why make this recipe
This Cinnamon Roll King Cake is quick and fun. It uses ready-made cinnamon rolls to save time. You get warm cinnamon rolls shaped like a king cake with sweet cream cheese frosting. It is great for parties and special mornings.
introduction
This cake mixes the taste of cinnamon rolls with the tradition of a king cake. It is easy to make and looks festive with purple, green, and yellow sugar. For a different but still cozy breakfast treat, try the cinnamon apple coffee cake as a related idea.
how to make Cinnamon Roll King Cake
- Arrange the cinnamon rolls in a ring on a baking pan.
- Bake them until they are golden and done.
- Cool a little, then join the rolls into one cake shape.
- Make the cream cheese frosting and spread it over the warm cake.
- Sprinkle the colored sugars and place the baby figurine.
Ingredients :
- 2 cans cinnamon rolls ((with 8 rolls each))
- 1 (8-ounce / 227 gram) block cream cheese ((use full fat))
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- baby figurine
- purple sugar sprinkles
- green sugar sprinkles
- yellow sugar sprinkles
Directions :
Prepare Cake:
- Preheat oven to the temperature on the cinnamon roll can.
- Open both cans and place the rolls in a large ring on a round baking sheet or in a bundt pan, leaving small gaps so they bake into one cake.
- Bake according to the cinnamon roll can directions. Check they are golden and set.
- Let the cake cool 5–10 minutes so it holds shape.
Prepare Frosting:
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and thick. If too thick, add a tiny bit of milk.
Decorate Cake:
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cake so it melts slightly into the cracks.
- Sprinkle purple, green, and yellow sugars in sections or scattered as you like.
- Hide the baby figurine in one slice or place it on top after cutting a first piece. Warn guests about the hidden baby before serving.
how to serve Cinnamon Roll King Cake
Serve warm or at room temperature. Cut into slices like a regular cake. If you hide the baby, tell guests of the tradition and warn about the small piece. Serve with coffee or milk.
how to store Cinnamon Roll King Cake
- At room temperature: Cover and keep up to 1 day.
- In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge before serving.
tips to make Cinnamon Roll King Cake
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a better taste and texture.
- Let rolls cool a few minutes so frosting spreads but does not fully melt away.
- Press rolls together lightly after baking so the cake holds its shape.
- If you hide the baby, wrap it in plastic before placing inside a slice. Always warn your guests.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts between the rolls before baking for crunch.
- Use colored icing instead of sugar for a brighter look.
- Add a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup for extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Do I have to use canned cinnamon rolls?
A: No, you can use homemade rolls. This recipe is designed for quick use of canned rolls.
Q: Where do I put the baby figurine?
A: You can hide the baby inside one slice or place it on top after cutting. Wrap the baby in plastic if you put it inside.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Bake the cake and store it in the fridge. Add frosting and sprinkles just before serving for best look.
Q: Can I use light cream cheese?
A: You can, but full-fat cream cheese gives a richer taste and smoother frosting.
Q: How do I keep the sugar colors bright?
A: Add the sugar just before serving and keep the cake covered otherwise to avoid moisture dulling the colors.
Cinnamon Roll King Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and easy take on the traditional king cake using ready-made cinnamon rolls topped with sweet cream cheese frosting and colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 2 cans cinnamon rolls (with 8 rolls each)
- 1 (8-ounce / 227 gram) block cream cheese (use full fat)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- baby figurine
- purple sugar sprinkles
- green sugar sprinkles
- yellow sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to the temperature on the cinnamon roll can.
- Open both cans and place the rolls in a large ring on a round baking sheet or in a bundt pan, leaving small gaps so they bake into one cake.
- Bake according to the cinnamon roll can directions until they are golden and set.
- Let the cake cool for 5–10 minutes.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and thick.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting over the warm cake.
- Sprinkle the colored sugars and place the baby figurine.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. For storage, cover at room temperature for up to 1 day, in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg