A Guide to King Cake Season

Mardi Gras season is known for its fun parades, rich culture, and vibrant costumes. However, one of the best parts of the season might be the food. Nothing screams Mardi Gras more than King Cake. King Cakes are large oval shaped desserts that tastes similar to a cinnamon roll and are decorated with purple green and gold frosting (Mardi Gras colors). Hidden inside a King Cake is a plastic baby. Tradition states that if you are the one who finds the baby, good luck and prosperity will follow.

For a true New Orleans classic…choose Randazzo King Cakes

Image via Google

Founded in 1995 by Manny Randazzo and located on 3515 N Hullen Street in Metairie (~15 minute drive) this is a local favorite. The bakery offers a multitude of flavors including apple, lemon, strawberry, cream cheese, traditional, and their award winning pecan praline King Cake, which won best King Cake in 2012. Another pro, they do overnight shipping!

For a large selection… choose King Cake Hub

Located at 3300 Gravier Street (around a 10 minute drive from campus), the King Cake Hub houses some of the best King Cakes in all of New Orleans. When you walk in, the walls are lined with King Cakes from 30 different bakeries including Caludas (one of my favorite’s), Bywater Bakery, Gambino’s, and Brennans. This is the perfect choice if you want to have many options!

For a Vietnamese-French bakery twist…choose Dong Phuong King Cake

Image via Garden and Gun Magazine,

Founded in the 1980s by Vietnamese refugees Dong Phuong is famous for its banh mi (Vietnamese Po-Boys), mooncakes, and King Cake. Known for their light, not too sweet cream cheese filling, customers are told to come early and be prepared for lines out the door. They have flavors such as almond, coconut, pecan, and cinnamon. Warning, don’t expect a baby in this one!