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.
Mardi Gras in Lafayette means two full weeks events, parades, live music, and of course king cake. Get the inside track with this year's Mardi Gras Insider's Guide!
219 St Nazaire Rd
Broussard, LA 70518
(337) 839-0610
Recommendation: "We usually stay open for 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!"
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 several 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 locally!"
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. "
Sunny Akers Bread is a micro-bakery located in Maurice, Louisiana. They are currently accepting orders for King Cakes through Mardi Gras. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance.
You can pick up cakes at the commercially certified bakery. Sunny Akers cakes can also be found at the Moncus Park Farmers Market, LA Cheesecake Bakery, Rachael’s Café, and Neighbor’s Pharmacy. They also ship through Hebert’s!