King Cake Cinnamon Wreath

Bring the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras to your table with this stunning King Cake Cinnamon Roll Wreath. Combining the beloved flavors of traditional King Cake with the ease of store-bought cinnamon rolls, this festive dessert delivers all the celebration without the fuss. Golden, twisted dough spirals into a beautiful wreath, adorned with purple, green, and gold sugars that honor the classic Mardi Gras palette. Perfect for Fat Tuesday gatherings or any festive occasion, this wreath transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks.

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This Southern-inspired dessert bridges the gap between convenience and celebration. The wreath shape symbolizes unity and the circular nature of the carnival season, while the traditional Mardi Gras colors represent justice, faith, and power. Whether you're hosting a Fat Tuesday party in New Orleans or bringing a taste of the Gulf Coast to your kitchen, this easy vegetarian dessert serves 8-10 people and requires minimal baking experience.

Ingredients

• Dough (Shortcut): 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough with icing
• Filling (for extra flavor): 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 3 tbsp light brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Glaze & Decoration: Reserved icing from cinnamon roll cans; Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar or sprinkles; Optional: small plastic baby figurine (for tradition)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Open the cinnamon roll cans and separate the rolls. Unroll each cinnamon roll into a strip.

Step 3

Brush each strip lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Step 4

Twist each strip gently and form a large circle on the prepared baking sheet, overlapping and pinching ends together to form a continuous wreath.

Step 5

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6

Cool the wreath on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.

Step 7

Drizzle the reserved icing evenly over the warm wreath.

Step 8

Immediately sprinkle the icing with purple, green, and gold sugars in alternating sections for a festive look.

Step 9

Optional: Gently tuck a plastic baby figurine under one of the rolls after baking and before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, work quickly when unrolling the cinnamon roll strips to prevent them from tearing. The dough is easiest to handle when slightly cool but not cold. When forming the wreath, ensure the strips overlap enough to seal together during baking, creating a seamless ring. If the dough becomes too sticky while working, lightly dust your hands with flour. For even baking, position the baking sheet in the center rack of your oven and rotate it halfway through the cooking time. The wreath is done when it's golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped gently.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Customize your King Cake Cinnamon Roll Wreath by adding chopped pecans to the filling for a traditional nutty crunch that's popular in New Orleans. For a cream cheese variation, spread a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese on each strip before adding the butter and sugar mixture. Create a chocolate version by sprinkling mini chocolate chips over the filling. If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the brown sugar by half and use only a light drizzle of icing. For a boozy twist perfect for adult celebrations, add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon to the reserved icing before drizzling.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Mardi Gras wreath as the centerpiece of your Fat Tuesday celebration, placing it on a large platter surrounded by Mardi Gras beads and festive decorations. Pair it with freshly brewed coffee or chicory coffee for an authentic New Orleans experience. The wreath is delicious warm or at room temperature and can be pulled apart by hand for casual gatherings. For a complete Mardi Gras brunch, serve alongside savory dishes like jambalaya or beignets. Remember to warn guests about the hidden plastic baby figurine if you choose to include this traditional element—whoever finds it is said to have good luck and must host the next party!

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This Mardi Gras King Cake Cinnamon Roll Wreath proves that celebrating doesn't require hours in the kitchen. With just 20 minutes of preparation and minimal tools—a baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, and small bowl—you can create a dessert that honors tradition while embracing convenience. Each serving delivers approximately 310 calories with 9g of fat, 53g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein. Whether you're new to Mardi Gras traditions or a seasoned celebrator, this festive wreath brings joy, flavor, and a touch of Southern charm to any gathering. Let the good times roll with this easy, beautiful, and absolutely delicious dessert!

Recipe Help & Answers

→ What type of dough is used for the wreath?

Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough provides a soft and gooey base that's easy to shape and bake.

→ How is the wreath shaped before baking?

Each cinnamon roll is unrolled, brushed with butter, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, then twisted and formed into a circular wreath shape on a baking sheet.

→ What gives the wreath its traditional Mardi Gras colors?

After baking, the wreath is drizzled with icing and decorated with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars for a festive look.

→ Can any additional fillings be added?

Yes, for extra richness, chopped pecans or cream cheese can be added to the filling before rolling.

→ Is there a traditional decoration included in the wreath?

Optionally, a small plastic baby figurine can be tucked under one of the rolls after baking, continuing the classic tradition.