OUR FAVORITES
Sweet Joy Bakery
Pineville
Since 2016, the Alexandria-Pineville area has flocked to Sweet Joy Bakery for both its classic king cakes and its fun interpretations on the theme. The bakery offers 18 flavors of king cake (including wedding cake cream cheese- and Nutella-filled options) as well as king cake-inspired cinnamon rolls and king cake bites.
Champagne’s Marché
Leonville
As the Bayou Teche winds its way to the Atchafalaya, it passes Champagne’s Marché. This local grocery store has an impressive king cake offering. With 15 varieties, from plain to filled versions that include amaretto-pecan, blueberry-cream cheese, and pecan praline, it’s easy to see how Champagne’s became a local favorite.
Acadian Slice Pies
Lafayette
Korey Champagne serves King Cake Galettes with a creamy cinnamon and pecan filling that he tops with candied pecans, an almond glaze, and Steen’s Cane Syrup. Other flavors include lemon-cream cheese, strawberry, and chocolate-coconut, and can be picked up at the Lafayette Farmers & Artisans Market or his commissary kitchen.
Lagniappe Bakehouse
New Orleans
The galette des rois—a puff pastry and almond cream tart—is often called the French king cake in New Orleans, and Lagniappe Bakehouse’s Kaitlin Guerin makes an exceptional version. For those looking for something more classic, the bakery also puts out a delightful sourdough brioche version
Ayu Bakehouse
New Orleans
Driven by the far-reaching influences of Kelly Jacques and Samantha Weiss, Ayu puts out an eclectic and exciting variety of pastries in the heart of the Faubourg Marigny. During Carnival season, king cake aficionados can enjoy a chocolate babka king cake or the more traditional Croissant City Classic.
Helen St. Bakehouse
Lake Charles
The Helen St. Bakehouse team prides itself on being an artisan bakery that uses freshly milled flours in its naturally leavened breads, but during Mardi Gras season, they offer a coveted king cake. With flavors that have ranged from cinnamon and Bavarian cream to fruit flavors, there’s something for everyone to get excited about.
Lilah’s King Cakes
Shreveport
Cinnamon- and cream cheese-stuffed king cakes are the most popular variety at Lilah’s in Shreveport, but some fan favorites have included cakes stuffed with bananas Foster and cookie butter. At its seasonal peak, the team at this tiny bakery turns out nearly 650 cakes a day.
Counterspace
Baton Rouge
Rather than a multitude of flavors, the team at Counterspace focuses on classic cinnamon but offer gluten-free and vegan options (as well as one that is both vegan and gluten-free). This niche bakery also ships its cakes nationwide as a kit, so far-flung recipients can be a part of the tradition.
Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery
Slidell
For traditional New Orleans-style king cakes, the Randazzo family makes some of the best. In addition to the classic offering, the bakery has a variety of fillings, including strawberry and cream cheese and pecan praline, and they range in size from petite (3 servings) to absolutely massive (45 to 50 servings).
