Cinnamon Roll King Cake
Learn how to make an easy King Cake with cinnamon rolls using the quick, easy, and super delicious recipe!
Servings: 12 slices (or more)
Calories: 313kcal
Ingredients
For Cake:
- 2 cans cinnamon rolls (with 8 rolls each)
For Frosting:
- 1 (8-ounce / 227 gram) block cream cheese (use full fat)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
For Decorating:
Equipment
- Stand Mixer (or Hand Mixer)
Instructions
Prepare Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet (or spray with nonstick spray).
- Remove cinnamon rolls from cans and separate into individual rolls. Arrange rolls on baking sheet in an oval (or round) shape with the rolls overlapping each other.
- Bake cake until browned and cooked through, about 25 minutes. (Give cake a quick squeeze to test for doneness. It shouldn't feel squishy in the middle. And remember than ovens may vary, start testing it at 20 minutes to be safe.)
- Let cake cool before decorating.
Prepare Frosting:
- Mix cream cheese until smooth using a stand mixer.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix just until smooth.
- Chill until ready to use.
Decorate Cake.
- Cut a small slit in the cooled cake, then push the baby into the cake.
- Spread frosting generously over top. (You may have a little left over.)
- Sprinkle the colored sugar crystals over the cake in alternating stripes of purple, gold, and green.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!
Notes
For the best texture, I recommend making the cake on the day you plan to serve it (especially if it's for a party). If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to four days.
I used Pillsbury Flaky Cinnamon Rolls, which have a great flavor and texture, and they worked perfectly! However, you can use your favorite kind. Look for cans with 8 rolls though, rather than the oversize "Grands" rolls, which only come with 5 in a package. They'll work, but you'll end up with a smaller, fatter King Cake.
You can use the icing that comes with the canned rolls, but I highly, highly recommend making the Cream Cheese Frosting! It takes minutes to make and will give your cake a homemade flavor that's super scrumptious. If you're not a fan of cream cheese, try my light and fluffy Sour Cream Frosting would also be delicious.
Don't forget about the baby! I purchased these plastic babies (which are more traditional) and these colorful purple, gold, and green babies. Either would work great. Make sure to insert the baby after baking the cake.
Check out the info before this recipe card for step-by-step photos, helpful tips, variations, and more!
Nutrition
Calories: 313kcal
Tried this recipe?Mention @HelloLittleHome or tag #hellolittlehome!