The beginning of the year is a great time to go on a diet or a great time to eat some delicious King Cake.
What is king cake? It’s a delicious cinnamon roll type of desert in some cases there is a creme cheese or fruit filling. In New Orleans residents begin throwing parties or bringing king cake to work around January 6th. The use the cake to bring family and friend together to kick off the Mardi Gras season.
The actual name “king cake” is from the biblical three kings and is commemorated on January 6 which celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. The season for king cake extends from the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Twelfth Night and Epiphany Day), up until Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday;” the day before the start of Lent.
Several years ago I was in New Orleans for St. Patrick’s Day which was right after Mardi Gras. My favorite coffee spot PJ’s had a few leftover slices if cake and I devoured them. Since then every year I try to either make my own cake or order it.
Most people outside New Orleans or the south have no idea what a king cake is. Being that I live in the Bay Area this dwindles the opportunity, but there are a few ways to get yourself a king cake.
For those not kitchen challenged there is the home version. Cost Plus sells a mix which is quite good. My mom has made it many times and it is very tasty, You do however, have to wait for the dough to rise. There are a couple of good online quick recipes that involve cinnamon roll mix with sprinkles.
Now if you want the authentic version I have two favorites that you can order and have delivered to the comfort of your own home.
One year I purchased a HUGE Randazzo cake. It is a cinnamon infused hand braided with white Randazzo (creme cheese) icing. Comes with Mardi Gras trinkets and serves 20-24. Cakes are available from 1/7-2/5 cakes and are $52.95 a piece. This cake is more traditional in the sense that it’s hand-braided and absolutely delicious. If you are looking to be the hit of your office or Super Bowl party, this is the cake.
The last few years I have been buying Sucre King Cake. It was voted a favorite by the Times Picayune 2012 king cake contest. It featured their signature buttery Danish pastry made sweeter by raw sugar cane and cinnamon and then folded in with creole cream cheese. This cake is a bit smaller and serves 8-10 people! It’s available from 1/6-2/16 for $20.
I had never heard of King Cake before! Thanks so much for sharing the backstory and where to find recipes for it. I love learning new things. 🙂
It’s so tasty! I just found a new recipe if you want to give it a try:http://gonola.com/2016/01/06/gonola-recipes-at-home-sucre-king-cake.html?hootPostID=fc753c79a2557e01213451749b414cba
I think these sound delicious. I may just try the home version. Half the fun is making it 🙂
Fun and patience!!
I have to say I do love my desserts and this sounds right up my alley! I’ve never heard of it before but it does sound like something I’d have to take a look into making some day. Great post to promote this fab dish!
that you so much! If you have a sweet tooth it’s perfect!
I had never heard of King Cake before, but it looks so delicious! I’ll have to try it at some point. 🙂
It’s really delicious!!!
This sounds fantastic! I’m making my first trip to New Orleans in April and I wish this would still be around so I could try it!
You might be able to find it!
I have no idea that there is such a thing as King Cake. I’m curious what it taste like. I would certainly try it if I’ll find one. 🙂
Liz Gen
I hope you get to try one!
That King Cake really looks delicious. I want to try that. Thank you for sharing this.
Your welcome I hope you get try a piece soon!
I love cinnamon rolls! A cinnamon roll cake? Could life get any better? Thanks for sharing this tradition!
It’s really similar!
I had never heard of this kind of cake before but it sounds absolutely delicious! I bet my kiddos would totally love a cake like this!!
It’s so tasty!
I love King Cake but didn’t know the complete backstory. Thanks!
It’s a fun story right?
I still can’t believe I haven’t tried this yet! It looks so good though.
You’re right-I’ve never heard about king cake. I will check that out when I make it to Mardi Gras. It’s on my bucket list!
Mardi Gras is on my bucket list too!
I heard about King Cake a few years ago and I so wanted to experience it. I never marked it on my calendar, but you better believe I will be in New Orleans this time next year.
That’s awesome and have so much fun!
I have never heard of King Cale before. All of your pictures make me definitely want to try it though. All of the cakes looked super delicious. Thanks for sharing.