We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Holidays & Occasions Mardi Gras Our Favorite Mail-Order King Cakes Celebrating Mardi Gras at home has never been easier! By Ivy Odom Ivy Odom Ivy is an Editorial Producer for Dotdash Meredith and hosts an array of lifestyle videos. She also authors a bi-monthly recipe column for Southern Living. Ivy has over four years of experience as on-camera talent across multiple platforms, including TikTok, Snapchat, television, and other social channels, as well as extensive producing and editing experience for TikTok. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on January 22, 2024 No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without a king cake. Beginning on Epiphany (which marks the official start of Mardi Gras), you'll find these filled pastry rings all over the South. And in places like Mobile and New Orleans, where Mardi Gras is less a holiday and more a way of life, it's not uncommon to have a few over the course of the season. As long as they're frosted in the traditional royal colors of green (symbolizing faith), gold (power), and purple (justice), the sky's the limit when it comes to how these sweet treats are made. Fans fall into two camps: those who prefer a denser, Danish pastry-style and those who favor a light, tender brioche version. Loyalties divide even further when it comes to fillings, which range from basic cinnamon and sugar to cream cheese, fruit, and even praline. One feature is sacrosanct though: All king cakes come with a tiny baby to tuck inside. The person who finds it wins good fortune (unless he or she bites down too hard!), but is tasked with the responsibility of buying the next cake. If you're looking to partake in the time-honored tradition of king-cake eating this year, but aren't quite ready to attempt your own at home, don't fret! Bakeries across the South are more than willing to send a cake directly to your home. All it takes is a quick "add to cart," and you'll be savoring a slice in a matter of days. With a plethora of options available via Goldbelly and dozens more offered direct from specific retailers, there are plenty of king cakes to chose from. Not sure where to start? Here are just a few of our favorites. Jennifer Davick Paul's Pastry Picayune, Mississippi If you want doughnut-like pastry and plenty of filling, order the Berry Deluxe Combo King Cake. The cream cheese-and-berry filling is just the right counterpoint to the slightly sweet brioche. If you're feeling extra bold, spring for a Mississippi Mud or Key Lime-filled cake. $60.95 for a medium cake (includes shipping) paulspastry.com; 1 Sycamore Road, Sweet A, Picayune, MS 39466; 800-669-5180 Poupart Bakery Lafayette, Lousiana If you want a traditional French-style king cake, order the French King Cake. This classic is more of a pie, with rich almond paste sandwiched between two layers of delicate puff pastry. Fans of almond croissants will adore this jumbo version. If you prefer a classic Mardi Gras-style king cake, the bakery also offers those for the same price with fillings like Bavarian, chocolate, and cream cheese $69 for a 10-inch cake (includes shipping) poupartsbakery.com; 1902 W. Pinhook Road Lafayette, LA 70508; 337-232-7921 Manny Randazzo King Cakes Metairie, Louisiana If you want Danish pastry-style cake with cinnamon and sugar, order Manny Randazzo's Traditional Cinnamon King Cake. This second-generation baker's cakes feature moist, buttery Danish-style pastry, and plenty of sweet, creamy frosting—and everyone knows the filling is the best part. $67.95 for a medium cake (shipping included) randazzokingcake.com; 3515 N. Hullen Street, Metairie, LA 70002; 504-456-1476 Gambino's Bakery New Orleans, Louisiana This Big Easy bakery has been around for 74 years and counting, so you can't go wrong with one of their airy Danish-style pastry and generous swirls of cinnamon. Order the King Cake 2 Pack so you can have a cake all to yourself home and another to share at the office. $46 for two cakes, plus $29 flat-rate shipping gambinos.com; 821 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006; 800-426-2466 Maurice French Pastry Metairie, Louisiana Voted the People's Choice for Best King Cake on Goldbelly, folks can't get enough of the French pastry chef Jean-Luc Albin's traditional king cake. Made with hand-braided sweet brioche dough, glazed with icing, and filled with flavors ranging from cherry to Nutella to guava to Bourbon, you'll be fighting over the last slice. $79.95 including shipping on Goldbelly mauricefrenchpastries.com; 3501 Hessmer Ave., Metairie, LA 70002; 504-885-1526 Dong Phuong Bakery New Orleans, Lousiana Named a James Beard Classic in 2018, this Vietnamese Bakery has been a staple in the city since 1982. Year-round, folks can't get enough of their banh mi sandwiches, but around Mardi Gras the biggest seller is their delicious king cakes. If you want to snag one of these coveted king cakes, order early! This year, they're already on a waitlist. $79.95 including shipping on Goldbelly kingcake.dpbakery.com; 14207 Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans, LA 70129; 504-800-8955 Commander's Palace New Orleans, Louisiana Break from tradition with a playful take on the classic king cake from this institutional New Orleans restaurant. Lunch or dinner at Commander's Palace is a rite of passage in the Big Easy, but if you want to take a taste of the legendary eatery home, order their King Cake Bread Pudding. Combining two of the city's most beloved desserts, the dish is made with custard-soaked buttery brioche bread, toasted cinnamon, praline liquor, and of course a dusting of purple, green, and gold sugars. $69.95 including shipping on Goldbelly commanderspalace.com; 1403 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130; 504-899-8221 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit