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 Mardi Gras or any festive occasion. This delightful dessert combines convenience with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy bakers who still want to impress. The vibrant colors of the sanding sugar add a fun touch, making this cake visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation – With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this festive cake ready in no time.
- Kid-Friendly – Kids love helping out with this easy recipe, especially when it comes to decorating with colorful sanding sugar.
- Rich Flavor – The combination of cinnamon rolls and sweet icing creates a moist, flavorful cake that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Dessert – Perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or family gatherings, this cake can be enjoyed year-round.
- Minimal Ingredients – Using just a few simple ingredients means you can whip this up without a trip to the store.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Easy King Cake, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure that you’re set up for success.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Bundt pan – This unique shape ensures even baking and creates an attractive presentation.
- Non-stick cooking spray – Prevents sticking, making it easier to remove your cake once it’s baked.
- Microwave – Quick heating of icing makes it easy to drizzle over your cake without clumping.
Ingredients
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.
For the Base
- 26 oz. cans of cinnamon rolls plus included icing
For the Topping
- 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 a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray. Remove cinnamon rolls from packaging and set aside the icing.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Drizzle about 1/3 of the melted butter into the bottom and sides of the bundt pan. Sprinkle with about a third of the brown sugar.
Step 3: Arrange Cinnamon Rolls
Use your hands to smash each cinnamon roll slightly so they spread bigger. Line half of the cinnamon rolls around the bundt pan.
Step 4: Add More Butter and Sugar
Drizzle with half of the remaining butter and sprinkle with half of the remaining brown sugar.
Step 5: Layer Remaining Rolls
Repeat smashing and layering with the remaining cinnamon rolls. Drizzle with the rest of the butter and sprinkle on the remaining brown sugar.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for about 30 minutes until browned and puffy. Allow cooling for about 5 minutes. Insert your baby or trinket once cooled by making a small hole in the cake.
Step 7: Invert Your Cake
Invert the cinnamon roll cake onto a cake plate or cooling rack and allow it to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare Icing
Heat the cinnamon roll icing in the microwave for just 5-10 seconds until it’s easy to spread.
Step 9: Decorate
Pour over your cooled cake and sprinkle generously with purple, yellow, and green sanding sugar.
With these simple steps, you can create an impressive Easy King Cake that’s sure to delight friends and family alike! Enjoy your baking adventure!
How to Serve Easy King Cake
Serving Easy King Cake is a delightful experience, perfect for celebrations like Mardi Gras or any festive gathering. The colorful icing and sweet flavors make it a hit with everyone. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your presentation.
For a Festive Brunch
- Serve slices of Easy King Cake alongside mimosas or coffee for an exciting brunch spread.
With Ice Cream
- Pair warm slices of the cake with vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures and textures.
On a Dessert Table
- Create a vibrant dessert table featuring Easy King Cake among other sweet treats, garnished with seasonal decorations.
As Party Favors
- Wrap individual pieces of the cake in clear bags tied with ribbons as fun party favors for guests to take home.
With Fresh Fruit
- Accompany slices of cake with fresh fruit like strawberries or oranges for a refreshing balance to the sweetness.
How to Perfect Easy King Cake
To make your Easy King Cake even better, consider these simple tips that can elevate your baking game.
- Use fresh cinnamon rolls: Ensure your cinnamon rolls are fresh for the best texture and flavor.
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding nuts or different colored sugars for a unique look and taste.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cake towards the end of baking; ovens vary, and you want it perfectly golden.
- Serve warm: This cake tastes best when served warm, so consider popping it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Add additional spices: A sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
- Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Easy King Cake
Pairing your Easy King Cake with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some tasty options:
- Savory Quiche: A rich quiche loaded with vegetables or cheese balances out the sweetness of the cake.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and complements the flavors in the cake.
- Spicy Sausage Links: The spiciness of sausage links contrasts nicely with the sweet icing on the king cake.
- Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses provides variety and pairs well with both sweet and savory elements.
- Cinnamon Sugar Muffins: For those who love cinnamon, these muffins echo the flavors found in the king cake itself.
- Coffee Cake: A classic coffee cake can serve as another sweet option that pairs wonderfully at brunch gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Easy King Cake, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
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Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. Skipping this step can lead to unevenly cooked cake.
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Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter is melted and at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the dough not to rise properly.
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Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cake while it bakes. Overbaking can dry it out, so check for doneness a few minutes early.
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Skipping the Icing: The icing adds sweetness and flavor. Don’t skip it; it’s essential for completing the dish.
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Ignoring the Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool before inverting it onto a plate. This helps maintain its shape and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy King Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy King Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat slices for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an Easy King Cake:
How do I make my Easy King Cake more festive?
You can add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the icing for a more vibrant look.
Can I customize my Easy King Cake filling?
Absolutely! Try adding cream cheese, fruit preserves, or nuts between the layers for different flavors.
What should I serve with Easy King Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it perfect for brunch or dessert after dinner.
How do I store leftover Easy King Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for up to four days.
Final Thoughts
This Easy King Cake is not only simple to make but also offers incredible versatility. You can easily customize it with different fillings or toppings based on your preferences. Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy its warm, comforting flavors during Mardi Gras or any festive occasion!
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 traditional Mardi Gras dessert. This quick recipe utilizes cinnamon rolls, making it accessible for busy bakers without sacrificing flavor or presentation. Topped with sweet vanilla icing and vibrant sanding sugar in classic Mardi Gras colors, this cake is sure to impress at any celebration. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a stunning centerpiece for brunch, parties, or family gatherings. Enjoy the rich flavors of cinnamon and sugar combined in this moist cake that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
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 the oven to 350°F and spray a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Drizzle about one-third of the melted butter into the bundt pan and sprinkle with one-third of the brown sugar.
- Smash each cinnamon roll slightly; arrange half around the bundt pan.
- Drizzle with half of the remaining butter and sprinkle half of the remaining brown sugar.
- Layer with the remaining cinnamon rolls, drizzling with the rest of the butter and brown sugar.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes until golden brown and puffy; let cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
- Microwave the icing for 5-10 seconds until spreadable, then pour over the cooled cake and decorate with sanding sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
