Name: King Cake Bubble Up Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cans refrigerated Pillsbury cinnamon rolls; Mist for pan: non-stick baking spray; 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs, room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup milk; Purple, yellow, green sprinkles or colored sugar; Cinnamon roll icing (reserved from cinnamon roll cans); Baby Jesus figurine (for tradition, optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 15 reviews

If you love the festive flavors and fun tradition of Mardi Gras, let me introduce you to an absolute showstopper: the King Cake Bubble Up Recipe. This dish takes all the beloved elements of a classic King Cake—cinnamon, cream cheese, and those iconic purple, green, and gold sprinkles—and transforms them into a warm, gooey, pull-apart casserole that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this King Cake Bubble Up is guaranteed to bring joy and a little festive magic to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass rectangular dish filled with a creamy yellow custard-like mixture that partially covers small chunks of light brown bread pieces spread evenly throughout the dish. The surface of the liquid looks smooth with some bubbles visible, and the dish is placed on a beige and white checkered cloth over a white marbled surface. The edges of the glass dish are neatly visible, showing the depth of the creamy mixture and bread inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the soft cinnamon rolls forming the base, the tangy cream cheese filling, or the colorful sprinkles that add a festive finish.

Refrigerated Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (3 cans): The star of the show, providing soft, sweet layers perfect for bubble-up style baking.
Cream cheese (1 8-oz package, softened): Adds creamy richness that contrasts beautifully with the cinnamon and sugar.
Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and enhances caramelization during baking.
Eggs (2, room temperature): Help to bind the cream cheese filling and create a luscious texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture.
Milk (1 cup): Lightens the filling, ensuring it pours over the rolls smoothly and bakes to perfection.
Purple, yellow, green sprinkles: Celebrate Mardi Gras with these festive colors that make the dish as fun to look at as it is to eat.

How to Make King Cake Bubble Up Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Cinnamon Rolls

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and generously spraying a 9×13″ casserole dish with non-stick baking spray. This ensures nothing will stick as the cinnamon rolls bubble up and bake into a gooey delight. Next, open up those cinnamon roll cans and separate each roll. Cut each one into four equal quarters—this allows the pieces to bake evenly and makes for perfect “bubble up” texture when combined.

Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Roll Pieces

Scatter all the cut-up cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the more irregular your distribution, the better the texture contrast will be. Set the little icing packets aside for now; you’ll need them after baking to give the dish that classic King Cake shine.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar using an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the luscious filling that complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until just combined, then slowly add the milk. Keep mixing until the filling is silky and pourable; this helps coat the cinnamon roll pieces in a heavenly custard as it bakes.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the casserole dish. Make sure each piece gets coated—that custard is the key to binding everything into a cohesive, soft, and creamy King Cake bubble-up. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s puffed up, golden on top, and fragrant enough to fill your kitchen with heavenly aromas.

Step 5: Cool and Hide the Baby Jesus Figurine

Once you remove the King Cake Bubble Up from the oven, let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes so it firms up just enough to handle. Then, carefully use a knife to cut a small slit anywhere in the casserole and slide in the traditional Baby Jesus figurine. This part is a delightful nod to the classic King Cake tradition, adding a whimsical surprise for whoever finds it. Gently push the cake back together to hide the figurine.

Step 6: Ice and Decorate

Now it’s time to slather that magical canned cinnamon roll icing over the top while the dish is still slightly warm. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a creamy, sweet glaze that melts into the baked cinnamon roll pieces. To finish, sprinkle generously with the traditional Mardi Gras colors—purple, yellow, and green—for that iconic festive look that celebrates the season.

How to Serve King Cake Bubble Up Recipe

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with a layered dessert. The bottom layer is made of golden brown baked dough pieces with a slightly crispy texture. These dough pieces are covered with a thick white glaze that looks smooth and creamy. On top of the glaze, there are colorful sprinkles scattered in yellow, green, and purple, adding a bright touch to the dessert. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and the whole scene looks bright and clean. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic colored sugar or sprinkles are traditional and beautiful, you can jazz things up with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even some chopped pecans for a surprising crunch. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or orange segments, also pairs nicely and adds a refreshing contrast.

Side Dishes

This King Cake Bubble Up Recipe is rich and satisfying on its own, but if you’re serving it at brunch, complement it with light sides like fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a simple green salad tossed in citrus vinaigrette. Coffee or a spiced tea also pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish straight in the casserole pan for a casual, family-style meal or transfer portions onto colorful plates to brighten up your table. For a party, set up a “decorating station” with extra sprinkles and little bowls of glaze or fresh fruit toppings so guests can personalize their slices. Forget fancy plating—this recipe’s charm is in its cozy, inviting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The King Cake Bubble Up will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld together even more beautifully overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish if you want to prepare it ahead of time. After baking and cooling completely, wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds, or heat the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Adding a fresh sprinkle of Mardi Gras colored sugar right before serving will bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for the King Cake Bubble Up Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will add a personal touch and can elevate the flavor even more. Just be sure they aren’t too large or thick, so they bake through evenly in the casserole.

What if I don’t have the Baby Jesus figurine?

While it’s a cherished tradition, the figurine is optional. You can skip the surprise or substitute with a fun Mardi Gras charm or token for a similar effect.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can try using dairy-free cream cheese and milk alternatives, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Be sure to use products that behave well in baking for the best results.

How long does it take to prepare and bake?

The entire process takes about 40 minutes, including baking time, making it a quick and easy way to bring Mardi Gras cheer into your kitchen.

What’s the best way to transport this dish for parties?

Keep it warm by baking close to serving time and transporting in an insulated carrier or wrap the casserole with towels to retain heat. Alternatively, reheat gently upon arrival.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the King Cake Bubble Up Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s fun to make, fantastic to share, and absolutely bursting with the flavors we all associate with Mardi Gras joy. If you’re looking for a new tradition or simply want a delightful breakfast or dessert, this recipe is going to be your new favorite. Now, go bake it, share it, and enjoy every warm, sugary bite!