Description
This Cinnamon Roll King Cake is a festive and delightful twist on the traditional Mardi Gras treat, featuring jumbo cinnamon rolls arranged and baked into a king cake shape, with colorful frosting drizzled on top. The cake is fun to make and includes a hidden baby doll figurine, adding an element of surprise and tradition. Perfect for celebrations or as a special sweet treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tubes (17.5 oz each) jumbo cinnamon rolls
- 1 tub (16 oz) white frosting
- Green color gel (Wilton Leaf Green recommended)
- Yellow color gel (Wilton Golden Yellow recommended)
- Violet color gel (Wilton Violet recommended)
- 1 baby doll figurine (for hiding inside the cake)
Instructions
- Arrange Cinnamon Rolls: Press the jumbo cinnamon rolls into a baking pan, squeezing them together to prevent them from popping up. Use your palms to flatten and ensure they are as level as possible in the pan.
- Insert Baby Doll Figurine: Place the baby doll figurine inside the cake between the cinnamon rolls. This traditional element symbolizes luck and prosperity for the person who finds it.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the assembled cinnamon rolls in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until they turn golden brown. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Invert: Once the cake has cooled slightly, invert it onto a flat surface to cool completely before applying the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting Colors: Divide the white frosting into three separate bowls. Add green, yellow, and violet color gels to each bowl, mixing thoroughly to achieve vibrant colors.
- Heat and Prepare Frosting Bags: Transfer each colored frosting into resealable plastic bags, do not seal yet. Microwave the bags for 15 seconds to soften the frosting, then seal and knead the bags to mix colors evenly. Snip the tip of each bag for drizzling.
- Decorate the Cake: Drizzle the colored frosting over the cooled king cake in festive patterns. Reheat the frosting bags briefly if the frosting thickens while decorating.
- Set and Serve: Allow the frosting to set and thicken before serving the king cake to your guests. Enjoy the sweet, festive flavors!
Notes
- If the cinnamon rolls pop up, press them gently but firmly to maintain shape.
- The baby doll figurine is traditionally hidden inside the cake as a symbol of luck; be sure to warn guests to be cautious while eating.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant, bright frosting colors without thinning the frosting.
- Reheat frosting briefly if it becomes too thick to drizzle smoothly.
- This recipe serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for gatherings and parties.
