Emeril's Quick King Cake

Get the Mardi Gras vibes going in no time with Emeril's Quick King Cake, a simplified take on the classic New Orleans treat. Featuring a buttery crescent roll dough base, this recipe comes together effortlessly with a luscious cream cheese and cinnamon filling that's both rich and satisfying. Topped with a vibrant glaze made from milk and sugar tinted in the traditional purple, green, and gold hues, this festive dessert is as eye-catching as it is delicious. Ready in just 45 minutes, this quick king cake is perfect for last-minute celebrations or when you're craving a taste of carnival season. Ideal for sharing, it serves up to eight guests and pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chicory tea. Celebrate in style with this easy-to-make yet decadent dessert that brings the joyful spirit of Mardi Gras straight to your table!

Nutriscore Rating: 33/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cans Refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Powdered sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp Ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp Milk
• 3 colors Assorted food coloring (e.g., purple, green, yellow)
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp Melted butter

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Step 3

On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent roll dough and press the seams together to create a single sheet. Repeat with the second can of dough.

Step 4

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over one of the dough sheets, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Step 5

Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 6

Place the second sheet of dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal.

Step 7

Gently shape the dough into a ring and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Pinch the ends together to fully seal the ring.

Step 8

Brush the melted butter over the top of the dough.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

Step 10

While the cake is cooling, prepare the sugar topping: divide the granulated sugar into three small bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl (purple in one, green in the second, and yellow in the third), and stir until the sugar is evenly tinted.

Step 11

Once cooled, drizzle the cake with the milk to act as a glaze, then sprinkle the colored sugars in alternating sections around the ring.

Step 12

Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1073.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3898.4

Total Fat 185.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 95.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 316.6mg	0%
Sodium 4305.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 518.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.1g	0%
Total Sugars 376.0g
Protein 48.4g	0%

Vitamin D 28.8IU	0%
Calcium 349.8mg	0%
Iron 11.2mg	0%
Potassium 324.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.4%

Protein: 4.9%

Carbs: 52.7%