If you’ve ever wanted to make a festive Mardi Gras dessert without turning your kitchen into a flour-covered disaster zone, this Easy King Cake Recipe – Cinnamon Roll King Cake is about to be your new best friend.
I love a good from-scratch baking day as much as anyone… but let’s be honest. Between work, laundry, school drop-offs, and that never-ending group text, sometimes we need a shortcut that still feels special. That’s exactly where this Easy King Cake Recipe – Cinnamon Roll King Cake shines. It’s festive, colorful, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—even though you absolutely did not.
It’s sweet, swirly, and covered in vibrant purple, green, and gold icing. And the best part? It starts with canned cinnamon rolls. Yes, really.
Let’s make Mardi Gras magic the easy way.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy King Cake Recipe – Cinnamon Roll King Cake
- No yeast. No rising. No stress.
- Perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or a last-minute party dessert.
- Kid-friendly and fun (hello, baby figurine surprise!).
- Uses simple grocery store ingredients.
- Ready in under an hour.
This is the kind of recipe you pull out when you want to impress your friends… without sacrificing your sanity.
I’ve made this on busy weeks when life felt like one giant to-do list. It saved me. And judging from comments like “SO EASY!” and “Everyone loved it!”, I know I’m not alone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple. Short. Sweet.
- 2 tubes (17.5 oz each) jumbo cinnamon rolls
- 1 tub (16 oz) white frosting
- Green, yellow, and violet food color gels
- I used Wilton Leaf Green, Golden Yellow, and Violet
- Optional: cream cheese frosting instead of white
- Optional: colored sugar for extra sparkle
- 1 small plastic baby figurine (traditional for King Cake)
That’s it. No complicated shopping list. Just grab-and-go ingredients.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll King Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven according to the cinnamon roll package directions (usually 350°F).
Lightly grease a bundt pan or round cake pan. This helps everything release easily later.
Open your cinnamon rolls and separate them. Resist the urge to snack on one—I know it’s tempting.
Step 2: Press and Shape
Press the cinnamon rolls into the pan, arranging them in a circle. They will want to pop up and separate, so squeeze them together firmly.
Flatten them gently with your palms so they’re level and touching. Think of it as persuading them to cooperate.
You want one solid ring of cinnamon roll goodness.
Step 3: Add the Baby (Optional but Traditional)
Before baking, place the small baby figurine inside the dough. Traditionally, whoever finds the baby in their slice hosts the next party.
If you’re serving this to little ones, you can also insert the baby from the bottom after baking for safety.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Your kitchen will smell like a cozy cinnamon hug. Truly.
Let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a flat surface. Allow it to cool completely before frosting. This step matters—warm cake + frosting = slippery situation.
Step 5: Color and Drizzle the Frosting
Divide the white frosting into three bowls.
Color one bowl green, one yellow, and one violet using food color gels. Start with a small amount and build up to your desired shade.
Spoon each color into separate resealable plastic bags. Don’t seal them yet.
Place the three bags in the microwave for about 15 seconds to soften the frosting slightly. Remove, seal, knead gently, and snip a small tip off each bag.
Drizzle the colors over the cake in sections or stripes.
If the frosting thickens while working, just reheat for a few seconds.
Let it set, slice, and serve!
Helpful Tips for Success
- Use jumbo cinnamon rolls. Two packages of jumbo rolls work perfectly to fill the pan.
- If using store-brand rolls (like Great Value), they work just fine.
- Cream cheese frosting adds extra richness.
- If your icing looks a little thick, don’t panic—it’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.
- Colored sugar sprinkled on top adds texture and sparkle.
And remember: This isn’t about perfection. It’s about fun. Mardi Gras is colorful and joyful—your cake can be too.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
The first time I made this Easy King Cake Recipe – Cinnamon Roll King Cake, it was the night before a school celebration. I had every intention of making a traditional homemade King Cake.
Then I looked at the clock.
Then at my sink.
Then at my energy level.
Cinnamon rolls to the rescue.
Not only did it turn out beautiful, but people assumed I’d worked all afternoon. I didn’t correct them.
Sometimes smart shortcuts are the real secret ingredient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many packages of cinnamon rolls do I use?
You’ll need two jumbo 17.5 oz tubes of cinnamon rolls. That fills a bundt pan perfectly.
Can I use the frosting that comes with the cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Some readers have used the included frosting instead of buying a separate tub. If you do, just divide and color it the same way.
Can I use cream cheese frosting instead?
Yes! Cream cheese frosting makes this Cinnamon Roll King Cake even richer and more indulgent. It’s a great swap.
How do I store leftovers?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can refrigerate for longer freshness, but bring slices to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the cake the day before and frost it the morning of your event for the freshest look.
What does the baby inside mean?
In King Cake tradition, whoever finds the baby is said to have good luck and is responsible for bringing the next cake or hosting the next gathering.
Just remind guests to chew carefully!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 209
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 152mg
Serves 8–10.
Let’s Bring the Party Home
There’s something so special about turning everyday ingredients into something festive. This Easy King Cake Recipe – Cinnamon Roll King Cake proves you don’t need complicated steps or fancy techniques to create a dessert that feels celebratory.
It’s colorful. It’s sweet. It’s simple.
And most importantly? It fits into real life.
Whether you’re hosting a Mardi Gras brunch, bringing dessert to the office, or just surprising your family on a Tuesday night, this Easy King Cake Recipe – Cinnamon Roll King Cake delivers joy without the stress.
From my kitchen to yours—let’s keep cooking fun, easy, and full of sweet moments.
More Sweet & Festive Ideas to Try
If you had fun making this Easy King Cake Recipe – Cinnamon Roll King Cake, why stop there? Whether you’re planning a Mardi Gras spread, a cozy brunch, or just craving another easy homemade treat, here are a few delicious recipes that pair perfectly with the festive spirit:
- For a gooey, pull-apart breakfast everyone will hover around, try this Crockpot Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread — it’s sweet, sticky, and wonderfully hands-off.
- Want something savory to balance out all that sweetness? This bold and flavorful Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta makes a perfect main dish for your celebration table.
- If you love cinnamon roll flavors but want something extra indulgent, these rich Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls are pure comfort in every bite.
- For another colorful twist on a festive favorite, you might also enjoy this creative take on king cake from Rose Bakes: Easy King Cake Cinnamon Rolls.
- And if you’re planning another celebration soon, this cheerful Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake is just as fun, festive, and easy to customize.
There’s always a good reason to bake something joyful — especially when it’s this simple.
Print
Easy King Cake Recipe – Cinnamon Roll King Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Easy King Cake Recipe – Cinnamon Roll King Cake is a quick and festive Mardi Gras dessert made with canned cinnamon rolls, creamy icing, and classic purple, green, and gold decorations. Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect shortcut version of traditional king cake — soft, sweet, and celebration-ready.
Ingredients
2 tubes (17.5 oz each) jumbo cinnamon rolls
1 tub (16 oz) white frosting
Green food color gel
Yellow food color gel
Violet food color gel
Optional: cream cheese frosting
Optional: purple, green, and gold colored sugar
Optional: small plastic baby figurine
Instructions
Preheat oven according to cinnamon roll package directions (typically 350°F).
Lightly grease a round cake pan or bundt pan.
Separate the cinnamon rolls and arrange them in a circle inside the pan, pressing them together firmly so they form one connected ring. Flatten slightly with your palms if needed.
If using, place the baby figurine inside the dough before baking.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Divide the frosting into three bowls. Tint one green, one yellow, and one violet using food coloring.
Place each color into a separate resealable bag and microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften.
Seal bags, knead gently, snip the corner, and drizzle each color over the cake in sections.
Let icing set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use jumbo cinnamon rolls for the best ring shape.
Cream cheese frosting can be substituted for richer flavor.
If frosting thickens while decorating, microwave for a few seconds to loosen.
For safety, you may insert the baby after baking by pushing it into the bottom of the cake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 209
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 152mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg