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King Cake Bites are the ultimate festive treat for Mardi Gras festivities or any time you crave a quick and fun dessert. Packed with creamy cinnamon filling and baked into tender bitesized pastries you can pass these around at parties or enjoy as an afternoon sweet. It is such a playful spin on traditional king cake made easier and quicker with simple grocery staples.
I started making these when my kids wanted king cake but we did not have time or the right ingredients for the big version. Now they are a go to treat when we want something quick and festive.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: gives that flaky layered pastry without fuss Look for dough that is still cold and check expiration for best rise
- Cream cheese: softened to blend smoothly into the filling Choose a block type for thick texture
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the filling and helps cream the cheese Organic cane sugar or regular both work
- Ground cinnamon: for that warm classic king cake flavor Make sure it smells fresh and sweet not dusty
- Powdered sugar: forms a simple glaze for a pretty finish Sift to remove lumps before mixing
- Milk: to loosen the glaze Use whole or 2 percent for richness
- Sanding sugars in purple yellow and green: for true Mardi Gras flair These are found with baking decorations or online make sure they are vibrant
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make Cream Cheese Filling:
- Beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a stand mixer bowl with the paddle attachment until fluffy and completely combined Scrape the bowl often so everything is very smooth
- Prepare Dough:
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough on your work surface Separate into four rectangles and press on the seams to seal well Pinch all the perforations to avoid leaks
- Add Cinnamon and Filling:
- Lightly sprinkle each dough rectangle with a pinch of ground cinnamon Spoon some cream cheese filling down the very center Use a spatula to spread but do not go all the way to the edges
- Shape and Cut Bites:
- Fold one side of dough over the filling then bring in the other like sealing an envelope Flip the dough seam side down and crimp all edges with your fingers for a tight seal Slice into three equal pieces with a sharp knife Pinch any open edges shut Lay seam side down on a parchment lined baking sheet
- Repeat and Bake:
- Continue with remaining dough and filling If needed use a second baking sheet so bites have room to bake golden Place in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake for about fifteen minutes or until deeply golden and puffed
- Cool and Glaze:
- Let baked bites cool ten minutes on the baking sheet Mix powdered sugar and milk in a bowl for a thick pourable glaze Spoon over each bite while still slightly warm
- Decorate:
- Quickly sprinkle each glazed bite with colored sanding sugars before the glaze sets so the colors really stick
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My favorite part is using the bright sanding sugars for that trademark Mardi Gras look Every year my family lines up to decorate the bites together and someone always sneaks a taste while the glaze is still gooey
Storage tips
Store cooled King Cake Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days If making ahead for a party you can glaze and decorate just before serving to keep sugars crisp Refrigerate leftovers for up to four days and enjoy chilled or bring to room temp before eating
Ingredient substitutions
You can swap in mascarpone or a thick plain yogurt for cream cheese in the filling For a dairy free option use vegan block cream cheese Substitute coconut or almond milk in the glaze if dairy free
Serving suggestions
Pile King Cake Bites on a colorful tray and set out as a centerpiece for a Mardi Gras spread Try with coffee as a breakfast treat or pack in lunchboxes Sprinkle extra sanding sugar right before serving for extra sparkle
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Cultural context
King Cake is an iconic symbol of Mardi Gras especially in Louisiana Inspired by the classic oval king cake these bites capture the essence in a portable version Everyone gets to enjoy tradition without needing to cut big slices or hunt for the tiny baby
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What kind of dough should I use?
Refrigerated crescent roll dough works best, giving a light and flaky pastry texture that's easy to handle.
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix the cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon ahead of time and refrigerate until assembly.
- → Why use sanding sugar in three colors?
Purple, green, and yellow sugars honor traditional Mardi Gras colors, adding festive flair and a sweet crunch.
- → How do I keep the edges from leaking?
Make sure to crimp all seams and edges well to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
- → Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! Finely chopped pecans are a delicious extra, or try a touch of orange zest for brightness.
- → Can these be made ahead?
The bites can be baked ahead and iced just before serving for maximum freshness and color.