Pull Apart King Cake

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to make this season, you’ve got to try this Pull Apart King Cake! It’s a simplified twist on the classic Mardi Gras cake, perfect for those busy days when you need something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part? It takes just 10 minutes of prep time and about 50 minutes to bake, so you can have it ready to serve in no time!

This King Cake comes together with easy-to-find ingredients like biscuit dough, brown sugar, and butter – making it a great option when you want something sweet without the fuss. I love how the cinnamon-sugar biscuits transform into a gooey, indulgent bread that everyone can pull apart and enjoy. The addition of the colorful sprinkles makes it feel festive, whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just looking for something fun to serve.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it for a holiday, a family brunch, or even just as an afternoon snack. The sweet glaze on top adds the finishing touch, and the warm, gooey texture is irresistible. It’s one of those treats that’s sure to be gone in no time, so be sure to grab a piece while it’s still fresh!

Make sure you also take a look at some of my other Mardi Gras recipes!

Ingredients

• 2 8-count cans biscuit dough: These cans of biscuit dough serve as the base for the pull-apart goodness, making it quick and easy to prepare.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: The granulated sugar combines with cinnamon to coat the biscuit pieces, adding a touch of sweetness to every bite.
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon: Cinnamon gives this cake its warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet dough.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Brown sugar helps create a rich, gooey caramel-like sauce that soaks into the biscuit pieces as they bake.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter ensures that the brown sugar mixture evenly coats the biscuits, creating that irresistible gooey texture.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is the key ingredient for the smooth, sweet glaze that finishes off this King Cake.
• 2-3 tablespoons milk: Milk helps thin out the powdered sugar to create the perfect consistency for drizzling over the warm cake.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the glaze, giving it an extra layer of sweetness.
• Purple, green, and gold sugar sprinkles: These vibrant sprinkles add a festive touch to the King Cake, giving it that iconic Mardi Gras look.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a Bundt cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Separate the biscuits and cut each biscuit into quarters.

3. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a gallon sized bag. Place half the biscuit pieces in the bag and shake until they’re fully coated. Arrange the pieces in the prepared pan, then repeat the process with the remaining biscuit pieces.

4. Whisk together the butter and brown sugar until well combined and pour the mixture over the top of the biscuit pieces.

5. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the biscuits are no longer doughy.

6. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then flip the pan over onto a serving tray and allow to cool for another 10 minutes.

7. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the mixture over the top of the bread, then decorate with the purple, green, and gold sprinkles. Serve warm.

Pull Apart King Cake Tips & Tricks

• Use Fresh Biscuit Dough: Make sure the biscuit dough is fresh, as older dough may not bake as well and could affect the texture of the cake. Stick to refrigerated biscuit dough for best results.

• Don’t Overmix the Sugar and Cinnamon: When coating the biscuit pieces, be sure to gently shake the bag. Overmixing could cause the cinnamon to clump or the sugar to dissolve too much, making it less effective in coating the dough.

• Grease the Pan Well: Be sure to grease your Bundt pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. This will help the cake come out easily after baking, and prevent any sticky spots.

• Check for Doneness: While the baking time is generally around 45-50 minutes, every oven is different. Check the cake by gently pressing on it to see if it’s firm and no longer doughy. You can also use a toothpick to check for uncooked dough in the center.

• Let it Cool Before Serving: After flipping the cake, let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan and another 10 minutes on the serving tray. This allows the glaze to set properly and makes it easier to serve without losing too much of the topping.

• Customize the Glaze: If you like a thicker glaze, add a bit more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, increase the milk a little bit at a time. Adjusting the glaze consistency allows you to control how much it soaks into the cake.

• Go Easy on the Sprinkles: While the sprinkles are a fun touch, don’t go overboard! A light sprinkle of purple, green, and gold adds color without overpowering the sweet flavors of the cake.

• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the biscuit dough and sugar coating the night before and store it in the fridge. Just assemble the cake in the morning, add the melted butter and brown sugar, and bake for a quick treat.

• Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the Pull Apart King Cake while it’s still warm. The gooey cinnamon filling and sweet glaze are at their best when freshly baked.

• Add Some Extra Flavor: Want a little extra kick? Add a pinch of nutmeg or even a small amount of maple syrup to the glaze for a unique twist on the classic flavor!