Print

King Cake Bites Recipe

4.7 from 114 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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