The Magical Cinnamon Roll King Cake Recipe for Sweet Celebrations

Celebrating mardi gras with a decadent cinnamon roll king cake brings festive magic to your kitchen table.

Sweet aromas will dance through every room as you craft this delightful pastry.

New Orleans bakers have long cherished this traditional dessert that blends rich bakery techniques with carnival spirit.

Soft, swirling dough promises layers of buttery delight waiting to be devoured.

Colorful sugar sprinkles add playful charm to each delectable slice.

Rich cream cheese filling promises a creamy surprise in every bite.

Bake this spectacular treat and watch guests marvel at your culinary skills.

Why Everyone Loves Cinnamon Roll King Cake

• Celebrate Mardi Gras Magic: Transform your kitchen into a New Orleans party with this festive cinnamon roll king cake that brings the spirit of carnival right to your table.
• Beginner Baker's Delight: Perfectly designed for novice bakers, this recipe walks you through simple steps to create a show-stopping dessert without requiring professional pastry skills.
• Quick Weekend Treat: Whip up this delicious cake in just a few hours, making it an ideal weekend baking project that fills your home with warm, cinnamon-spiced aromas.
• Family Fun Tradition: Engage kids in the exciting ritual of hiding the baby figurine and decorating the cake with colorful sugars, turning baking into a memorable family activity.

Ingredients In Cinnamon Roll King Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation for creating a soft, rich cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with dough development.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.
• Egg: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Warm Milk, Active Dry Yeast: Essential partners for creating a light, airy dough with perfect rise.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, comforting background flavor.
• Melted Butter: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb.

• Brown Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: Classic combination creating a warm, sweet swirl inside the cake.
• Softened Butter: Creates a smooth, spreadable filling mixture.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk: Combine to make a smooth, drizzling glaze.
• Purple, Green, Gold Decorative Sugar: Traditional Mardi Gras colors for festive presentation.
• Plastic Baby: Optional traditional surprise hidden inside the cake.

How To Prepare Cinnamon Roll King Cake

Step 1: Activate the Yeast Mixture

In a cozy bowl, gently combine warm milk with yeast. Let the mixture sit and bubble for about 5 minutes until it becomes wonderfully frothy and alive. This magical process awakens the yeast’s potential.

• Warm milk
• Yeast

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Egg

Pour in the bubbly yeast mixture and knead with passion for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest and rise for a full hour, watching it transform and grow.

Step 3: Craft the Cinnamon Filling

Whip together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you create a luscious, spreadable paste that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Step 4: Shape the Festive Cake

Roll out the dough into a generous rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling generously across the surface. Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a beautiful log. Transform the log into a circular or oval shape on a baking sheet, pinching the ends together to create a seamless ring. Allow the cake to rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit. Slide the cake into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let the cake cool completely before moving to the next step.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a silky smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake with artistic flair. Sprinkle vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar to capture the true spirit of the King Cake. For a playful touch, hide a tiny plastic baby inside – a delightful tradition that adds mystery and fun!

Pro Tips For Cinnamon Roll King Cake

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to help yeast bloom without killing the microorganisms, creating a fluffy texture.
• Knead with Care: Develop gluten by kneading consistently, which creates a soft, stretchy dough that rises beautifully and prevents a dense cake.
• Control Rising Temperature: Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off oven to help it rise evenly and maintain optimal moisture.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular flour for gluten-free blend, use non-dairy milk, and replace butter with vegan alternatives for inclusive baking.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Place the king cake on the middle oven rack and avoid opening the door frequently to maintain consistent heat and achieve a golden, crisp crust.

How To Keep Cinnamon Roll King Cake Fresh

• Keep your homemade King Cake fresh by storing it loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place it inside an airtight container to prevent drying out.
• Refrigerate the cake if you want to extend its shelf life for 3-4 additional days, but note that refrigeration might slightly change the texture.
• Warm the cake briefly in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes before serving to restore its soft, tender texture and revive the delicious cinnamon aroma.
• If you're planning to freeze the King Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, which helps preserve its quality for up to 2 weeks.
• Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat before enjoying to maintain its original delightful taste and soft consistency.

Best Matches For Cinnamon Roll King Cake

• Pair with Bold Bourbon: Sip on a smooth Kentucky bourbon that complements the cake's rich cinnamon warmth, cutting through the sweetness with its caramel and oak undertones.
• Match with Chicory Coffee: Brew a traditional New Orleans-style chicory coffee that echoes the cake's Mardi Gras roots, offering a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet glaze.
• Serve with Spiced Rum Punch: Create a festive rum punch with hints of nutmeg and orange, mirroring the cake's warm spices and adding a celebratory twist to your dessert experience.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Milk: Enjoy a cold glass of creamy vanilla bean milk that softens the cake's rich cinnamon flavor and provides a smooth, cooling counterpoint.

Try These Cinnamon Roll King Cake Variations

• Chocolate Swirl Adventure: Replace cinnamon filling with rich chocolate spread, mixing cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate for an indulgent variation that transforms the traditional King Cake into a decadent dessert experience.
• Cream Cheese Dream: Blend softened cream cheese with brown sugar and vanilla, spreading this luscious mixture across the dough instead of classic cinnamon filling, creating a tangy and smooth alternative that adds creamy depth.
• Nutty Pecan Celebration: Incorporate chopped pecans into the cinnamon filling and sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top of the glaze, bringing a satisfying crunch and authentic Southern flavor to the traditional King Cake recipe.
• Fruity Mardi Gras Burst: Fold dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots into the filling, offering a bright and zesty profile that complements the sweet glaze and adds vibrant color to the classic King Cake design.

Cinnamon Roll King Cake Questions Answered

• What makes this King Cake different from traditional versions?

This recipe combines the beloved cinnamon roll style with the classic King Cake tradition, creating a delicious hybrid that’s easier to make and packed with extra cinnamon flavor.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this King Cake?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. As long as you can mix ingredients and follow basic steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious King Cake that looks impressive and tastes amazing.

• Why do people hide a baby inside the King Cake?

The plastic baby is a New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition. Whoever finds the baby in their slice is responsible for hosting the next King Cake party or bringing the cake to the next gathering, continuing the festive celebration.

• Can I make this King Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling and baking for the best results.

Cinnamon Roll King Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Mardi Gras magic unfolds with this cinnamon roll king cake, blending New Orleans tradition and sweet indulgence. Rich cinnamon swirls and colorful sugar create a festive celebration perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dough Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Filling Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Topping and Decoration:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Purple, green, and gold colored sugar (or sprinkles)
• 1 small plastic baby (optional, for tradition!)

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by whisking it into lukewarm milk, allowing the mixture to become frothy and aromatic for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Create a supple dough by combining flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg in a spacious mixing bowl, then gradually incorporate the activated yeast mixture.
3. Knead the dough thoroughly until it transforms into a silky, elastic consistency, approximately 8-10 minutes of rhythmic handling.
4. Allow the dough to rest and expand, covering it with a clean kitchen towel, until its volume doubles in size, roughly 1 hour in a warm environment.
5. Craft a luxurious cinnamon filling by blending softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon until achieving a smooth, spreadable paste.
6. Gently roll the risen dough into a generous rectangular shape, ensuring an even surface for filling distribution.
7. Lavishly spread the cinnamon mixture across the dough’s surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight, cylindrical form, then delicately shape it into a circular or oval configuration on a prepared baking sheet.
9. Seal the cake’s ends by pinching them together, preventing the filling from escaping during baking.
10. Permit the shaped cake to undergo a second rising phase, allowing it to become slightly puffy and voluminous for approximately 30 minutes.
11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing for the baking transformation.
12. Bake the cake until it achieves a golden-brown complexion, typically requiring 25-30 minutes of careful monitoring.
13. Cool the baked cake completely, allowing it to reach room temperature before adorning.
14. Prepare a glossy glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth and pourable.
15. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake, creating an enticing visual appeal.
16. Festively decorate with traditional Mardi Gras colors – purple, green, and gold sugars – to complete the King Cake experience.
17. Optionally, continue the cherished tradition by discretely nestling a small plastic baby within the cake.

Notes

• Activate the yeast carefully by using lukewarm milk, ensuring it’s not too hot or cold to prevent killing the active cultures.
• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which creates a softer, more tender texture in the final king cake.
• Create uniform rolling by using a measuring tape or ruler to achieve an even rectangle for consistent filling distribution.
• Experiment with alternative fillings like cream cheese, nutella, or fruit preserves to customize the traditional cinnamon roll flavor profile.
• Adjust baking time for different oven variations, checking golden brown color and internal temperature to prevent over or underbaking.
• Explore gluten-free alternatives by substituting regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Store leftover king cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for extended freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 359
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 32 mg