Irresistible Easy No Bake Mardi Gras King Cake Truffles (36 Servings)

Thanks for being here! I’m so excited to share this with you. When the calendar flips to Mardi Gras, my kitchen starts humming with beignets, jazz on the radio, and the bright, playful colors of purple, green, and gold. That’s why I created these Easy No Bake Mardi Gras King Cake Truffles — an indulgent, bite-sized spin on a New Orleans classic that comes together in under an hour and requires zero oven time. If you love festive, crowd-pleasing treats, you’re going to adore this recipe.

Focus keyword: Easy No Bake Mardi Gras King Cake Truffles

Overview of Recipe Content

What this recipe is:

These are no-bake truffles inspired by the flavors of a traditional king cake — cinnamon, cream cheese, a hint of orange, and a colored sugar crown. Imagine a soft, pillowy center studded with buttery cinnamon cake crumbs and cream cheese, dipped in white chocolate and finished with purple, green, and gold sugar sprinkles.

When to serve it:

Perfect for Mardi Gras parties, classroom treats, office celebrations, or anytime you want a little festival on a plate. They’re also a wonderful make-ahead dessert for entertaining — classy, playful, and portable.

What it tastes like:

Buttery and sweet with a warm cinnamon backbone, a tang of cream cheese, and the sugary snap of chocolate on the outside. Each bite is mini-king-cake heaven — familiar but a little more fun.

Why readers will love it:

Quick: No baking, few ingredients, big personality.

Crowd-pleasing: Kid-friendly and adult-approved.

Portable: Great for potlucks and gift boxes.

Seasonal benefits: Uses pantry staples often on hand during winter and early spring celebrations.

Ingredients

3 cups cake crumbs (about 1 box of yellow cake, crumbled) — you can use store-bought cake or leftover slices

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp orange zest (about 1 medium orange)

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

12 oz white chocolate (for melting) or candy melts

1 tbsp vegetable shortening (optional — for a smoother chocolate coating)

Colored sanding sugar in purple, green, and gold (for topping)

Optional: small plastic baby figurine or a tiny plastic charm for tradition (if using, press into a whole king cake truffle for the “king” surprise — but check safety and household traditions first)

Tools Needed

Medium mixing bowl

Electric mixer or sturdy wooden spoon

Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate

Baking sheet or tray lined with parchment

Small cookie scoop or tablespoon

Fork or dipping tool (skewer works too)

Cooling rack (optional)

Suggested Substitutions and Additions

Substitute Greek yogurt for half the cream cheese for a tangier, slightly lighter center.

Use cinnamon swirl cake crumbs or add chopped pecans to the mixture for crunch.

Swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate, then tint white chocolate with oil-based food color for rainbow effects.

For a boozy adult twist, add 1–2 tablespoons of rum or bourbon to the truffle mix.

Make mini king cake truffle pops by inserting sticks before dipping.

How to Make Easy No Bake Mardi Gras King Cake Truffles

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Crumbs and Flavor Base

Crumble the cake to fine crumbs — I like doing this with my hands because you can feel when there are no big dry chunks left. The crumbs should be soft and almost powdery.

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and salt. Beat until fully incorporated and creamy.

Stir in the cake crumbs a cup at a time. Mix until you can press the mixture together and it holds its shape without being sticky. You’re looking for a texture like a soft cookie dough.

Sensory note: The mixture will smell warm and spicy from the cinnamon with a bright pop of citrus from the orange zest — absolutely irresistible.

Step 2: Shape the Truffles

Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the truffles (about 1 inch balls). Place them on a parchment-lined tray.

Gently roll each portion between the palms of your hands until smooth. If the mixture sticks, wet your hands slightly or chill the mix for 10–15 minutes.

Chill the tray of rolled truffles in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up — this makes them easier to dip.

Chef tip: If you want to hide a tiny charm for tradition, press it into the bottom of one truffle before chilling.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Coating

Chop the white chocolate into small, even pieces for consistent melting. In a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate with the shortening (if using) in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each interval.

The chocolate should be smooth, glossy, and pourable. If it’s too thick, stir in a teaspoon of neutral oil.

Sensory note: You’ll know it’s ready when the chocolate becomes glossy and silky, smelling sweet and a little vanilla-like.

Step 4: Dip and Decorate

Using a fork or dipping tool, lower a chilled truffle into the melted white chocolate, then lift and tap the tool gently to let excess drip off.

Immediately sprinkle the top with purple, green, and gold sanding sugars while the chocolate is still wet so they stick.

Place the finished truffle back on parchment. Repeat until all truffles are coated.

Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature, or speed things up by chilling the tray for 10–15 minutes.

Personal note: I always do a test truffle first — if the sugar colors bleed into the coating, they’re too moist; try dusting quickly with a little powdered sugar before coating to dry the surface.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the truffles on a festive platter, alternating colors so the eye keeps dancing.

Keep them covered and slightly chilled if you’re serving outdoors on a warm day.

Serving sensation: The first bite yields a crisp chocolate shell that gives way to a velvet, cinnamon-scented center that tastes like a cozy Mardi Gras hug.

What to Serve with Easy No Bake Mardi Gras King Cake Truffles

Coffee or chicory coffee — the bitterness balances the sweet.

Sparkling wine or a festive punch for parties.

A platter of fruit and nuts to add texture contrast.

For more dessert inspiration, try pairing with Pecan Pie Lasagna for a south-meets-southwest spread or light, fruity bites like Caramel Apple Cupcakes.

If you want chocolate overload, these truffles also sit beautifully beside a warm slice of Gooey Brownie Pie or mini jars of Chocolate Covered Cherries for a decadent dessert bar.

Tips for Making It Perfect

Prep in advance: Make the truffle centers a day ahead and keep them chilled; dip the day of serving for the freshest finish.

Fixing sticky centers: If your mixture is too sticky to roll, chill it for 20–30 minutes or add 2–3 tablespoons more cake crumbs until it firms.

Avoid sugar bleeding: Make sure the truffles are well chilled before dipping; if the sanding sugar starts bleeding into the coating, set the dipped truffle on parchment and immediately re-sprinkle to seal.

Doubling the batch: This recipe doubles easily. Use a larger bowl, keep two trays in the fridge, and melt chocolate in batches so it stays smooth.

Clean dips faster: Place a second sheet of parchment under the first so you can switch when the first starts to look messy, keeping the workstation tidy and assembly quick.

Storage Instructions

Short-term: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container separated by parchment.

Thawing: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent condensation on the chocolate which can dull the finish.

Reheating: No reheating needed. Bring to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving if you want softer centers.

General Information

King Cake background:

King cake is a much-loved Mardi Gras tradition with roots in Epiphany celebrations. In New Orleans, the ringed cake symbolizes the arrival of the three kings, and a tiny trinket hidden inside determines who hosts the next celebration. My truffle version keeps that playful spirit alive but in a modern, portable form — perfect for those of us who want tradition without the need for a large cake.

Personal story:

I remember the first Mardi Gras I hosted in my tiny apartment. I didn’t have the oven space or the patience for a full-sized cake, so I improvised little truffles. My neighbors thought I’d hired a pastry chef. That first tray sparked this recipe: simple, festive, and made with a lot of heart.

Cooking Summary:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes (melting/dipping)

Total Time: 48 minutes (including chilling)

Yield: ~36 truffles (depending on size)

Category: Dessert

Method: No-Bake/Dipping

Cuisine: American / New Orleans-inspired

Diet: Vegetarian (not vegan)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought king cake pieces instead of plain cake?

Yes — if you have king cake on hand, crumble it and use those crumbs. It will intensify the authentic flavor.

How long will these keep at room temperature?

If it’s cool (under 70°F), you can keep them out for a few hours. For longer, refrigerate to keep the centers firm and the chocolate shiny.

My coating is streaky or dull. What went wrong?

Chocolate can seize if water gets in. Make sure your utensils are dry and melt slowly. Adding a small amount of shortening or neutral oil can smooth the coating.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes — use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free white chocolate. Texture may vary slightly, so chill well before dipping.

Texture issue: centers too dry or crumbly?

Add 1–2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of milk to rehydrate the mixture and bring it together.

Conclusion

These Easy No Bake Mardi Gras King Cake Truffles are a celebration in a bite. They capture the nostalgia of king cake with modern convenience: no oven, minimal fuss, and maximum festive flair. Whether shared at a party or tucked into a box of homemade gifts, they bring Mardi Gras right to your kitchen table.

Here are some recipes related to Easy No Bake Mardi Gras King Cake Truffles ideas:

Pecan Pie Lasagna, Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Wishing you joyful baking and even more joyful eating — thanks for letting me share this little slice of Mardi Gras with you. If you love cozy recipes like this, subscribe to my email list!

Interactive Elements

Leave a review or comment below and tell me how you colored your truffles.

Share a photo on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Tag me if you post — I love resharing your creations.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per truffle (based on 36 truffles):

Calories: 130 kcal

Protein: 1.5 g

Carbs: 12 g

Fat: 8.5 g

Simple table (plain text):

Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat

1 truffle | 130 kcal | 1.5 g | 12 g | 8.5 g

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Goodbye for now — and laissez les bons temps rouler!