Mardi Gras season officially starts on January 6 and runs until February 17, 2026. This gives revelers an excuse to add a traditional sweet to their diet. Sweeter than Christmas cookies, more iconic than Thanksgiving turkey, more filling than any bowl of Halloween candy – we have arrived, finally, at King Cake season. 

Technically, it’s Carnival season - a time of feasting and celebration as the calendar marches toward Fat Tuesday and Lent begins. But, during this decadent and indulgent season, King Cake rules the table as the dessert of choice. 

When the three wise men arrived at the feet of baby Jesus, they brought gifts, not cake. The modern delight is named in honor of their appearance. Shaped like a round, centerless Bundt cake, King Cakes are sprung from a brioche dough. The layers between them can be filled with cinnamon, chocolate, cream cheese and fruit. More savory versions replace the sweet with seafood or sausage. 

The sweet versions are also often topped with icing, dusted with green, purple and gold sanding sugar, the colors of faith, justice and power. The colorful trio is repeated not just on King Cakes but on bunting, t-shirts, flags and costumes during the Mardi Gras season. 

Most bakers tuck a tiny plastic baby inside the rolls of dough. Tradition dictates that finding that baby at the end of your fork is good luck. It also dictates that you buy the next King Cake for the next event. Lucky you, King Cakes can be found both in specialty bakeries and grocery stores such as Rouse’s and Piggly Wiggly. 

Feel like you need even more King Cake in your life? Several coffee companies produce King Cake flavored brews including Community Coffee, available at most Baldwin County grocers and PJ’s Coffee. 

You might even try topping your King Cake with King Cake ice cream. Blue Bell crafts the limited-edition scoops in their creameries in Texas and Sylacauga, Alabama. Part vanilla ice cream, part sweet King Cake, the concoction is all delicious. You can easily spot it in the freezer section in its bright purple tub. 

You can even have your cake and drink it too. The Louisiana-based Abita Brewing Company produces King Cake Soda every year, crafted with hints of cinnamon, vanilla and cream. Six packs go quickly in local markets, so keep your eyes peeled for this treat, perfect to enjoy on the parade route. 

Need a King Cake? Here’s where you can find them! Remember, no two are the same so try them all! 

Rouses Markets

Orange Beach Location: 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Gulf Shores Location: 1545 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

www.rouses.com

Rouses Markets offer gourmet King Cakes with flavors such as cookie dough and banana foster as well as traditional cakes with fruit, praline or cream cheese filling. Visit their website to find the location closest to you. 

BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets

25689 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Offers custom King Cakes with cream, fruit, praline or Nutella filling 

As the Mardi Gras season progresses there will be several outlets their sweet contributions. Remember to practice the chant "Laissez les bons temps rouler!"