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Crescent Roll King Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 65 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/crescent-roll-king-cake-recipe/