A King Cake Tour
Through New Orleans:
Unique Flavors You’ll Want to Try This Carnival Season
Unique King Cakes
King cake is more than a dessert in Louisiana. It’s a tradition rooted in history, culture, and celebration. Originating from European Epiphany customs, the king cake marks the arrival of Carnival season and symbolizes the visit of the Three Kings. In New Orleans, the season officially kicks off on Twelfth Night (January 6) and runs all the way through Mardi Gras Day, making it a weeks-long celebration filled with parades, gatherings, and, of course, cake. Traditionally shaped like a ring and decorated in purple, green, and gold, king cake has evolved far beyond its classic cinnamon-filled beginnings. Today, bakeries and markets across the region put their own spin on the tradition, offering creative flavors that reflect both New Orleans’ culinary heritage and its constant innovation. This guide highlights standout king cakes you’ll find this season, from classic-inspired flavors to unexpected twists, and where to get them before Carnival comes to an end.
Wedding Cake King Cake
Where: Robért Fresh Market
Robért’s Wedding Cake king cake is rich, nostalgic, and unmistakably New Orleans. Expect sweet almond notes, buttery vanilla icing, and a soft, brioche-style dough that mirrors the flavor of traditional wedding cake.
When they start selling: Typically early in king cake season, shortly after Twelfth Night
Where to buy: Robért Fresh Market locations
Espresso Martini King Cake
Where: Queenfish Bakery
This king cake leans bold and modern. The Espresso Martini flavor combines coffee-forward richness with subtle sweetness, finished with a smooth, slightly boozy glaze that feels indulgent without being overpowering.
Where to buy: Pop-ups throughout the city. Check their instagram.
Bananas Foster King Cake
Where: Brennan’s
A king cake inspired by one of New Orleans’ most iconic desserts. Brennan’s Bananas Foster king cake features caramelized banana flavor, warm brown sugar notes, and a buttery richness that feels straight out of the French Quarter.
Where to buy: Brennan’s (select availability)
Online sales: Typically offered for shipping once king cake season ramps up
Tres Leches King Cake
Where: Ideal Market
This king cake is moist, lightly sweet, and milk-forward, inspired by the classic Tres Leches dessert. Expect a tender crumb and a delicate balance of sweetness that sets it apart from heavier, icing-dominant cakes.
White Chocolate Bread Pudding King Cake
Where: Caluda’s
Caluda’s puts a dessert-lover’s spin on king cake with this flavor. It’s rich, custardy, and decadent, with white chocolate sweetness woven into the dough and filling.
When they start selling: They have a new specialty flavor weekly. Check their Facebook for their schedule.
Monkey Bread King Cake
Where: Mae’s Bakeshop
This king cake is all about pull-apart texture. Sticky, cinnamon-forward, and caramelized, it feels more like a shareable treat than a traditional slice, perfect for groups.
When they start selling: TBD. They are taking a break as of a few months ago. Hopefully they can be back for king cake season! Check their socials for updates.
Cannoli King Cake
Where: Nor-Joe Imports
A nod to Italian pastry tradition, this king cake blends lightly sweet ricotta-style filling with citrus and vanilla notes, wrapped in soft dough that balances richness with freshness.
Where to buy: Nor-Joe Imports
Boudin King Cake
Where: Cajun Grocery
Savory king cakes have become a Carnival staple, and this one delivers. The Boudin king cake combines spiced pork, rice, and Cajun seasoning in a flaky, bread-based king cake format that’s perfect for Mardi Gras mornings.
Where to buy: This one was made by Tabasco, but Cajun Grocer has them.
Final Tip
Many of these king cakes are produced in limited batches, and availability can change weekly as Carnival ramps up. If you have your heart set on a specific flavor, ordering ahead or checking with the bakery directly is always your safest bet.
King cake season moves fast. Don’t wait until the last parade to try something new.
