Festive King Cake Bars

Festive King Cake Bars are a rich and creamy twist on the traditional Mardi Gras king cake. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cinnamon cream cheese filling, and a sweet vanilla glaze topped with vibrant sanding sugar, these bars are the perfect handheld treat for celebrating Mardi Gras. Easy to make and full of flavor, they are an excellent addition to any festive gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Delicious – With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dessert that captures the essence of traditional king cake.
• Perfect for Sharing – These bars are easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for parties and celebrations.
• Festive and Fun – The classic Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold make them stand out on any dessert table.
• Creamy and Crunchy – The combination of a crisp graham cracker crust and a smooth cinnamon cream cheese filling is irresistible.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare these bars in advance, making them a stress-free party dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• Cream cheese
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Egg

For the Topping:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Purple, green, and gold sanding sugar

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to create a crust.
3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and egg until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the filling over the prepared crust and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let the bars cool completely before adding the glaze.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze.
7. Spread the glaze over the cooled bars and immediately sprinkle with purple, green, and gold sanding sugar.
8. Let the glaze set before slicing into squares and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 9-12 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle – Add a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate over the glaze for extra indulgence.
• Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the crust for added texture.
• Spiced Flavor – Enhance the filling by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
• Lemon Glaze – Substitute the vanilla extract in the glaze with fresh lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
• Cookie Crust – Use crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies instead of graham crackers for a different base.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can use a shortbread or vanilla wafer crust instead of graham crackers for a different texture.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The filling should be set and slightly firm to the touch. If it jiggles excessively, bake for a few more minutes.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What does the sanding sugar represent?

The purple, green, and gold sugar are traditional Mardi Gras colors symbolizing justice, faith, and power.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

What if I don’t have sanding sugar?

You can use colored sprinkles or edible glitter as an alternative.

Can I add a hidden baby like in traditional king cake?

Yes! If you want to add a plastic baby, tuck it into one of the bars after baking. Be sure to inform guests before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and double all ingredients to make more servings.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, since they contain cream cheese, they should be stored in the refrigerator.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different sweetness profile.

Conclusion

Festive King Cake Bars offer all the flavors of traditional king cake in an easy-to-make, shareable dessert. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cinnamon-spiced filling, and a vibrant glaze, they are perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, spiced treat. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a special homemade dessert, these bars are sure to be a hit!