If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that captures all the fun and festive spirit of Mardi Gras with absolute ease, look no further than this King Cake Bubble Up Recipe. Imagine the warm, gooey swirls of cinnamon rolls mingling with a rich, creamy custard, and then topped with that iconic colorful sugary sparkle that brings the celebration right to your table. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any gathering and absolutely irresistible the moment it comes out of the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this King Cake Bubble Up Recipe is simple, yet each item plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so special.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (2 cans): These form the soft and pillowy base loaded with cinnamon-spiced goodness that melts beautifully.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds a luscious, tangy creaminess that lifts the dessert beyond your average bubble up.
- Sugar (⅔ cup): Sweetness that cuts through the cream cheese and balances the cinnamon flavors.
- Eggs (2): They bind everything together and contribute to that rich, custardy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Gives depth and warmth to the custard mix, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Milk (1 cup): Keeps the custard mixture silky and fluid to soak into the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Colored sugar (purple, yellow, green): The finishing touch that gives this dish its signature Mardi Gras festive look and a little crunch.
How to Make King Cake Bubble Up Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Cinnamon Rolls
Start by heating your oven to 375ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Open your cinnamon rolls and separate them, saving the icing for later. Cut each roll into four pieces—this helps the pieces absorb the custard mixture and bake evenly in the pan.
Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Pieces
Scatter those chunks of cinnamon rolls evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan. This creates the perfect layer that will soak up the custard and become beautifully soft but structured after baking.
Step 3: Whip Up the Custard Mixture
Using a handheld mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Then add your eggs and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly before adding the milk at the end. This mixture should be silky and pourable—it’s what transforms those cinnamon roll pieces into a luscious bubble up.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure every bite will be soaked in that rich sauce. Bake your creation for 30 to 35 minutes until the custard is set and the edges start to turn golden brown. Once out of the oven, give it 5 to 10 minutes to cool slightly.
Step 5: Finish with Icing and Colored Sugar
Spread the icing packet that came with your cinnamon rolls over the slightly cooled bubble up. Then, generously sprinkle purple, yellow, and green colored sugar on top to capture the iconic Mardi Gras colors that make this King Cake Bubble Up Recipe a festive eye-catcher as well as a delicious treat.
How to Serve King Cake Bubble Up Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic colored sugar, consider adding chopped pecans or sliced almonds for a delightful crunch contrast. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also brighten up each serving for an extra pop of freshness and texture.
Side Dishes
This King Cake Bubble Up Recipe shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or sweet tea for a brunch spread. You could also serve it alongside fresh fruit salad to balance the richness with natural juicy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next party, serve the bubble up in individual ramekins so everyone can have their personal festive portion. You can also turn extra iced pieces into mini King Cake Bubble Up parfaits layered with whipped cream and sprinkles for a playful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If there are any leftovers, cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the flavors will deepen and the texture remains pleasantly soft.
Freezing
This King Cake Bubble Up Recipe freezes well. Wrap the baking dish securely in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it will taste almost like freshly baked.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the oven at 325ºF for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through to restore that just-baked softness. Microwave reheats faster but can sometimes make it a bit soggy, so use low power for best results.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! While refrigerated cinnamon rolls save time, homemade cinnamon rolls add a special touch. Just cut them into pieces as directed and proceed with the recipe.
What kind of colored sugar should I use?
Traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, gold (yellow), and green—each representing justice, power, and faith. You can find these colors easily at baking supply stores or online.
Is this recipe good for breakfast or dessert?
It’s incredibly versatile and works perfectly as a rich breakfast treat or a comforting dessert after dinner. Either way, it’s sure to impress.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives, and be sure to check your cinnamon rolls for any dairy ingredients to maintain the recipe’s integrity.
How do I avoid the bubble up being too soggy?
Make sure not to overpour the custard mixture. The 1 cup of milk provides just enough moisture to soak the cinnamon pieces without turning them mushy. Also, baking it long enough ensures it sets nicely.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this King Cake Bubble Up Recipe enough—whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just crave a festive twist on cinnamon rolls, this recipe delivers joy in every bite. It’s comforting, colorful, and effortlessly impressive, making it one of those dishes you’ll want to share and make again and again.
Print
King Cake Bubble Up Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A festive and fun King Cake Bubble Up recipe that captures the flavors of traditional king cake in an easy-to-make casserole form. Layers of cinnamon roll pieces mixed with a creamy custard-like batter, baked until golden and topped with vibrant purple, yellow, and green sugar for a colorful Mardi Gras-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (12.4-oz) cans refrigerated Pillsbury cinnamon rolls
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup milk
- Purple, yellow, and green colored sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Separate the cinnamon rolls from the cans and save the icing for later. Cut each cinnamon roll into 4 pieces and evenly distribute them in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a handheld electric mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Pour in the milk and continue mixing until the batter is fully combined and creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chopped cinnamon rolls in the pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Finish: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the dessert to set. Spread the reserved cinnamon roll icing evenly over the top of the casserole. Sprinkle the purple, yellow, and green colored sugar on top to garnish and celebrate Mardi Gras colors.
Notes
- Be sure to save the icing from the cinnamon rolls; it adds a sweet finishing touch after baking.
- Use colored sugar generously to achieve the iconic King Cake look.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before spreading the icing so it doesn’t melt and run off.
- This recipe serves 12, making it perfect for parties or brunch gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
