If you’re hosting a Mardi Gras celebration, chances are you’re on the hunt for a king cake to serve as part of the festivities. Circular in shape (like a king’s crown), the king cake is a dessert that is part French pastry and part coffee cake, sometimes filled with cream or fruit, and often topped with icing and colored sugar (like the Louisiana-style versions decorated in purple, green and gold).
King cake is typically available at bakeries until Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. Here are a few spots around town to grab yours.
Alon’s Bakery & Market. Pre-order Alon’s 9-inch king cakes — with choice of cheese, chocolate or cinnamon walnut fillings — over the phone at either location.
1394 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, 404-872-6000; and 3500 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 404-978-2601. alons.com
Dutch Monkey Doughnuts. Dutch Monkey Doughnuts’ 10-inch, $28 doughnut king cakes are made to serve eight people. This tasty version is twisted with nutmeg and cinnamon, then deep-fried, glazed, coated in salted butter and topped with cream cheese icing and sprinkles. And yes, there’s a baby hidden inside each one. Dutch Monkey sells them assembled by pre-order at their shop, and they also ship a “kit” nationwide through Goldbelly.com.
3075 Ronald Reagan Blvd. #502, Cumming, 404-482- 3650, dutchmonkeydoughnuts.com.
Credit: Courtesy of Great Harvest Bread Co.
Credit: Courtesy of Great Harvest Bread Co.
Great Harvest Bread Co. Great Harvest’s king cakes are made daily with what dough and swirled with cinnamon and a sweet cream. Decorated with royal icing and sprinkles, the cakes offer fillings including cinnamon pecan and blueberry.
10305 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek; and 4915 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta. getfreshbread.com
Henri’s Bakery. One of the oldest bakeries in Georgia, Henri’s specializes in cakes and pastries. This year, the French-inspired spot is offering 16-inch king cakes with cream cheese and cinnamon fillings for $44.99. The bakery recommends placing orders two days in advance.
Multiple locations. henrisbakery.com.
Credit: Courtesy of Hero Doughnuts
Credit: Courtesy of Hero Doughnuts
Hero Doughnuts. Hero’s $35 king cake was developed by founder Wil Drake, who was tasked with creating his own version of the cake by a fellow baker from New Orleans. Making the brioche-style cake is a three-day process that includes proofing the homemade dough, mixing the cinnamon mixture, injecting the baked braids with sweet milk jam; and topping it with a vanilla doughnut glaze, cream cheese frosting, sprinkles and, of course, a plastic baby.
33 Georgia Ave. SE, Atlanta, 470-369-6800; and 210 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville, 678-716-7587. herodoughnutsandbuns.com.
Honeysuckle Gelato. Starting Feb. 1, looking for a twist on the traditional king cake with Honeysuckle’s gelato king cakes — made with cream cheese gelato, cinnamon caramel and praline pecans and topped with vanilla cream cheese caramel and sugar — at its Ponce City Market, Lee and White and Trilith locations. Or visit each shop for a scoop of bourbon gelato with king cake chunks and praline pecans.
Multiple locations. honeysucklegelato.com
McEntyre’s Bakery. Made from scratch and baked fresh, king cakes from McEntyre’s Bakery in Smyrna include the prize baby to hide inside. The cakes, which are $36.99 and serve 15-20, are available in two flavors: cherry, cream cheese and pecan-filled; and a cinnamon pecan-filled. Be sure to call at least 24 hours in advance to place your order.
1184 Concord Road SE, Suite 1, Smyrna. 770-434-3115, mcentyresbakery.com.
Zambawango. Need a low-carb option for your Mardi Gras celebration? Try this keto-friendly coffee cake option from Zambawango with cinnamon and cream cheese frosting. The treat, which serves 10-12 people, is topped with colored sprinkles and comes with a baby.
901 Abernathy Road NE, Sandy Springs. 404-879-9731, zambawango.com.
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