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until the rolls are golden brown. Once done, allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
- Cool and invert: After the initial cooling, invert the pan onto a flat surface to release the cake and let it cool completely before adding the frosting.
- Prepare the colored frosting: Divide the white frosting evenly into three separate bowls. Tint each bowl with one of the green, yellow, or violet color gels. Transfer each colored frosting into individual resealable plastic bags, but do not seal them yet.
- Warm and smooth frosting: Microwave the bags containing frosting for 15 seconds to soften. Then seal the bags, knead the frosting gently to mix, and snip a small tip off each bag for piping.
- Decorate the cake: Drizzle the colored frostings over the cooled cake in swirls or stripes for a festive look. If the frosting thickens as it sits, reheat briefly to restore perfect drizzle consistency.
- Set and serve: Allow the frosting to set and thicken slightly before slicing and serving your colorful Cinnamon Roll King Cake.
Notes
- Ensure the baby doll figurine is clean and food-safe before inserting into the cake.
- The cake is best enjoyed the day it is made for optimal freshness.
- You can substitute jumbo cinnamon rolls with regular-size ones and adjust baking time accordingly.
- For easier decorating, use disposable piping bags for the frosting.
- If you prefer, you can add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness.
Keywords: King Cake, Cinnamon Rolls, Mardi Gras, Holiday Dessert, Festive Cake, Colored Frosting
