Mardi Gras is upon us and what better way to join in the festivities than with a delicious treat that is coloful and tasty? Enter King Cake Bites, the perfect bite-sized indulgence to elevate your Mardi Gras season.

King Cake Bites: Quick Mardi Gras Treat

A Bite-Sized Tradition

No home is safe from a king cake down in the south, and in New Orleans, there is no shortage of places to get yourself the beloved King Cake, a circular pastry adorned with purple, green, and gold icing. But sometimes, one needs a fix without standing forever in the lines in hopes to get a king cake. These are a tasty twist to the traditional king cake and so convenient being in bite sized form to take out on the parade route and share with friends.

The Ingredients of Celebration

To create these mini marvels, you’ll need a few key ingredients that capture the essence of a classic King Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Crescent Roll Dough: The flaky, buttery base that holds it all together.
• Cream Cheese Filling: A luscious and creamy center that’s simply irresistible.
• Sugar: For that touch of sweetness that every King Cake boasts.
• Cinnamon: To infuse the filling with warmth and flavor.
• Icing: The colorful crown that adorns each bite.
• Sprinkles: Because it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without a pop of vibrant colors.

A Dash of Creativity

Creating King Cake Bites is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the process and the joy of making something special. Luckily, these are super easy to make and quick to whip up! I know you have no spare time during parade season and you’re life consists of standing on neutral ground or sidewalk side, eating Popeyes, enjoying cocktails and all about dessert (Plenty more Mardi Gras desserts here). So let me show you how easy this is. 1. Roll out the crescent roll dough and keep them into 4 rectangles from each can (8 rectangles total). Smooth those perforated lines out by pinching them together. Lightly sprinkle cinnamon on crescent rolls ( about 1/4 tsp on each rectangle).

In a sm/med bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Now, add the cream cheese mixture to middle of rectangle (long ways). Try not to overfill. Fold sides on top. Each rectangle now folded can be cut into 4 small squares.

Bake at 350F. Let it cool just a couple mins while you make the icing. Powdered sugar, milk and a dash of vanilla. Thats it. Once your King Cake Bites have cooled, it’s time to give them the “royal treatment.” (giggles- I couldn’t resist). Drizzle them generously with royal icing and sprinkle on those vibrant Mardi Gras-themed sprinkles. Decorate with all the purple green and gold sprinkles til your heart’s desire and then dig in as you parade down the street. So good, so irresistible, perfect as a snack or dessert at any parade party.

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King Cake Bites

King Cake Bites are a sweet Mardi Gras treat made with crescent rolls, cream cheese, cinnamon and sprinkles of colored sugar. These bite-sized treats are perfect for any Mardi Gras party.

Course Dessert

Prep Time 12 minutes

Cook Time 14 minutes

Total Time 26 minutes

Calories 181 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cans crescent roll
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp for cream cheese mixture, rest on crescent rolls

Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• purple, green, gold sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out crescent rolls into 8 rectangles (4 rectangles from each can). Smush other perforated lines together. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon on each rectangle. Set aside. (save 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon for cream cheese mixture)

3. In a small/medium bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon, and lemon juice.

4. Spread cream cheese mixture down the middle of the rectangles (long ways). Fold sides over the top and cut each rectangle into 4 squares.

5. Bake for 12-14 mins until tops are starting to golden brown.

6. While they are cooling, mix together in a small bowl 1 cup powdered sugar and 1-1/2 tbsp of milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract. (1-1/2 to 2 tbsp for drizzle consistency)

7. Spoon small amount on top of bites or drizzle. Add sanding sugars on top.

Nutrition Facts

King Cake Bites

Amount Per Serving (1 square)

Calories 181 Calories from Fat 89

% Daily Value*

Fat 9.9g15%

Saturated Fat 5.8g36%

Cholesterol 28mg9%

Sodium 117mg5%

Carbohydrates 18.9g6%

Fiber 4.3g18%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 3.1g6%

Calcium 116mg12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

These King Cake Bites deliver the sweet cinnamon swirl, tangy cream cheese, and colorful Mardi Gras vibe of a traditional king cake in fun, poppable form. They’re a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re tailgating on the parade route, hosting a small gathering, or just treating yourself during this carnival season.

Let the good times roll—and enjoy every bite! Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Want more easy Mardi Gras inspiration? Don’t miss our guide to more Mardi Gras desserts and drinks.

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