Easy King Cake
Don’t have time to make a traditional King Cake? My Easy King Cake recipe using cinnamon rolls as a base and topped with sweet vanilla icing is perfect for any occasion. This delightful dessert captures the spirit of Mardi Gras with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors. Whether you’re celebrating Fat Tuesday or simply want to enjoy a sweet treat, this easy version will impress your friends and family without the hassle of a lengthy preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for those busy days, taking only about 20 minutes of prep time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon rolls and sweet icing creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Festive Appearance: The colorful sanding sugar adds a fun and festive touch, making it ideal for celebrations.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will enjoy helping you make this cake, making it a great family activity.
- Versatile Treat: Serve it at parties, brunches, or just as a sweet snack at home.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Easy King Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Bundt pan
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Bundt pan: This is essential for creating the cake’s unique shape and holds all the delicious layers together.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents sticking, ensuring your cake comes out perfectly shaped.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients, especially when melting butter or mixing sugars.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 26 oz. cans of cinnamon rolls plus included icing
- 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
For Decoration
- Green, yellow, and purple sanding sugar
How to Make Easy King Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray your bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Drizzle about 1⁄3 of the melted butter into the bottom and sides of the bundt pan. Sprinkle approximately one-third of the brown sugar evenly over the butter.
Step 3: Arrange Cinnamon Rolls
Use your hands to gently flatten each cinnamon roll slightly so they spread out more. Line half of the cinnamon rolls around the bundt pan.
Step 4: Add More Butter and Sugar
Drizzle half of the remaining melted butter over this layer. Sprinkle with half of the remaining brown sugar for added sweetness.
Step 5: Repeat Layering
Repeat smashing and layering with the remaining cinnamon rolls in the same way. Drizzle with any leftover butter and sprinkle on the rest of the brown sugar.
Step 6: Bake It Up!
Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown and puffy. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before inserting your baby or trinket by making a small hole in the cake.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Invert your cinnamon roll cake onto a cooling rack or cake plate. Allow it to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare Icing
Heat up your cinnamon roll icing in the microwave for just 5-10 seconds so it’s easy to pour.
Step 9: Decorate Your Cake
Pour the heated icing over your cooled cake. Finish by sprinkling with purple, yellow, and green sanding sugar for that festive look!
How to Serve Easy King Cake
Serving your Easy King Cake can be a fun and festive experience, especially during celebrations like Mardi Gras. This cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a standout dessert for any gathering.
At a Mardi Gras Party
- Traditional Style: Serve the cake with colorful beads and masks for an authentic Mardi Gras feel.
- With Coffee: Pair slices with a hot cup of coffee to balance the sweetness.
As a Breakfast Treat
- Morning Delight: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a side of fruit for a delightful breakfast.
- With Cream Cheese: Spread some cream cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
For Family Gatherings
- Slice and Share: Cut into generous slices and encourage family to share their favorite memories associated with King Cake.
- Decorate Plates: Add edible glitter or sprinkles on serving plates for a festive touch.
As an Afternoon Snack
- Light Refreshments: Offer small pieces with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing afternoon treat.
- Cheese Pairing: Try serving alongside mild cheeses to contrast the sweetness.
On Special Occasions
- Birthday Celebrations: Use as a birthday cake alternative, especially for those who love cinnamon flavors.
- Gift Idea: Wrap individual servings in clear bags as sweet gifts for neighbors or friends.
How to Perfect Easy King Cake
To ensure your Easy King Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Cinnamon Rolls: Always check expiration dates on your cinnamon rolls. Fresh ones yield better results.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cake while it’s baking. Overbaking can make it dry and tough.
- Cool Before Icing: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding icing. This helps the icing spread evenly without melting away.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits on top of the icing for added texture and flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness; it can last up to three days at room temperature.
Best Side Dishes for Easy King Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Easy King Cake can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche provides a savory counterpoint that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Crispy Bacon Strips: The salty crunch of bacon pairs well with the soft sweetness of the cake.
- Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes a tasty, healthful addition.
- Spiced Nuts: Serve warm spiced nuts as a crunchy snack alongside slices of king cake.
- Herbed Scones: Lightly herbed scones offer a delightful contrast in flavor and texture when served together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home bakers encounter issues when making this Easy King Cake. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Skipping the Preheating: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat to ensure consistent temperature.
- Ignoring the Bundt Pan Prep: Failing to properly grease the bundt pan may cause your cake to stick. Use non-stick spray generously.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Packing too many cinnamon rolls in can prevent even cooking. Layer them as suggested for optimal results.
- Rushing Cooling Time: Inverting the cake too soon can break it apart. Allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes before inverting.
- Using Cold Icing: Cold icing can be hard to spread. Warm it slightly before pouring for a smooth finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Place wax paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Easy King Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Easy King Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat a slice for 15-20 seconds on medium power for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this Easy King Cake that might help you.
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
You can certainly use homemade cinnamon rolls, but store-bought ones save time and keep this recipe easy!
What is the best way to decorate my Easy King Cake?
Use colorful sanding sugars like purple, yellow, and green on top of your icing for a festive look.
How do I know when my Easy King Cake is done?
The cake should be browned and puffy, filling most of the bundt pan, usually around 30 minutes of baking time.
Can I add fillings or toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips or cream cheese filling within the layers of cinnamon rolls.
Final Thoughts
This Easy King Cake is a delightful twist on a classic treat that’s perfect for any celebration. Its simple preparation makes it accessible while allowing room for creativity with fillings and toppings. Give it a try—you’ll love how customizable it is!
Easy King Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with this Easy King Cake, a delightful twist on the classic treat that combines the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls with a sweet vanilla icing. Perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or any gathering, this quick recipe takes just 20 minutes of prep time and is guaranteed to impress your friends and family without the fuss of traditional baking. The vibrant colors of sanding sugar add a joyful touch, making it an eye-catching centerpiece. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or an afternoon snack, this Easy King Cake is family-friendly and a fun way to create lasting memories in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 26 oz. cans of cinnamon rolls (including icing)
- 1/4 cup salted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- Green, yellow, and purple sanding sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour about one-third of the melted butter into the bottom of the pan and sprinkle one-third of the brown sugar over it.
- Flatten half of the cinnamon rolls slightly and arrange them around the bundt pan.
- Drizzle half of the remaining butter over this layer and sprinkle half of the remaining brown sugar on top.
- Repeat layering with the rest of the cinnamon rolls, finishing with leftover butter and brown sugar.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool for five minutes before inverting onto a rack.
- Warm icing in the microwave for easy pouring and drizzle over cake; finish by sprinkling with sanding sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
