King Cake-Inspired Cinnamon Roll Bundles with Cream Cheese Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, sweet cinnamon rolls shaped into festive bundles and topped with a cream cheese glaze and colorful Mardi Gras sprinkles for a celebratory treat. This french-inspired mardi gras ready in about 112 minutes layers all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, whole milk, warm (110°F) into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 90 min Cook: 22 min Serves 12 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast over 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F) with 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, mix 3/4 cup brown sugar and 2 tbsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Roll the dough into a 16x12-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread 1/4 cup softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
  6. Step 6: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut into 12 even slices.
  7. Step 7: Arrange the slices in 3 bundles of 4 rolls each, slightly spaced, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-22 minutes until golden and puffed.
  9. Step 9: While baking, whisk together 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp milk until smooth.
  10. Step 10: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls and sprinkle 1/4 cup combined purple, green, and gold sprinkles to finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does King Cake-Inspired Cinnamon Roll Bundles with Cream Cheese Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 112 minutes (90 min prep + 22 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover King Cake-Inspired Cinnamon Roll Bundles with Cream Cheese Glaze?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in King Cake-Inspired Cinnamon Roll Bundles with Cream Cheese Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale King Cake-Inspired Cinnamon Roll Bundles with Cream Cheese Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with King Cake-Inspired Cinnamon Roll Bundles with Cream Cheese Glaze?

French mardi gras like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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