The Sweet Tradition of King Cake: A Mardi Gras Celebration Rooted In History

The Sweet Tradition of King Cake: A Mardi Gras Favorite

Mardi Gras season is in full swing here in Southwest Louisiana. If we're honest...in Louisiana's Mardi Gras preperations start on December 26. Of course, no Carnival celebration would be complete without the beloved Louisiana King Cake. Have you ever wondered how this colorful, sweet treat became such a staple of Mardi Gras festivities? Let’s dive into the history, tradition, and flavors of King Cake that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of Louisianians across the state.

What Is King Cake Made With?

It's a delicious blend of two of my favorite things coffee cake and cinnamon rolls. King cake is usually iced out in Mardi Gras colors yellow, green, and purple and is frequently packed with fruit fillings and decadent cream cheeses. Hidden within these season sweets also lie a special surprise: a plastic king cake baby to continue the fun.

King Cake Is A Celebration Rooted in History

The tradition of King Cake dates back to the Middle Ages in France and Spain, where it was created to honor the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day. Celebrated on January 6, this Christian holiday commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the Christ Child.

When French settlers brought this custom to Louisiana in the 1870s, it merged seamlessly with the local celebration of Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday.” Based on Catholic traditions, Mardi Gras is the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. It became the perfect occasion to indulge in King Cake—a final treat before the fasting period leading up to Easter.

Why Is There a Baby Inside?

If you’ve ever wondered about the tiny plastic baby hidden inside a King Cake, it’s more than just a fun surprise! The baby represent baby Jesus Christ. Actually the word Feve', French for small trincket or charm. In France they would baby also called  in King Cake, The baby, known as a fève, symbolizes Baby Jesus. In earlier times, finding the fève earned you a special prize. Today, the lucky person who discovers the baby is tasked with bringing the next King Cake to the celebration—a tradition that keeps the festivities going throughout the season.

How To Make Your Own And Deocorate It

King Cake is as delicious as it is beautiful. Shaped into a festive ring, the cake is a rich, brioche-like dough reminiscent of a cinnamon roll or coffee cake. Traditional fillings include fruit, cream cheese, or even savory options like boudin for a Cajun twist!

Decorated in the iconic Mardi Gras colors—purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power—the cake is topped with icing, and colorful sugar sprinkles, and often adorned with beads or a crown. It’s a dessert that’s just as vibrant as the parades rolling through the streets of Southwest Louisiana.

Fun fact: King Cake’s French cousin, galette des Rois, is a flaky puff pastry filled with almond paste. While not as common here, it’s another delicious way to honor the Epiphany tradition.

Keeping The Tradition Going

Mardi Gras season is in full swing, and it’s time to grab a King Cake or two from your favorite bakery and keep this sweet Louisiana tradition going for another century. Would you like to try your hand at baking your own and starting a new family tradition?

Though there’s no wrong way to enjoy this classic treat, there is a specific way to make one. Here are some great Louisiana King Cake receipes. Traditional King Cake. If your a hands-on learner, below is a good DIY video with step-by-step instructions on how to make a delicious King Cake!

Want to stay in the know about Southwest Louisiana’s Mardi Gras events, parades, and ball schedules? I gotcha covered! Click HERE for all the details. Laissez les bons temps rouler! Enjoy your King Cake, Southwest Louisiana, and happy Mardi Gras!