It’s Mardi Gras season, which means it’s time to indulge in one of America’s most iconic desserts – the king cake! But what’s the story behind this delicious treat?
King Cake’s humble beginnings
King Cake is a tradition that dates back centuries. The humble beginnings of the king cake can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a cake was baked in honor of the god Saturn. In medieval Europe, the king cake was known as the “Twelfth Night Cake” and was often given to poor children on Epiphany. The modern Mardi Gras king cake is a descendant of these early cakes, and while its exact origins are unknown, it is believed to have originated in France or Germany. The first recorded mention of the king cake in New Orleans dates back to 1871, and it has been a staple of the city’s Mardi Gras celebrations ever since.
How the King Cake tradition spread to America
Mardi Gras is a time-honored tradition celebrated around the world, and it wouldn’t be complete without one of its most beloved elements: the King Cake. The King Cake is a traditional pastry that is served during Mardi Gras and is decorated with sugar, sprinkles, and even a tiny plastic baby. But how did this delicious treat come to America? The first King Cake was believed to have been brought over to America by French settlers in the 1700s. The cake was thought to have been made as an offering to Epiphany or Twelfth Night. In France, these cakes were originally known as galettes des Rois or Kings’ Cakes. The French settlers brought the tradition of the galettes des Rois with them when they settled in Louisiana, where it gradually evolved into what we recognize today as the King Cake. Over time, more ingredients like cinnamon and cream cheese began to be added to the cake, giving it its signature sweet flavor. The cake was also decorated with colored sugars and sprinkles in the colors of purple, green, and gold—the official colors of Mardi Gras—and topped with a tiny plastic baby. This symbolized luck for whoever found it in their slice of cake! In New Orleans, King Cakes are particularly popular during Mardi Gras season and can be found in almost every bakery from January 6th (also known as Epiphany) until Ash Wednesday. Over time they have become a beloved tradition among those who celebrate Mardi Gras all around the world! So if you’re looking for a way to celebrate Mardi Gras this year, why not pick up your own King Cake? Not only will you get to enjoy its delicious flavor but you may even find yourself some extra luck too!
You can order a King Cake here