4 Ways to Enjoy King Cake

There’s only so much time to get your fill of king cake each year. You should take advantage of each and every opportunity and seek out new ones! Whether you desire classic, creative, savory, liquid or icy cold we’ve got the ultimate list of where to get your fix all around the state.

1. Classic King Cakes: 

1. Haydel’s Bakery, New Orleans: They not only have a traditional king cake, but they have traditional purple-, green- and gold-topped cakes. Whether you prefer icing or classic sugar crystals, Haydel's has it all.
2. Manny Randazzo vs. Nonna Randazzo, New Orleans: The debate between whose is better has gone back for years, and locals are very passionate about which one they prefer. Try them both, and judge for yourself. Luckily, they both ship!
3. Delicious Donuts & Bakery, Lake Charles: This bakery has flavors on flavors on flavors. If you can’t find one you like, you’re not doing it right.

2. Creative Styles of King Cake:  

1. Dong Phuong, New Orleans: Experience a local favorite of New Orleans with a Dong Phuong king cake! This James Beard Award-winning Vietnamese bakery in the heart of New Orleans East offers traditional baked goods and seasonal staples. Enjoy king cake flavors such as coconut, pecan, strawberry, cream cheese and more!
2. Lilah’s, Shreveport: Lilah’s may look like a classic on the outside, but you can get this cake filled with just about any flavor you can think of — and they have a gluten-free option!
3. Brew Ha Ha, Baton Rouge: King cake became even more portable! Grab a cake ball and a king cake latte and enjoy.
4. Creole Cream Cheese King Cake Ice Cream, at home: We’ve pushed our test kitchen to the limits and perfected an easy recipe you can make from the comfort of your home.

3. Savory King Cake Variations:

1. Cajun Market Donut Company, Lafayette: Sure, you can get just about any sweet treat here, but it’s their Boudin-stuffed king cake that is a must-try!
2. Quebedeaux’s Boudin & Cracklins, Alexandria: They claim to be the home of the original boudin king cake, and who are we to argue? Everyone knows you’ve got to try the original before judging others.
3. Magic Grill, Monroe/West Monroe: King cake burger? Ok, we’ll bite. Try this delicious variation at a North Louisiana staple.

4. Liquid King Cake:

1. CC’s Coffee, statewide: A king cake latte! Get your caffeine fix and your king cake all in one.
2. Community Coffee, nationwide: Enjoy a taste of Mardi Gras at home with Community Coffee Mardi Gras King Cake blend, sold by the bag or in individual serving pods. 
3. Abita, Abita Springs & grocery stores statewide: All the goodness of King Cake in an all-natural soda, made with Louisiana cane sugar and naturally caffeine-free.

Find more Mardi Gras roundups by Explore Louisiana.