Easy King Cake For a Family Friendly Mardi Gras
My family grew up celebrating Mardi Gras. And no, we aren’t from Louisiana. My Grandma just LOVED any reason to gather her family and feed them food. And let me fill you in on a little secret. Mardi Gras is mostly about the FOOD.
We lived in Louisiana for graduate school (GEAUX TIGERS!), and during this time we fell in love with Mardi Gras Season even more!
The History Behind Mardi Gras
What I didn’t realize was the history behind the holiday, and even though I LOVE King Cake, and jambalaya I wanted to know why an entire state comes together to celebrate this one massive holiday between Christmas and Easter.
Here’s the short version. Mardi Gras season is the period of time after Epiphany, and before Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday (AKA Mardi Gras) is the day before Lent begins. Lent in the Catholic religion is a time reserved to fast before Easter. So now you know the historical version.
The modern version is this, Mardi Gras is not just a huge party in New Orleans, with fancy floats and kings and queens (don’t get me wrong, this happens as well). Have you ever seen Princess and the Frog? The parades really are a lot like that. But mostly, Mardi Gras is a time where people gather- whether in Krews at the parades, in church groups, families, or communities to celebrate. To celebrate the purple, gold, and green. And to “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll). And along the way, you try to catch as many beads as you possibly can!
Even though we have since left Louisiana, Mardi Gras will always be engrained in our hearts. And believe me, I have been missing our NOLA king cakes. But I am here to help you create a family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration, the EASY way.
The King Cake
Thought to have originated in 12th century France, the King Cake is a traditional pastry presented on Epiphany or all Kings Day. The circular shape was thought to represent the journey of the 3 Kings when the visited the Christ Child. Historically a small bean or coin was hidden inside the cake, and legend says whoever finds the token in their piece will have good luck the upcoming year! If you purchase a traditional Louisiana King Cake, you will now find a small plastic baby to hide in the cake before you cut and serve it.
King Cakes also present the three Mardi Gras colors. Purple for justice. Green for faith. And Gold for power.
This Miniature King Cake can be ready from start to finish in 30 minutes. And is the perfect piece to your Mardi Gras celebration. I originally saw the idea over on Mom Loves Baking, and I loved it! I am all for quick and easy. I have adjusted it a bit and made this a “mini-version” because our family is small. So here is my version of this quick and easy King Cake.
Ingredients:
1 can pop out cinnamon rolls (yup you read that right!)
Green, Yellow, Purple Sprinkles
A Bean or plastic baby (I bet you could order these on Amazon)
Parchment paper
Baking Sheet
Instructions:
1.Pre-heat oven per package instructions
2.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
3.Pop out the cinnamon rolls and slightly squish them in between your thumb and index finger. This makes them longer and you can prop them on their sides. I am semi terrible at describing this so here is a picture.
4. Arrange the flattened cinnamon rolls into a wreath shape and bake for 15 minutes.
5. Best thing about the pop out cinnamon rolls is the frosting is included! Drizzle the cinnamon rolls and then sprinkle your King Cake sprinkles in a Purple, Yellow, and Green pattern.
Tag us when you celebrate Mardi Gras at your house!
