I make this King Cake Bubble Up when I want a Mardi Gras dessert that feels festive, sweet, and almost effortless. Soft pieces of cinnamon roll bake up in a rich cream cheese custard, then get finished with icing and bright purple, yellow, and green sugars for a colorful treat that looks just as fun as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it gives me all the cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls in an easy casserole-style dessert. It comes together quickly with refrigerated dough, which makes it perfect when I want something impressive without spending all day in the kitchen. I also like how the creamy custard keeps every bite soft and rich, while the colorful topping gives it that classic Mardi Gras look.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls
1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
Purple sanding sugar
Yellow sanding sugar
Green sanding sugar
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
I separate the cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside for later.
I cut each cinnamon roll into four pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
I add the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until everything is fully combined.
I pour in the milk and continue mixing until the custard is smooth and creamy.
I pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.
I bake everything for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is set and golden brown.
I remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
I spread the reserved icing over the warm cake.
I finish it with purple, yellow, and green sanding sugar before serving.
Servings and timing
I get 12 servings from this recipe, which makes it great for parties, brunches, or holiday gatherings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 330 kcal per serving
Servings: 12
Variations
I sometimes switch up this recipe depending on the occasion or what I have in the kitchen. I can add a little cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for extra warmth, or mix in chopped pecans for a bit of crunch. When I want even more richness, I drizzle extra glaze over the top right before serving. I can also use flavored cinnamon rolls if I want to give the dessert a slightly different twist while keeping the same easy method.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I want to serve it again, I reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds until warmed through. If I am reheating a larger amount, I cover the baking dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through. I find that the texture stays best when I do not overheat it.
Related Recipes:
- Delicious Hawaiian King Cheesecake Danish
- Smoothie King Angel Food Recipe
- Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole
FAQs
Can I make King Cake Bubble Up ahead of time?
I can prepare the dish ahead of time by cutting the cinnamon rolls and mixing the custard, then assembling everything in the baking dish and refrigerating it for a few hours before baking. I like to add the icing and colored sugar after baking for the freshest finish.
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?
I can use homemade cinnamon roll dough if I want, but refrigerated cinnamon rolls make this recipe especially quick and easy. I find the canned version works well because it bakes evenly and already includes icing.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
I look for a golden top and a center that feels set rather than liquid. If I insert a knife into the middle, I want it to come out mostly clean without a lot of wet custard.
Can I freeze leftovers?
I can freeze leftovers, but I think the texture is best when I enjoy them fresh or refrigerated. If I do freeze it, I wrap portions tightly and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
What makes this recipe feel like a Mardi Gras dessert?
I think the purple, yellow, and green sanding sugars give it that classic Mardi Gras look. Those bright colors make the dessert feel festive and fun, even though the base is a simple cinnamon roll bake.
Conclusion
I love how this King Cake Bubble Up turns simple ingredients into a cheerful dessert that feels perfect for celebrating. It is easy to prepare, full of sweet cinnamon flavor, and topped with all the colorful flair that makes Mardi Gras baking so special. I make it when I want something comforting, festive, and easy to share.
📖 Recipe:
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King Cake Bubble Up
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive Mardi Gras dessert made with soft cinnamon roll pieces baked in a rich cream cheese custard and finished with icing and colorful sanding sugars. This easy casserole-style treat is sweet, comforting, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (icing reserved)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
Purple sanding sugar, for topping
Yellow sanding sugar, for topping
Green sanding sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Separate the cinnamon rolls and reserve the icing for later.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into four pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Pour in the milk and mix until the custard becomes smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Spread the reserved icing over the warm casserole.
- Finish by sprinkling purple, yellow, and green sanding sugars on top before serving.
Notes
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for extra warm spice flavor.
Chopped pecans can be mixed in before baking for added crunch.
Flavored refrigerated cinnamon rolls can be used for a fun variation.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm a larger portion in a 300°F oven covered with foil.
The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for a few hours before baking; add icing and sanding sugar after baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
