The Best King Cakes in New Orleans

It’s about that time again… time to break all of our New Year’s resolutions! We can’t help that king cake season falls right after the New Year. With Mardi Gras not until March 1, this season is going to be a long one, so brace yourselves and loosen your belt buckle 😉 We’re here for it.

Here are some of our long-time faves and newbies that we’re crushing on this year.

Brennan’s King Cakes

Brennan’s – 417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, Ralph’s on the Park – 900 City Park Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119 or kingcakesbybrennans.com

Brennan’s got into the king cake game last year, and they are already killin’ it. Their cakes include a traditional, the Pink Parade strawberry cream cheese, and new this year – a banana’s foster cake.

king cake
Brennan’s Pink Parade king cake

Dong Phuong Classic King Cake

Dong Phuong Bakeshop – 14207 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129

Over the past few years, Dong Phuong’s stardom spread like wildfire, and for good reason. Their cake is just as delectable this year with the most perfect cream cheese icing adorning every cake. You can’t go wrong with the classic, but the coconut version is delish too if you’re looking to mix it up. These cakes are well worth the wait in line, but if you really don’t feel like heading out to the West Bank, they can be shipped or picked up at specific locations throughout the city (first come, first serve) like Bourree and Killer Poboys.

Willa Jean Caramel Crunch King Cake

Willa Jean – 611 O’Keefe Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113, you can also order online for pick up

The Caramel Crunch King cake with cinnamon and cream cheese glaze is just as good as usual. We can’t say we are surprised. Due to renovations this year, the cake will be available beginning January 31st. 

willa jean king cake

Glittery Sucre King Cake

SucrĂ© – 3025 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115

Sucre reopened under new ownership in 2020 and that means their gliterry king cakes are back! We’ve heard their just as tasty and extra as we remember them, baked with a light layer of creole cream cheese.

king cake
photo credit: Sucre

The Queen Cake from Gracious Bakery

Gracious Bakery – multiple locations

Every year, Gracious Bakery surprises us with their creative flavors, and they’re always delicious. One of our favorites are their Queen Cakes. The almond flavor is the perfect variation to a traditional cake, and something we’d never had before! It’s about time someone pay homage to all of the badass queens out there during carnival season. Several bakeries around town offer their own versions of Queen Cakes.

queen cake gracious bakery

Bywater Bakery King Cakes

 3624 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70117 and online here

Bywater Bakery has so many delicious fun flavors this year! From their signature Chatilly cream filled cake, to a brownie bomb king cake and their savory king cake, there is something to try for everyone. We LOVE the savory crawfish king cake for something different to bring to a carnival get together.

Randazzo’s King Cake

3515 N. Hullen Street Metairie, LA 70002 and online

If you’re looking for a classic king cake that’s been around for a long time, Randazzo’s is always a good option. I recommend sticking with the tradtional cinnamon cake. Randazzo’s also makes the perfect cake to ship to loved ones throughout the country who want a taste of Mardi Gras! 

photo credit: Manny Randazzo’s

The Babka King Cake from Saba

5757 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 and nationwide shipping

Our favorite non-traditional king cake is the babka king cake from Saba. It will be available for local pickup and shipping starting on January 17th this year. 

babka king cake
photo credit: Saba

The Eat Fit Nola King Cake

At multiple grocery stores throughout town or purchase online

We know, we know, it’s easy to be skeptical about a king cake that is Gluten Free, Grain Free, Soy Free, Keto, Low Carb, No Sugar Added, and has no artificial sweeteners or colors. ⁣But, we are telling you, this cake will surprise you. Of course it’s not the same as the real thing, but this cake is a tasty alternative for when you’re watching your sugar intake.

eat fit nola king cake

French Style King Cake

Your kitchen!

This recipe came directly from one of our mama’s so you know it’s good! Next time someone invites you to a Mardi Gras party, try out this almond frangipane filled alternative to a traditional cake. It’s seriously easy, especially if you grab frozen puff pastry from the store. Check out the recipe here!

Let us know what you’re favorite are in the comments. Happy King Cake Season!

XOXO