Mardi Gras King Cake Wreath

Bring the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras to your table with this stunning King Cake Cinnamon Roll Wreath. Combining the beloved tradition of New Orleans King Cake with the irresistible comfort of warm cinnamon rolls, this festive dessert is as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. The wreath shape symbolizes unity and the circular nature of celebration, while the iconic purple, green, and gold colors honor the traditions of Mardi Gras – representing justice, faith, and power. Whether you're hosting a Fat Tuesday party or simply want to add some festive flair to your dessert table, this wreath delivers big on flavor and presentation with minimal effort.

Merken

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Using refrigerated cinnamon roll dough as a shortcut means you can focus on the fun part – shaping the wreath and decorating it with those signature Mardi Gras colors. The added layer of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon elevates the store-bought dough into something truly special, creating layers of sweet, spiced flavor that melt in your mouth. Each twisted strip of dough bakes into a golden, pillowy roll that pulls apart easily, making it perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.

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: Prepare Your Workspace

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

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

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

Step 3: Add Extra Flavor

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

Step 4: Form the Wreath

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

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

Step 6: Cool Slightly

Cool the wreath on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Add the Glaze

Drizzle the reserved icing evenly over the warm wreath.

Step 8: Decorate

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

Step 9: Add Tradition (Optional)

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

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a richer filling, add chopped pecans or a few tablespoons of cream cheese before rolling. This adds texture and depth to each bite. When forming the wreath, make sure to pinch the ends of each strip together firmly to prevent the wreath from separating during baking. Work quickly once the icing is drizzled – the colored sugars adhere best to warm, sticky icing. If you're using a plastic baby figurine, ensure it is food-safe and always warn your guests before serving, as finding the baby is a cherished tradition but can be a choking hazard if unexpected.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Transform this wreath into your own signature creation by experimenting with different fillings and toppings. Try adding a cream cheese filling by mixing softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and spreading it on the strips before twisting. For a nutty variation, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the butter and sugar mixture. If you prefer a different flavor profile, substitute the cinnamon with cardamom or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter. For those who want an extra indulgent treat, drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the finished wreath alongside the icing. You can also use natural food coloring to tint the icing itself in Mardi Gras colors before drizzling.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this King Cake Cinnamon Roll Wreath as the centerpiece of your Mardi Gras celebration or Fat Tuesday brunch. For an authentic New Orleans experience, pair it with strong coffee or chicory coffee, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the wreath. Present the wreath on a large festive platter surrounded by Mardi Gras beads and decorations to enhance the celebratory atmosphere. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, so if serving later, gently reheat it in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Cut the wreath into individual portions by pulling apart the twisted rolls, or let guests pull their own pieces for an interactive dessert experience. Don't forget to announce who finds the baby figurine – according to tradition, that person hosts the next party or receives good luck for the year.

Merken

This Mardi Gras King Cake Cinnamon Roll Wreath proves that impressive, festive desserts don't require hours in the kitchen or advanced baking skills. With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can create a stunning centerpiece that honors the rich traditions of Mardi Gras while delivering the comfort and warmth of homemade cinnamon rolls. Whether you're celebrating with a crowd or simply treating your family to something special, this wreath brings joy, color, and delicious flavor to any occasion. Let the good times roll, and enjoy every sweet, cinnamon-scented bite of this festive creation!

Fragen & Antworten zum Rezept

→ Welches Gebäck wird für den Zimtkranz verwendet?

Für den Zimtkranz wird praktisch fertiger Zimtteig aus der Dose verwendet, der die Zubereitung erleichtert und für einen saftigen Teig sorgt.

→ Wie wird der Kranz geformt?

Die einzelnen Zimtrolle werden entrollt, mit Butter, Zucker und Zimt bestrichen, dann gedreht und zu einem großen Kranz auf einem Backblech zusammengefügt.

→ Welche Dekoration passt zum festlichen Look?

Der Kranz wird nach dem Backen mit dem Zuckerüberzug aus den Zimtrollendosen glasiert und mit gold-, grün- und lila-farbenem Zucker bestreut.

→ Kann man die Füllung noch verfeinern?

Ja, die Füllung lässt sich durch Zugabe von gehackten Pekannüssen oder Frischkäsecreme besonders schmackhaft und reichhaltig gestalten.

→ Gibt es traditionelle Begleiter zum Zimtkranz?

Der Kranz wird oft zusammen mit Kaffee oder Zichorienkaffee serviert, um den unverwechselbaren New Orleans Flair zu unterstreichen.

→ Welche Backzeit ist optimal?

Der fertig geformte Kranz wird bei 175°C etwa 22–25 Minuten gebacken, bis er goldbraun und durchgegart ist.