Introduction

King Cake Bites capture the festive spirit of Mardi Gras in a bite-sized treat. These sweet, cream cheese-filled pastries are coated in colorful sanding sugars for a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional king cake. Perfect for parties or a special snack!

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

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

Tips & Variations

Use cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
Try adding a small amount of vanilla extract to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor.
Substitute sanding sugars with colored sugar crystals or finely chopped nuts for a different texture.
Serve these bites warm for a melty, indulgent treat or at room temperature for easier handling.

Storage

Store King Cake Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature before serving. If desired, reheat briefly in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to refresh the glaze and soften the bites.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the bites for easier spreading.

What can I use if I don’t have sanding sugar?

If sanding sugar isn’t available, you can use colored sugar crystals, sprinkle plain granulated sugar for crunch, or finely chop nuts like pecans or almonds for a tasty alternative.

King Cake Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 98 reviews

King Cake Bites are delightful bite-sized pastries inspired by the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. Made with flaky crescent roll dough filled with a creamy cinnamon-sugar cream cheese mixture, these treats are baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sanding sugars in vibrant purple, yellow, and green hues. Perfect for festive celebrations or a fun, flavorful snack.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 King Cake Bites 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the King Cake Bites.
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 is smooth and creamy.
Unroll Dough: Open the first can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface.
Divide Dough: Tear the dough into four rectangles, then crimp the perforated lines down the middle by pinching them with your fingers to seal.
Add Cinnamon: Lightly sprinkle each rectangle with about 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for flavor.
Add Filling: Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture down the center of the first rectangle.
Fold Dough: Fold one side of the rectangle over the filling about one-third of the way, then fold the other side over, forming an envelope shape.
Seal Edges: Turn the folded roll over and crimp the edges firmly with your fingers to seal the filling inside.
Slice Roll: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into three equal pieces. Crimp any open edges on each piece and place them seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Repeat Process: Repeat these steps with the remaining crescent dough and cream cheese filling, using a second baking sheet if necessary.
Bake: Place the baking sheet(s) in the preheated oven and bake the King Cake Bites for 13-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Cool: Remove from oven and allow the bites to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
Make Glaze: While the bites cool, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and thick.
Glaze and Decorate: Spoon the glaze over each King Cake Bite, then immediately sprinkle with the purple, yellow, and green sanding sugars to complete the festive look.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Adjust sanding sugar colors or omit for a subtler look if preferred.
Serve the King Cake Bites slightly warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Keywords: King Cake Bites, Crescent Roll Dessert, Mardi Gras Treats, Cream Cheese Filled Pastry, Festive Bites