Cinnamon Roll King Cake with Colorful Icing Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Cinnamon Roll King Cake with Colorful Icing Recipe with my friends because it perfectly combines the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls with the festive spirit of a traditional king cake. It’s fun, vibrant, and surprisingly easy to whip up, making it one of my go-to treats for celebrations or whenever I want to bring a smile to the table. The colorful icing adds a joyful pop of color that makes this recipe truly irresistible and memorable.

Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll King Cake with Colorful Icing Recipe

What really draws me to this Cinnamon Roll King Cake with Colorful Icing Recipe is the incredible balance of flavors. You get that classic sweet and spicy cinnamon swirl baked to golden perfection, and then you drizzle icing in gorgeous Mardi Gras colors that feel like a party on the plate. Each bite bursts with sugary warmth alongside the smooth, creamy icing, making it a flavor combination that feels both indulgent and nostalgic.

I also can’t get over how simple it is to make! Using jumbo cinnamon rolls as the base means I’m skipping the tedious dough-making process but still ending up with a fresh-from-the-oven aroma and texture that can fool just about anyone. Plus, the step to add colorful icing is really fun to do. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a hands-on kitchen project that doesn’t require hours of effort but gives impressive results.

Whenever I make this recipe, it’s usually for special occasions like Mardi Gras, family brunches, or even casual weekend breakfasts that need an extra touch of celebration. It stands out because it’s not just a dessert or a bread, but a centerpiece that sparks joy and conversation. If you want to bring a festive vibe without stressing over complicated baking, this Cinnamon Roll King Cake with Colorful Icing Recipe is absolutely worth trying.

Ingredients You'll Need

The magic of this Cinnamon Roll King Cake with Colorful Icing Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a key role: the cinnamon rolls provide that soft, sweet foundation; the frosting brings creamy richness; and the color gels create that signature bold visual impact that’s so festive.

• Jumbo cinnamon rolls (2 tubes, 17.5 oz each): These are the base of the cake; pre-made for ease but deliciously soft with lots of cinnamon flavor.
• White frosting (1 tub, 16 oz): The creamy canvas that gets transformed with color gels into eye-catching icing.
• Green, yellow, and violet color gels: These provide vibrant, true Mardi Gras colors that make the icing pop beautifully.
• Optional baby doll figurine: A fun traditional addition to hide inside the cake, adding surprise and meaning to your celebration.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on your cinnamon roll packaging. Lightly grease a round baking pan to ensure the cinnamon rolls don’t stick.

Step 2: Press the cinnamon rolls firmly into the pan. They naturally want to pop up, so use your palms to squeeze and flatten them as much as possible, making an even layer that fits snugly together. Trust me, this step is key to getting a cohesive cake.

Step 3: If you’re using a baby doll figurine for the traditional king cake surprise, carefully tuck it into one spot inside the cake before baking. Just make sure it’s well covered by dough so it’s safe and clean.

Step 4: Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s done when it looks beautifully puffed and smells heavenly. Once out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes to settle.

Step 5: After the initial cooling, invert the cake onto a flat surface to cool completely before adding the icing. This cool-down helps the frosting adhere properly without melting off.

Step 6: Divide your white frosting evenly into three bowls and add green, yellow, and violet color gels to each. The bright colors bring the festive spirit to life!

Step 7: Scoop each colored icing into separate resealable plastic bags without sealing them yet. Heat them all in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften and make them easy to pipe or drizzle.

Step 8: Seal the bags, knead each gently to blend the color, and then snip a tiny piece off the tip of each bag. Drizzle the colored icing over the cake in any decorative pattern you like. If the icing thickens while you work, just pop the bags back in the microwave for a few seconds.

Step 9: Allow the icing to set and thicken for a bit before serving. This stage makes the cake look and taste just right.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 8 to 10 people, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends. Prep time is about 10 to 15 minutes, mainly for assembling and coloring the frosting. Baking takes roughly 30 to 35 minutes, plus an additional 10 to 15 minutes for cooling, and about 10 more minutes for icing setup. Overall, you’re looking at around an hour from start to finish, which feels quick for such a festive, impressive treat.

How to Serve This Cinnamon Roll King Cake with Colorful Icing Recipe

I love serving this cake slightly warm, just after it’s iced and set – it brings out the gooey cinnamon goodness and lets the colors shine beautifully. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy brunch or breakfast spread. For a party twist, I sometimes serve small slices alongside fresh fruit or light cream cheese spreads to balance the sweetness.

Presentation-wise, placing the cake on a decorative platter elevates its festive look instantly. You can scatter a handful of fresh flowers or greenery around the serving plate to echo the colors of the icing. If you want to make it extra special, add some edible glitter or colored sugar sprinkles on top of the icing for sparkle and fun texture.

For beverage pairings, I’m a fan of light sparkling wines or Champagne for adult celebrations, as their bubbles cut through the sweetness nicely. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling apple cider work just as well. This Cinnamon Roll King Cake with Colorful Icing Recipe is ideal for Mardi Gras parties, holiday brunches, or any joyful gathering where you want to impress with minimal fuss. Just slice generously and enjoy!

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Cinnamon Roll King Cake with Colorful Icing Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping the classic jumbo cinnamon rolls for a gluten-free or vegan version lets everyone enjoy this festive treat without missing out on flavor or texture. Just choose a cinnamon roll that bakes well at home.

If you want to switch up the flavors, try adding chopped pecans or raisins inside before baking for a nuttier, fruitier twist. You could also experiment with different frosting colors or even lemon or cream cheese-flavored icings for a tangier contrast. Another idea is baking the cinnamon rolls individually and piping the colorful icing on top as mini king cakes – perfect for portion control and pretty party platters.

In terms of cooking methods, while the oven baking is classic, I have tried baking the cake in a cast iron skillet to get a slightly crispier bottom crust, which adds delightful texture. Just watch the baking time closely and adjust as needed!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover cinnamon roll king cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration helps keep it fresh but can slightly firm up the icing. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes well, which is great if you want to make it ahead. I recommend wrapping the fully cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. It keeps for up to two months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge before warming gently to refresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I find warming slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds brings back that just-baked softness without drying it out. Avoid reheating the entire cake more than once to prevent the icing from hardening or melting too much. If you use the oven, a low temperature (around 300°F) for a few minutes works well to warm through without destroying the icing’s appearance.

FAQs

Can I make this Cinnamon Roll King Cake with Colorful Icing Recipe from scratch instead of using canned cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! While using pre-made cinnamon rolls saves time, making your own dough and cinnamon filling can result in an even more flavorful and customized cake. Just make sure to roll and cut your dough evenly to form the ring shape and follow the baking times closely.

Do I have to use the traditional Mardi Gras colors for the icing?

Not at all. While green, yellow, and violet give an authentic festive look, you can use any colors you prefer to match your event or season. Pastels for spring or bright reds and greens for Christmas work beautifully as well.

Is it safe to hide a baby doll figurine inside the king cake?

Yes, as long as you use a clean, heat-safe baby doll or trinket designed for baking purposes. Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil for extra safety and make sure to tell everyone to watch out for it when eating to avoid choking hazards.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?

Definitely. You can assemble the cake and bake it a day ahead, then add the icing just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant. Alternatively, bake and frost a day early and store the cake well covered at room temperature.

What should I do if my icing thickens too much before drizzling?

A quick zap in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds will soften the icing enough to drizzle smoothly again. Just be careful not to overheat, as it can melt too much and become runny.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Cinnamon Roll King Cake with Colorful Icing Recipe a try because it’s such a joyful, delicious way to celebrate any occasion. It’s simple enough to make on a whim but looks like you spent hours crafting something special. Sharing this brightly iced, warm cinnamon delight with loved ones is a guaranteed way to bring smiles and sweet memories to your table.

Print