Cinnamon Roll King Cake
What’s better than a cinnamon roll? A Cinnamon Roll King Cake! This fun and simple twist on the classic Mardi Gras dessert brings the party to your breakfast table or doubles as a delightful dessert. Using store-bought cinnamon rolls, a rich buttery glaze, and festive sprinkles, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
Perfect for a weekend breakfast or as a show-stopping centerpiece, this cake will fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and butter while dazzling everyone with its vibrant Mardi Gras colors. Grab your Bundt pan, and let’s turn breakfast into a celebration!
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll King Cake
- Quick & Easy: Made with pre-made cinnamon rolls for a no-fuss recipe.
- Rich and Buttery: The cream and brown sugar glaze adds a decadent caramel-like flavor.
- Perfect for Celebrations: With colorful sprinkles, it’s a showstopper for Mardi Gras or any special occasion.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, dessert, or a festive treat any time of the day.
What You Need to Make Cinnamon Roll King Cake
- Cinnamon rolls: Regular-sized tubes make this recipe quick and convenient.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the glaze.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious texture for the glaze.
- Brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Colorful sugar sprinkles: Green, yellow, and purple for that iconic Mardi Gras touch.
Full measurements and details are available in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll King Cake
1
Prep Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Coat a 10-inch Bundt pan with cooking spray or rub it generously with butter to prevent sticking.
2
Make the Glaze: Melt ½ stick of unsalted butter in a bowl. Stir in heavy cream and brown sugar until fully combined.
3
Assemble the Cake: Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the bottom of the Bundt pan, with the brown sugar side facing down. Pack them tightly together by pressing firmly.
4
Add the Glaze: Pour your buttery mixture over the cinnamon rolls, massaging it in and making sure it seeps underneath. This will create a caramel-like topping when flipped.
5
Bake: Place the Bundt pan on the bottom rack of your oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through and golden brown.
6
Ice & Decorate: Warm the cinnamon roll icing so it’s easier to spread, then drizzle it generously over the top of the cake. Sprinkle with green, yellow, and purple sugar for a festive finish. Alternatively, divide the icing into three bowls, tint each with food coloring, and drizzle in a colorful pattern.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite recipe, just follow the same assembly and baking instructions.
What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
You can use a round cake pan or pie dish. Just arrange the rolls tightly and adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
How long will this cake stay fresh?
It’s best enjoyed the same day, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Can I customize the sprinkles?
Yes! While green, yellow, and purple are traditional for Mardi Gras, feel free to use any colors to match the occasion.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, you can use beef chuck roast or brisket as an alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is tender.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This ragu tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop.
What type of red wine works best for this recipe?
A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Chianti works best. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking for the best flavor.
Is the cocoa powder necessary?
The cocoa powder adds a subtle richness to the sauce. If you don’t have it, you can skip it, but it adds a unique depth of flavor that’s worth trying.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover ragu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
Easy Cinnamon Roll King Cake – Perfect for Mardi Gras or Breakfast
Ingredients
- 2 tubes of cinnamon rolls regular size
- 1/2 stick of unsalted butter melted
- 1/3 cup of heavy cream
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Colorful sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350
- In a 10” Bundt pan, make it non stick with either cooking spray or rubbing butter on it.
- Melt your 1/2 stick of butter in a bowl, add in your heavy cream and brown sugar and mix together.
- Place all of your cinnamon rolls at the bottom of the Bundt cake pan with the brown sugar side face down. (The will be bunched together). Press firmly down on the to get them packed together!
- Pour your mixture together and message it into the cinnamon rolls, spreading it all over and letting it get underneath (which will be the top)
- Bake it for 25 minutes on the bottom rack until they are cooked through and a pretty light brown color
- Heat the cinnamon roll icing so it spreads better and pour it on top.
