King cakes have a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Early tribes celebrated surviving winter by baking a crown-shaped cake with the previous year’s wheat, hiding a seed, bean, or nut inside. Later, the Romans adopted a similar custom, choosing a festival king by drawing lots. By the 4th century, the Catholic Church linked these traditions to the Feast of the Epiphany, celebrating the Magi’s visit to the Christ Child.
In 17th and 18th-century Europe, the "Roi de la Fève" (King of the Bean) was a popular celebration, featured in art, literature, and England’s “Twelfth Cakes.” French settlers brought this tradition to New Orleans, where Creole families enjoyed the gateau des rois (king cake) during Twelfth Night festivities. The connection between king cakes and Mardi Gras became official in 1870 when the Twelfth Night Revelers hosted their first parade and ball.
Today’s king cakes are a delicious centerpiece of Mardi Gras celebrations. The oval-shaped brioche dough, flavored with cinnamon and topped with purple, green, and gold sugar, hides a small plastic baby inside. According to tradition, whoever finds the baby buys the next cake or hosts the next party. True enthusiasts won’t touch a king cake before Twelfth Night!
By the 21st century, over a million king cakes were enjoyed each year in Louisiana, with an additional 75,000 shipped across the country, spreading the joy of this sweet tradition far and wide.
