Photo by: Bayou State Media Staff
Louisiana takes its king cake seriously. Once Mardi Gras season hits, bakeries across the state start rolling out these colorful, cinnamon-swirled treats, each with its own unique spin. Whether you like traditional, stuffed, or even deep-fried versions, there's a king cake out there calling your name. If you're on the hunt for the best, here are five must-visit spots that deliver some of the finest king cakes in Louisiana.
1. Dong Phuong Bakery (New Orleans, LA)
Dong Phuong Bakery, located in New Orleans East, has earned a reputation for its exceptional king cakes. Their version features a buttery brioche dough, layered and folded rather than braided, resulting in a soft, airy texture. Topped with a lightly whipped frosting that's less sweet than traditional glazes, their king cakes come in various flavors, with cream cheese being the most popular. Each year, the bakery sells approximately 60,000 king cakes during Carnival season, drawing long lines of eager customers.
Address: 14207 Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans, LA 70129
Website: https://dpbakeshop.com/
2. Ayu Bakehouse (New Orleans, LA)
Ayu Bakehouse, established in 2022, has quickly become a favorite among locals for its innovative take on the traditional king cake. Their version resembles an oversized croissant, featuring laminated dough filled with cinnamon cream cheese and sprinkled with raw cane sugar. Baked throughout the day during Carnival, these king cakes offer a fresh and delightful experience. Ayu's unique approach has garnered significant attention, contributing to its rapid rise in popularity.
Address: 801 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70117
Website: https://ayubakehouse.com/
3. Lagniappe Bakehouse (New Orleans, LA)
Lagniappe Bakehouse offers two distinct types of king cakes during the Carnival season. In the early part of the season, they feature a traditional French Galette des Rois—a golden puff pastry filled with spiced rosemary frangipane, candied Louisiana citrus, and whiskey-soaked cherries. Later in the season, they introduce a sourdough brioche king cake with grains of paradise and jam filling, topped with frosting and colored sprinkles. This approach provides customers with variety and a reason to revisit throughout the season.
Address: 1825 Euterpe Street, New Orleans, LA 70113
Website: https://lagniappebaking.com/
4. Meche’s Donut King (Lafayette, LA)
A Lafayette staple, Meche’s Donut King has been serving up some of the best king cakes in Acadiana for years. Their version is a hybrid of a king cake and a donut, offering a light, fluffy texture with a rich, sugary glaze. Whether you opt for the classic cinnamon or explore their filled options like Bavarian cream or strawberry, you can’t go wrong. The icing-to-dough ratio is just perfect, making each bite delightful.
Address: 402 Guilbeau Rd, Lafayette, LA 70506
Website: https://www.mecheskingcakes.com/
5. Manny Randazzo’s King Cakes (Metairie, LA)
If you ask any New Orleanian where to get a king cake, chances are Manny Randazzo’s will be at the top of the list. This bakery has been a king cake powerhouse since 1965, known for its rich cinnamon flavor and signature icing. The lines can get long, especially as Mardi Gras approaches, but it’s worth the wait. They also offer shipping, so if you’re not in the area, you can still enjoy one of these iconic cakes.
Address: 3515 N Hullen St, Metairie, LA 70002
Website: https://www.kingcakes.com/
Honorable Mention: Miko’s Donuts & King Cakes (Broussard, LA)
Miko’s Donuts & King Cakes is a fan favorite! Acadiana knows it as one of the best-kept secrets for incredible king cakes. This mighty shop in Broussard has built a following thanks to its ultra-soft dough, rich flavors, and variety of unique fillings like banana pudding, Reese’s, and Chantilly cream. Unlike many bakeries that only offer king cakes during Mardi Gras, Miko’s makes them year-round, so you can satisfy your craving anytime.
If you want a king cake that’s as rich in flavor as it is in tradition, Miko’s is definitely worth the stop. Just be sure to get there early—they sell out fast!
Address: 137 Albertson Parkway, Broussard, LA 70518
Website: https://mikosdonuts.com/
Each of these bakeries offers a unique take on the traditional king cake, reflecting the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Louisiana. Whether you're a local or visiting during the Carnival season, these establishments provide a delightful taste of this beloved tradition.
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