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cozy king cake cinnamon roll bake - featured image

Cozy King Cake Cinnamon Roll Bake with Cream Cheese Icing

  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A quick and easy cinnamon roll bake that captures the spirit of Mardi Gras with warm spices, cream cheese pockets, and a tangy cream cheese icing. Perfect for festive breakfasts or lazy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (e.g., Pillsbury Grands!)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened, cut into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Cream Cheese Icing:
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: purple, green, and gold sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Open both cans of cinnamon rolls. Separate each roll and cut each into quarters. Set aside the icing packets.
  3. Cut softened cream cheese into small cubes, about ½-inch each.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
  5. Arrange half of the cinnamon roll pieces in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between pieces.
  6. Sprinkle half of the cream cheese cubes over the cinnamon roll layer. Press them gently into the dough.
  7. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cream cheese and rolls.
  8. Repeat layers: add remaining cinnamon roll pieces, remaining cream cheese cubes, and remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Press everything down gently.
  9. Brush melted butter over the top.
  10. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until puffed up and golden brown around the edges. The center should be set but still soft.
  11. While the bake cools slightly, make the cream cheese icing: In a small bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed for a pourable consistency.
  12. Let the bake cool for about 5 minutes.
  13. Drizzle or spread the cream cheese icing over the warm bake. Add sprinkles if desired.
  14. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat block cream cheese and let it come to room temperature. Do not skip the nutmeg—it gives the bake its authentic king cake flavor. Watch the bake closely in the last 5 minutes; if browning too quickly, tent with foil. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of re
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 28
  • Sodium: 480
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 48
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 6

Keywords: king cake, cinnamon roll bake, Mardi Gras, cream cheese icing, easy breakfast, quick dessert, pull-apart, festive

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/cozy-king-cake-cinnamon-roll-bake-with-cream-cheese-icing/