Mardi Gras might be over, but the craving for King Cake certainly isn't! This easy King Cake recipe uses crescent roll dough for a surprisingly simple and delicious result, perfect for any celebration or a spontaneous sweet treat. Forget complicated doughs and hours of kneading – this recipe is your shortcut to a homemade King Cake that tastes unbelievably good. It's a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that are both satisfying and fun to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar (or sprinkles)
- Small plastic baby (optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your King Cake doesn't stick and makes for easy cleanup.
Assembling the King Cake:
-
Unroll the crescent rolls onto a lightly floured surface. Press the seams together to form a large rectangle. This creates a nice, even base for your cake.
-
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This simple spice blend adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
-
Evenly sprinkle the sugar mixture over the crescent roll dough. Don't be shy with the spice!
-
Drizzle the melted butter over the sugar mixture. This adds richness and helps the sugar mixture adhere to the dough, resulting in a more flavorful and moist King Cake.
Baking and Decorating:
-
Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Gently pinch the seam to seal.
-
Form the log into a circle, placing the seam-side down in the prepared baking pan. This gives your King Cake a beautiful, even shape.
-
Gently tuck the ends of the dough under to create a ring.
-
Brush the top of the King Cake with the beaten egg. This creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and enhances the overall appeal of your dessert.
-
Sprinkle generously with the purple, green, and gold sanding sugar. If using, gently press a small plastic baby into the dough before baking.
-
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the King Cake is golden brown.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the King Cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving. This allows the inside to set slightly and prevents it from crumbling when you slice it. This easy recipe is perfect for a delicious, homemade dessert without the fuss!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use brown butter instead of regular melted butter.
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition.
- Make it cream cheese filled: Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on the dough before adding the sugar mixture for an extra decadent treat. This variation is particularly satisfying.
- Get creative with the glaze: After it cools, drizzle the King Cake with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a more elaborate cream cheese glaze.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-45g
- Protein: Around 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
This easy King Cake recipe offers a delicious and fun baking experience, perfect for those seeking delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!