Introduction

King Cake Bites are a delightful twist on the traditional Mardi Gras treat, perfect for parties or a sweet snack. These bite-sized pastries are filled with a creamy cinnamon mixture and topped with colorful sanding sugar for a festive touch.

A white plate holds seven square pastries arranged in a circle. Each pastry has a light golden-brown, flaky crust layered two or three times, topped with white icing that drips slightly down the sides. Crystals of sugar in green, yellow, and purple cover the tops in colorful patches, giving a sparkly texture. In front of the pastries, a small pink baby figurine sits upright, facing forward. The plate is on a white marbled surface, and colorful Mardi Gras beads are blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 your stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Mix with the paddle attachment until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Unroll the first can of crescent roll dough and tear it into four rectangles. Crimp the perforated lines down the middle by pinching with your fingers.
Step 4: Sprinkle each rectangle with about 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Step 5: Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture down the middle of the first rectangle.
Step 6: Fold the rectangle over the filling, folding one side about 1/3 over, then fold the other side over like an envelope.
Step 7: Turn the roll over and crimp the edges with your fingers to seal.
Step 8: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into three pieces. Crimp any open edges with your fingers and place the pieces seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 9: Repeat the process with the second can of crescent dough on another baking sheet if needed.
Step 10: Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden brown.
Step 11: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
Step 12: To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until thick and smooth.
Step 13: Spoon the glaze over each King Cake bite and immediately sprinkle with the purple, yellow, and green sanding sugars.

Tips & Variations

Use a piping bag or resealable bag with the corner cut off for easier filling of the cream cheese mixture.
Try adding a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to the cream cheese filling for extra flavor.
For a festive look, alternate sanding sugar colors on each bite.
Make mini King Cake Bites by cutting the dough into smaller rectangles before filling.

Storage

Store leftover King Cake Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to restore softness, but avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows several small pastries on a white plate with a decorative edge, placed on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has a flaky golden-brown crust with a smooth, creamy white filling visible inside the one with a bite taken out. The tops of the pastries are drizzled lightly with white icing and covered with colorful sugar crystals in green, purple, and yellow. The sugar crystals create a triangular pattern on each pastry's top, adding vibrant color contrast to the soft, light textures of the dough and icing. The view is close-up, focused on the bitten pastry in the front. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare King Cake Bites ahead of time?

You can assemble the bites a few hours in advance and refrigerate them unbaked. Let them come to room temperature before baking for best results.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

For a lighter option, you can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta mixed with a little sugar, but cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor for this recipe.