Most people think of Mardi Gras as our season of merriment before Lent. Still, many of our traditions, such as the sweet and decorative king cake, actually begin with Christmas.
King cakes date back to 12th century France when a cake was baked on the eve of Jan. 6 with a small token hidden inside. Whoever got the token in his or her slice became the royalty of the night. The original French cakes, known as the galette des rois, were round, reflecting the route taken by the Magi to confuse King Herod, whose army was following the Wise Men.
The Louisiana king cake tradition differs from France. Louisiana king cakes are oval and decorated in the Carnival colors of purple, green and gold, which represent justice (purple), faith (green) and power (gold). Some are plain with only decorated sugar on top while others are filled with wonderful things like cream cheese, fruit preserves and praline filling.
Lafayette's culinary scene can be inventive, so don't be surprised to find king cake bread pudding on a menu and other variations such as the king cake martini. Looking to try your hand at making a king cake at home? Check out the video below or click here for even more recipe ideas.
For a list of places making king cakes, and those that deliver, see below.
219 St Nazaire Rd
Broussard, LA 70518
(337) 839-0610
Recommendation: "We usually stay open extended hours during king cake season because of the demand. Our Turtle King Cake does extremely well. It's a traditional king cake, but it's topped with chocolate, drizzled with caramel, sprinkled with pecans and sprinkled with a white gloss. And that's just the outside! You can get that filled with any filling you want!"
454 Heymann Blvd, Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 235-4114
Recommendation:"Try one of our award winning pulled pork King Cakes! We also have Chantilly and Boudin King Cakes! Call or stop by to order one today in our bakery!"
Recommendation: "We're in a number of different stores across Acadiana. Even if you can't make it into a bakery that sells king cakes, you'll still be able to shop local! We're even on Waitr! Our king cakes can be found at:
1921 Kaliste Saloom Rd #111, Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 534-8700
Recommendation: "While our Mardi Gras Cream Cheese Cake is always a favorite we do have Mardi Gras Hot Chocolate Bombs for when it's cold outside that is always a hit with the kids!"
1042 Camellia Blvd #6, Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 889-5782
Recommendation: "You’ve heard the traditional vs. donut argument in the king cake arena, now prepare to consider both of those obsolete! We're putting the “king” in “king cake” with these fabulous milk bread king cakes, now available for only $18 in limited quantities with weekly flavor options."
2605 Kaliste Saloom Rd.
Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 989-9909
2025 West Pinhook Rd
Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 484-1000
101 Sabal Palms Row
Youngsville, LA 70592
(337) 856-5151
Recommendation: "We'd say Half Bavarian Cream, Half Chocolate. Unlike other places, we don't charge for additional fillings so you can get as many as you'd like."
601 Bertrand Dr
Lafayette, LA 70506
(337) 889-0045
2900 E Milton Ave
Youngsville, LA 70592
(337) 362-2814
6136 Johnston St
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 889-0040
Recommendation: "The top-selling flavors include a list of 10 all-time customer favorites like strawberry cream cheese, Bavarian cream, praline and apple as well as flavors including caramel, chocolate, cherry, blueberry, cookies and cream, and coconut, among others. "
2801 Johnston St.
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 268-9488
Recommendation: "Well, of course, we'd say you HAVE to try a Boudin King Cake from here at least once. Our Pecan Praline and Cream Cheese flavor are the most popular of our more "traditional" flavors."