History of the King Cake

Well, now that Mardi Gras has officially begun here in Louisiana, it's time to get our king cake on! Although most people think king cakes originated in New Orleans, we have our own favorites and traditions here in Acadiana. From our friends at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum and nola.com, both types of king cakes in New Orleans, the ring type as well as the “galette de roi” sold in French bakeries, originated in France, the galette type (of puff pastry and frangipani filling) was popular in the north and the “gateaux de roi” of brioche dough was made in southern France.

King cake fillings came about in the 1980s, and you can certainly find a plethora of delicious fillings for your king cake anywhere in Acadiana. Also, the plastic baby inside the cake is now mostly replaced with the baby OUTSIDE of the cake. Tradition says that whoever gets the baby in their slice of king cake has to have the next king cake party.

I can't tell you how many times people who aren't from here get completely freaked out at the thought of biting into a plastic baby in their cake!!!

Whether you like plain or filled, king cakes are only going to be around until Mardi Gras day, which this year is Tuesday, February 9, so start celebrating, ya'll, and be happy we have these delicious treats around for another Carnival season!