King Cake Bites Recipe

Introduction

King Cake Bites are a fun and festive twist on the traditional Mardi Gras treat. These bite-sized pastries are filled with creamy cinnamon-sweetened cream cheese and topped with a colorful glaze and sanding sugar. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack, they’re easy to make and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 3 tablespoons sanding sugar (purple, yellow, and green)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Step 2: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Mix well with the paddle attachment until creamy.
3. Step 3: Unroll the first can of crescent roll dough.
4. Step 4: Tear the dough into four rectangles, then crimp the perforated lines down the middle by pinching with your fingers.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle each rectangle with about 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon.
6. Step 6: Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture down the middle of the first rectangle.
7. Step 7: Fold the rectangle over the filling, first folding one side about one-third over the filling, then fold the other side over like an envelope.
8. Step 8: Turn the roll over and crimp the edges with your fingers to seal.
9. Step 9: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into three pieces. Crimp any open edges with your fingers and place each piece seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Step 10: Repeat these steps with the remaining crescent dough, using another baking sheet if needed.
11. Step 11: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.
12. Step 12: Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
13. Step 13: While cooling, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until you have a thick glaze.
14. Step 14: Spoon the glaze over each King Cake bite and sprinkle with the purple, yellow, and green sanding sugars.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
• You can substitute the sanding sugar with colored sugar crystals or sprinkles for a different look.
• Try adding a dash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
• For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and plant-based milk in the glaze.

Storage

Store King Cake Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in a warm oven or microwave to soften before serving. The glaze is best added fresh before serving to keep it shiny and vibrant.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make King Cake Bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a few hours in advance and keep them covered at room temperature or refrigerated. Add the glaze and sanding sugar just before serving for the freshest appearance.

What can I use if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can use a handheld mixer or stir the softened cream cheese and sugar together by hand with a sturdy spoon until smooth and creamy, though a mixer will make it easier and faster.

King Cake Bites Recipe

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Delight in these festive King Cake Bites, bite-sized treats inspired by the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. Soft crescent roll dough envelops a creamy cinnamon-sugar cream cheese filling, baked to golden perfection and finished with a sweet glaze and vibrant purple, yellow, and green sanding sugars, making for a fun and delicious celebration snack.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 King Cake Bites 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern, American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

Filling

• 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Glaze and Topping

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 3 tablespoons sanding sugar (purple, yellow, and green)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the King Cake bites.
2. Prepare Filling: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Mix well using the paddle attachment until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare Crescent Dough: Unroll the first can of crescent roll dough onto a flat surface.
4. Divide Dough: Tear off the dough into four rectangles and crimp the perforated lines down the middle by pinching with your fingers to seal.
5. Add Cinnamon: Lightly sprinkle each rectangle with about 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
6. Fill Dough: Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture down the center of the first rectangle.
7. Fold Dough: Fold the rectangle over the filling by folding one side about one-third over the filling, then fold the other side like an envelope to enclose it.
8. Seal Edges: Turn the roll over and crimp all edges firmly with your fingers to seal the filling inside.
9. Cut Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled dough into three equal pieces. Crimp any open edges and place each piece seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Repeat: Repeat steps 3 through 9 with the remaining crescent dough and remaining cream cheese mixture. Use an additional baking sheet if necessary.
11. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes until the bites are golden brown.
12. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the King Cake bites to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
13. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and milk. Stir well until smooth and thick.
14. Glaze & Decorate: Spoon the glaze over each King Cake bite, then sprinkle the purple, yellow, and green sanding sugars evenly on top to finish the festive look.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
• If you do not have sanding sugars, coarse colored sugar or regular granulated sugar colored with food coloring can be used as a substitute.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• These bites are best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
• To enhance the festive appearance, you can drizzle additional glaze after the sanding sugar sets for extra sweetness.

Keywords: King Cake Bites, Mardi Gras dessert, cream cheese filling, crescent roll pastry, festive treats, holiday snacks