INTRODUCTION
Easy King Cake is a quick and fun take on a classic Mardi Gras treat. This version uses ready-made cinnamon rolls to save time. You still get the sweet dough, the cinnamon swirl, and the colorful sugar on top. The cake looks festive and tastes warm and soft. It is perfect for a party or a simple family breakfast.
This simple cake is a great way to bring color and cheer to your table. It pairs well with coffee and juice. If you like quick sweet breads and easy desserts, you may enjoy the feel and taste of this dish and similar simple sweets like blueberry cheesecake cookies that also use easy-to-find ingredients.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for many reasons. It is fast to make. You do not need to mix dough or wait for it to rise. The cinnamon rolls do most of the work. The cake is soft and sweet. The icing is simple and smooth. The colored sugar makes it bright and fun.
This cake is also forgiving. You can shape it into a ring, a braid, or a twist. Each shape will bake well. Kids can help make it. They can sprinkle the purple, green, and yellow sugar. This makes the cake a family activity as well as a treat. If you like quick holiday sweets, you might also like the easy and fruity flavors in caramel apple cheesecake bars.
HOW TO MAKE Easy King Cake
This recipe is simple and direct. You use two cans of cinnamon rolls as the base. You form them into a festive shape. Then you bake and decorate. The steps are few and clear. You can read them and start right away.
Work on a clean surface. Open the cinnamon roll cans and roll each piece flat. Join the ends to form a ring or braid. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet. Bake until the dough is golden. Mix the icing with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Let the cake cool a little, then pour the icing over it. Finish with the colored sugar in purple, green, and yellow for a true King Cake look. For a light and airy dessert after this rich cake, you can try a simple sponge-like choice like chocolate angel food cake.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Baking sheet or round baking pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Small mixing bowl for the icing
- Spoon or whisk for the icing
- Measuring spoons and cup
- Cooling rack (optional)
- Knife or kitchen scissors to open the cinnamon roll tubes
These items are common in most kitchens. You do not need special tools. A plain baking sheet and a bowl will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
2 cans of cinnamon rolls, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Colored sugar (purple, green, yellow)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the cinnamon roll packaging.
- Roll out the cinnamon rolls and form a braid or shape them into a ring.
- Bake according to package instructions until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create the icing.
- Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the icing over the top.
- Sprinkle colored sugar on top to decorate.
- Serve and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Easy King Cake
Serve the Easy King Cake warm or at room temperature. Warm cake feels soft and fresh. Cut the cake into wedges if it is a ring. If you made a braid, slice it into long pieces. The icing will be soft at first. Let it set a little so it does not drip too much.
Serve with coffee, tea, or milk. The sweet icing and cinnamon pair well with a bitter or hot drink. You can also serve small plates of fruit on the side. If you want a more dessert-like table, add whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For other sweet party treats that pair well, try the easy shareable texture of a chocolate chip cookie cake.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy King Cake
To store the cake, let it cool fully and then cover it. Use plastic wrap or a cake box. Keep at room temperature for up to two days. You can also keep it in the fridge for up to five days. The icing may soften in the fridge. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Refresh the icing if needed by whipping a few drops of milk into powdered sugar and adding a small spoon of vanilla.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with hot coffee for a warm morning treat.
- Add fresh berries on the side to cut the sweetness.
- Pair with light milk or orange juice for kids.
- Offer small cups of fruit compote or apple slices.
- Serve with a pot of tea for a calm, simple gathering.
These serving ideas keep the cake central while adding balance. The colored sugar and icing make it look like a special holiday item. You can use paper plates or a nice platter depending on the event.
VARIATIONS
You can change a few things to make this cake your own. Try these simple changes:
- Add a small layer of jam inside the ring before baking for a fruity touch.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the icing for crunch.
- Use cream cheese icing instead of the simple glaze for a tangy flavor.
- Add a tiny amount of citrus zest to the icing for brightness.
- Replace colored sugar with sprinkles for a different look.
Keep the core method the same and try one change at a time. This will help you see what you like best.
FAQs
Q: How long does the Easy King Cake take to make?
A: It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and the bake time on the cinnamon roll package. Total time is usually under 45 minutes.
Q: Can I use homemade dough instead of canned rolls?
A: Yes. You can use your own sweet dough. Bake times may change. Watch for golden color to know when it is done.
Q: How do I make the icing thicker or thinner?
A: Add more powdered sugar to make it thicker. Add small drops of milk to thin it. Stir until you reach the texture you want.
Q: Can I add a filling like cream cheese?
A: Yes. Mix softened cream cheese with a bit of powdered sugar and spread it on the rolls before shaping. Bake as usual.
Q: Will the colored sugar melt in the oven?
A: It is best to add the colored sugar after baking. Add it on top of the icing so the colors stay bright.
Q: Can I make single-serve King Cakes?
A: Yes. Shape each cinnamon roll into small rings before baking. Decorate after they cool.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy King Cake
You can prepare parts of this cake ahead of time. Shape the cinnamon rolls and place them on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to one day. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed. Make the icing ahead and keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm it slightly and stir before using.
If you want to serve the cake warm, reheat slices in the oven at low heat for a few minutes. Do not overheat, or the icing will melt too much. For a party, bake the cake in the morning and add the icing and sugar just before guests arrive. This keeps it fresh and bright.
Easy King Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the cinnamon roll packaging.
- Roll out the cinnamon rolls and form a braid or shape them into a ring.
- Bake according to package instructions until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create the icing.
- Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the icing over the top.
- Sprinkle colored sugar on top to decorate.
- Serve and enjoy warm or at room temperature.