The Best King Cakes in New Orleans
If there’s one thing New Orleans knows how to do, it’s throw a party—especially with food! And the sugary, cinnamon-filled, icing-drizzled masterpiece that is a king cake is Mardi Gras for your mouth! Whether you go for classic with purple, green, and gold sprinkles or stuffed with cream cheese, pralines, or even chocolate, the Crescent City is packed with bakeries serving up the best of the best. So grab a fork (or just use your hands—we don’t judge) and get ready to explore the most delicious king cakes in New Orleans!
If you ask a local where to find the best king cake, there’s a good chance they’ll send you straight to Manny Randazzo’s. This family-owned bakery has been a king cake institution since 1965, and for good reason. Flavors range from strawberry cream cheese and pecan praline to lemon, apple, and more, but many insist that the classic king cake is the true standout. Their classic cinnamon king cake is perfectly balanced—fluffy, sweet, and just the right amount of icing. But get there early—lines can wrap around the block during peak season! Can’t make it to the city for Mardi Gras? No problem—Randazzo’s offers overnight delivery, bringing their legendary king cakes straight to your door.
For a Vietnamese-French twist on the traditional king cake, head over to James Beard Award-winning Dong Phuong Bakery in New Orleans East. Their king cakes are legendary, featuring soft, brioche-like dough with a light glaze rather than heavy icing. Fillings like cream cheese, pecan, strawberry, and coconut add an extra treat. These cakes are so popular, they often sell out early in the season—so order ahead if you can!
A New Orleans staple, Gambino’s has been serving up delicious baked goods since 1949. Their king cakes are classic and delicious, with the perfect ratio of dough to icing. Their king cakes are available year-round, and they ship nationwide—so even if you can’t make it to NOLA, you can still get your hands on a slice of Mardi Gras magic.
Want a king cake with a little extra flair? Bywater Bakery is the spot. They offer unique flavors like Chantilly, praline, and even savory king cakes stuffed with seafood or boudin. Their cakes are soft, flavorful, and always beautifully decorated—perfect for impressing at a Mardi Gras party!
Another local favorite, Haydel’s Bakery cakes come in a variety of flavors ranging from traditional to German Chocolate and Cafe au Lait. Owner David Haydel is the only baker in Louisiana who’s internationally certified as a Craftsman and Master Baker. Their cakes come with a king cake history scroll and tiny porcelain collectible and can be shipped nationwide. In 2010, Haydel’s even broke the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest King Cake!
Brennan’s king cakes come in four flavors, but trust us that you’ll want to try them all! This festive lineup features the Traditional King Cake, Almond King Cake, the Pink Parade (Strawberry Cream Cheese), and the indulgent Bananas Foster King Cake—a delicious twist on Brennan’s iconic dessert. These are local pickup only, so get try them while you’re in town on your New Orleans Mardi Gras vacation!
No matter which bakery you choose, one thing’s for sure—there’s no wrong way to enjoy king cake in New Orleans. Whether you love a classic or you’re looking for the wildest flavors, there’s a perfect slice waiting for you.