The Real Meaning Behind The Mardi Gras King Cake

Where there's a party, there's cake. And for the biggest party held every year in the French Quarter (and in Mobile!), it's only fitting to serve the most stately cake of them all: king cake—a sweet roll that's equal parts delicious and festive. As the name implies, the origin of this colorful, oval-shaped dessert is rooted in royalty and rich in tradition. When Fat Tuesday rolls around each year, you'll be glad you know the real meaning behind the signature baked good of Carnival season. It's time to mark your calendars for Mardi Gras, and "let the good times roll."

What Is A King Cake?

In two words—sensory overload. But more specifically, it's a frosted seasonal treat that Mardi Gras partygoers eat between January 6, otherwise known as King's Day or Twelfth Night, and Fat Tuesday. Typically, king cake is made of a rich, brioche dough and a wide array of fillings, such as cinnamon, chocolate, and cream cheese. But the rainbow magic is found in the glaze and sprinkles, which are usually gold, green, and purple. Even the colors of the icing (and royal colors of Mardi Gras) have a deeper meaning. Gold represents power, green is associated with faith, and purple illustrates justice. King cake is baked without a center, like your average Bundt cake, except buried inside the batter is a tiny, plastic baby figurine.

Why Is There A Baby Inside King Cake?

There are two theories. Some believe the plastic baby is symbolic of Baby Jesus because of the religious connection to King's Day. Others, however, believe the popular New Orleans lore, which suggests that an elaborate cake was served with a bean or ring placed inside during the commemoration of the king's ball in colonial Louisiana. Whoever found the bean or trinket in his or her slice of cake would be crowned the king or queen of the balls leading up to the lavish finale on Mardi Gras.

Rather than a bean or expensive ring, the plastic effigy is mostly used today as an emblem of good luck. The lucky individual who scores the piece of king cake with the baby inside is said to gain favor, but they're also tasked with hosting duties and bringing their own king cake for next year's revelry.

Why Is It Called A King Cake?

The name is derived from the Three Wise Men in the Bible, who came bearing gifts for Baby Jesus on the Twelfth Night. King cake is first served on King's Day (January 6) and can continue to be served through the eve of Mardi Gras to celebrate the coming of the three kings, as well as to honor them with a sweet homage to their jeweled crowns.

Where To Find King Cakes For Mardi Gras

Some New Orleans-area bakeries require in-person pickup, like James Beard Award-winning Dong Phuong Bakery, where the highly coveted cakes inspire lines out the door; but others, like family-owned Manny Randazzo King Cakes in Metairie, will ship them right to your door. While Louisiana may garner the most attention for its mastery of the king cake, they don't have a monopoly on the sweet, either: One of our favorite king cakes actually comes from Paul's Pastry Shop in Picayune, Mississippi, which ships its cream-cheese-filled confections nationwide (even to Alaska). Of course, if you want to try your hand at baking your own, that's an option too; check out this traditional recipe and this cream cheese-filled delicacy. Baby not included.

WATCH: How to Make King Cake Beignets