Get The Perfect King Cake For Mardi Gras From These Online Bakeries

Mark your calendars: Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 21 this year. While we highly suggest making some Creole classics at home—jambalaya, gumbo, po' boys, and more—when it comes to king cake, we've got three words for you: outsource, outsource, outsource. While we do have a king cake recipe if you want to give it a shot, Louisiana's expert bakers have been making this specialty for decades. Why not order one straight from the best?

What is king cake?

King cake is so named for the story of the three kings in the Bible, who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. Classic versions of the dessert start with a batter that's halfway between that of a coffee cake and a cinnamon roll. It's baked into a ring shape (to represent the kings' crowns) and usually lacquered in a vibrant icing of yellow, green, and purple—the traditional colors of Mardi Gras. Sometimes the cakes are unfilled, but fillings of cream cheese, fruit, and more are also wildly popular.

What's with the plastic baby?

Baked somewhere inside the cake is a tiny plastic baby. If your slice has the baby, good fortune is headed your way! But you're also on the hook to buy the next cake or throw the next party, so the celebrations never stop.

Where can I find a king cake?

You'll find these cakes at shops and bakeries throughout New Orleans from early January to Ash Wednesday. But don't fret if you can't make the trip down to the Big Easy this year. We've compiled a list of the best spots that ship king cakes. Whether you're looking for a classic version or something not-so-traditional, there's a just-right king cake for you.