Crescent Roll King Cake Recipe

Introduction

The Crescent Roll King Cake is a delightful twist on the traditional Mardi Gras treat, combining flaky crescent dough with a creamy, cinnamon-spiced filling. Topped with a sweet glaze and festive colored sugars, it’s perfect for celebrating with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) Packages Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough
• 2 (8 ounce) Packages Cream Cheese (Softened)
• ½ Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• ½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Cup Chopped Pecans
• 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
• ¼ Cup Milk
• 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
• Colored Sanding Sugars: Purple, Green, Yellow
• Small Plastic Baby Favor (Or coin)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Open the crescent roll packages and separate the triangles. Arrange them on a large, round baking stone or pizza pan, placing the points toward the center.
3. Step 3: Press the crescent roll triangles together at their middle to form a circular ring, leaving the outer edges loose.
4. Step 4: In a mixer, blend the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans.
5. Step 5: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pressed middle area of the crescent rolls.
6. Step 6: Fold the points of the crescents over the filling, pressing the tips into the adjacent dough. Then fold the wide edges over the cream cheese mixture, tucking the ends under the ring and pressing gently to seal any gaps.
7. Step 7: Bake the ring for 25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
8. Step 8: Let the king cake cool slightly but don’t let it cool completely before icing.
9. Step 9: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle the icing over the warm cake, then immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and yellow sanding sugars.
10. Step 10: Before serving, slide a small plastic baby or coin under the cake. The person who finds it in their slice will be in charge of the next king cake!

Tips & Variations

• Use regular chopped walnuts instead of pecans if preferred, or add raisins for extra texture.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use your favorite non-dairy milk.
• Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your taste for a milder or stronger spice note.
• To make cutting easier, chill the cake briefly after baking before icing it.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to refresh the texture before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this king cake ahead of time?

You can assemble the cake ahead and refrigerate it before baking, but for best flavor and texture, bake it fresh. The icing is best applied just before serving.

What is the significance of the plastic baby favor?

The baby figurine is a traditional symbol in king cakes. Whoever finds the baby in their slice is considered “king” or “queen” for the day and is often expected to host the next celebration.

Crescent Roll King Cake Recipe

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This Crescent Roll King Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make twist on the traditional Mardi Gras king cake. Flaky crescent roll dough is filled with a creamy cinnamon-pecan mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet lemon glaze and festive colored sugars. A fun plastic baby or coin is hidden inside for a classic king cake tradition.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dough

• 2 (8 ounce) Packages Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough

Filling

• 2 (8 ounce) Packages Cream Cheese, softened
• ½ Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• ½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Cup Chopped Pecans

Glaze

• 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
• ¼ Cup Milk
• 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice

Decoration

• Colored Sanding Sugars: Purple, Green, Yellow
• Small Plastic Baby Favor (or coin)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the king cake.
2. Arrange Dough: Open the crescent roll packages and separate the triangles. Arrange them on a large, round baking stone or pizza pan, positioning the points towards the center.
3. Form Circle: Press the crescent roll triangles together in the center to form a circular shape, keeping the edges loose for folding.
4. Prepare Filling: In a mixer, combine softened cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. Mix in the chopped pecans thoroughly.
5. Spread Filling: Evenly spoon the cream cheese and pecan filling over the center-pressed crescent roll dough area.
6. Fold Dough: Fold the pointed ends of the crescent rolls over the filling, pressing the tips onto the opposite side of the dough. Then fold the wide edges over the filling, tucking the ends under the inside of the crescent ring. Lightly press to seal any gaps or creases.
7. Bake: Bake the shaped king cake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
8. Cool: Allow the king cake to cool slightly, but do not let it cool completely before glazing.
9. Make Glaze and Decorate: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice in a medium bowl until smooth with no lumps. Pour the glaze evenly over the warm king cake, then immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and yellow colored sanding sugars for a festive finish.
10. Add Plastic Baby Favor: Before serving, gently slide a small plastic baby favor or coin under the king cake. Traditionally, the person who finds the token in their slice will make the next king cake.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
• Use a large round baking stone or pizza pan to help maintain the classic king cake shape.
• If you prefer, substitute pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• Colored sanding sugars can be found in most baking sections or specialty stores for Mardi Gras decorations.
• Be cautious when hiding the plastic baby to avoid choking hazards; inform guests about the surprise.

Keywords: King Cake, Crescent Roll King Cake, Mardi Gras, Cream Cheese Filling, Holiday Dessert, Festive Cake, Easy King Cake