Carnival season in New Orleans begins on January 6 (aka Epiphany, aka Twelfth Night) and aside from marking the start of this celebratory season, January 6 means it’s time to eat king cake—a lot of it. From Twelfth Night until Mardi Gras (the day before Lent), New Orleanians indulge in this traditional confection on the regular. There are so many places to get king cakes in New Orleans, and everyone has their favorite.
For those unfamiliar, a king cake is—in its most typical form—a sweet, braided wreath of cinnamon-laced brioche dough covered in icing and adorned with sugar in Carnival colors: purple, green and gold. There are, of course, plenty of variations, some on the simpler side and some more decadent. Some king cakes are filled with cream cheese, fruit or other sweet fillings. Some bakeries whip up savory versions. Inside every cake, regardless of flavor, is a tiny plastic baby. Whoever gets the piece with the baby is king or queen for the moment and must bring a king cake to the next party.
Some locals will spend the entire Carnival season trying as many variations as possible while others are dedicated to one king cake only. You can’t go wrong with any of these king cakes, but remember one hard and fast rule: never eat king cake before January 6. Ahead, find the best spots for king cake in New Orleans.
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It’s the ultimate spot for king cake convenience—or the downfall for indecisive, big-eyed king cake lovers. Setting up shop at Zony Mash Beer Project on Broad Street, King Cake Hub carries more than 70 varieties of king cakes from the likes of Bywater Bakery, Sugar Love, NOCCA and Brennan’s. There are even a few exclusive Carnival treats. It’s a one-stop shop for easy king cake pickup.
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Dong Phuong, a New Orleans East institution, is king cake royalty. Known for its light, buttery dough and standout flavors like cream cheese, cinnamon and almond creme, Dong Phuong is introducing a Lunar New Year-inspired flavor this year: durian. Pre-orders sell out long before the season starts, and cakes in the bakery often sell out early. About a dozen shops and restaurants around the city are authorized resellers, selling out just as quickly.
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Renowned for its signature Doberge cake, this beloved, old-school bakery dazzles when it comes to Carnival with a plethora of king cake fillings: almond wedding cake, Bavarian cream, blueberry, pecan praline and more. Sweet and festive, these cakes are perfect for sharing New Orleans flavor near or far (they ship). A Carnival staple for decades, Gambino’s king cakes ensure every celebration is unforgettable.
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Ayu Bakehouse elevates tradition with its decadent “Croissant City Classic” king cake. Each cake is crafted with countless buttery, flaky layers of laminated dough run through with a light cinnamon cream cheese filling. This Frenchman Street bakery’s king cake balances a near-traditional approach with an indulgent twist, putting it in a category of its own. Perfect for anyone who loves their king cake with an extra dose of sophistication.
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For purists, Hi-Do Bakery delivers simplicity at its finest. This Terrytown gem’s traditional king cakes feature a doughy base topped with sugar—no icing needed. Hi-Do also offers filled versions for those craving variety, but plain reigns supreme. Can’t make it to Terrytown? Hi-Do’s cakes are also available at King Cake Hub and Gris-Gris to Go-Go during the Carnival season.
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Norma’s Sweets in Bayou St. John serves authentic Honduran and Nicaraguan treats, and Carnival brings their celebrated guava and cream cheese king cake. The sweet guava filling and tangy cream cheese are wrapped in tender dough and topped with frosting and sprinkles. Norma’s is an easy favorite for those who love bold, tropical flavors and unique king cake offerings.
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Bywater Bakery’s inventive approach makes it a Carnival favorite. The Chantilly King Cake—a brioche base filled with mascarpone cream and fresh berries—is an absolute must-try. For savory fans, options like crawfish, boudin and spinach-artichoke-filled garlic bread doughs are game-changers. Sweet or savory, Bywater’s king cakes push boundaries while staying undeniably delicious.
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Nolita’s king cakes are simple yet stunning, channeling the vintage charm of McKenzie’s-style cakes. A series of king cake pop-ups were so successful that founder Martha Gilreath opened a brick and mortar bakery in Bayou St. John. These dreamy cakes, with a delicate glaze and bright, vibrant sugar topping, are the epitome of classic king cake bliss.
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Gracious Bakery impresses with its king cake lineup each year. Choose between the French-inspired, frangipane-filled Queen Cake, or the Nectar Cream King Cake that channels one of the city’s favorite snowball flavors with a luscious nectar cream filling and shimmering pink and gold luster. DIY enthusiasts can even grab a kit to make king cake magic at home.
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Dough Nguyener’s is Gretna’s rising star in the king cake world. Though relatively new, this bakery was a standout from the get-go. Distributed at multiple locations around the city, their king cakes are both accessible and irresistibly good. The Vietnamese coffee-flavored option, with a creamy filling based on Vietnamese iced coffee, is irresistible.
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Haydel’s king cakes bring a taste of tradition to every bite. Sweet brioche dough topped with generous icing and colorful sugar is what Carnival dreams are made of. With a Magazine Street location complementing its Jefferson bakery, Haydel’s makes its iconic king cakes accessible to all, ensuring no one misses out on this beloved Mardi Gras treat.
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Fans of the king cake made by now-defunct bakery McKenzie’s flock to Tastee for a little Carnival nostalgia, as this one is made with the classic McKenzie’s recipe New Orleanians know and love. Pick up a few of their beloved buttermilk drops and apple fritters while you’re there, and you’ve got yourself a king cake party.
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For a truly classic experience, Manny Randazzo’s king cakes are unbeatable. With a recipe dating back to 1965, these cinnamon-infused cakes are hand-braided, topped with signature Randazzo icing and finished with tri-colored sprinkles. Their timeless appeal makes them a favorite for king cake purists and Carnival celebrations everywhere.
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A donut king cake? Yes, please. This beloved donut shop offers a Danish-style king cake with a ribbon of rich almond creme. Topped with sprinkles and toasted almonds, this king cake is a standout that brings something new to the table with District’s unique donut artistry.
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