Have You Busted Out Some King Cake?

Mardi Gras in New Orleans just wouldn’t be complete without a slice (or two, or three) of the famous King Cake. But before you take your first bite, let me warn you, this isn’t your grandma’s fruitcake.

First things first, the traditional King Cake is a sweet, doughy treat, often filled with delicious things like cream cheese, pecans, or even bacon (Yes, you read that right, BACON!) and topped with a colorful sugar glaze in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. It’s like a giant, delicious doughnut on steroids.

But what’s a King Cake without the baby? No, not a real baby (although that would certainly liven up the party), but a small plastic baby that is hidden inside the cake. Tradition dictates that whoever gets the slice with the baby is the “King” or “Queen” for the night and is responsible for buying the next King Cake. So, watch out for that little guy, he’s the real MVP of the party.

For me, the best part of the King Cake is the sugar high. LOL One bite of that sweet, doughy goodness, and you’ll be dancing on tables and singing “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (let the good times roll) like a true New Orleanian.

Should I warn you about eating too much? It can lead to a sugar coma and the inevitable “King Cake baby” (not to be confused with the plastic baby) aka the tummy ache from eating too much sugary deliciousness.

So, as you indulge in the sweet, doughy goodness of the King Cake, just remember to pace yourself. After all, Mardi Gras is a marathon, not a sprint, and you don’t want to miss the party because you overindulged on the King Cake.

In conclusion, King Cake is a delicious and humorous part of Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. So, grab a slice (or two) and let the good times roll!

Eighteen years in New Orleans fueled my Big Uneasy series, which is now at eight books! Start your New Orleans adventure with Relatively Risky! Or you can read the short story, Family Treed, for free! 

Check out the whole series here!