Best King Cakes NOLA Has To Offer
New Orleans is known for its world-class cuisine, but did you know about the many bakeries that can cater to your sweet tooth? Here are the 10 best king cakes that the Crescent City has to offer.
1. Dong Phuong Bakery
14207 Chef Menteur Hwy. Ste 1A, (504) 254-0214
As New Orleans' premier Vietnamese bakery, Dong Phuong Bakery offers their original Vietnamese sandwich, the banh mi, and seasonal staples such as mooncakes and king cakes. Straying away from the traditional Louisiana king cakes, the James Beard award-winning king cake is made with a light, incredibly flaky, and moist French brioche dough that is folded rather than braided. Each cake is topped with their signature fluffy whipped cream cheese frosting than tastes like cloud nine.
2. Manny Randazzo Original King Cakes
3515 N. Hullen St., Metairie, (504) 456-1476
Celebrated as one of the best spots for authentic king cake, Manny Randazzo's has been family owned and operated since 1965. They are known for their ultra-soft braided dough, rich cinnamon swirls, and thick, creamy icing that melts in your mouth. Manny Randazzo's is a Carnival powerhouse as lines stretch out their door each season.
3. Haydel's Bakery
Multiple Locations
haydelsbakery.com
Haydel's Bakery is a third generation establishment that holds the Guinness World Record for creating the world's largest king cake. The traditional king cake, Cajun kringle, Da Parish cake are a few of their bestsellers. Their cakes are hand-braided in Danish dough layered with cinnamon and sugar and topped with rich fondant icing and vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar.
4. Sucré
Multiple Locations
Known for their modern and luxurious take on the traditional New Orleans king cake, Sucré's king cakes are distinctively known for their shimmering and glittery appearance. Their signature cakes feature a butter, Danish-style pastry sweetened with cinnamon and raw cane sugar that is folded with a light, velvety layer of Creole cream cheese. Sucré's king cakes are perfect for those who want an upscale and delectable cake.
5. Caluda's Bakery
1536 River Oaks Rd. W., Harahan, (504) 218-5655
With over 35 years in the baking industry, Caluda's king cakes offers a plethora of king cakes from flavors to bundles. Perfect for football season, the Who Dat Cake! is a great option to cheer on the Saints with. The pumpkin spice latte cake is a delicious fall option for those wanting to "'tis the season." Looking for more? The two pack bundle may be the way to go and can feed many mouths at once!
6. Joe Gambino's Bakery
4821 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 885-7500
Since 1949, Joe Gambino's Bakery has been championing Beulah "Doberge Queen of New Orleans" Ledner's original recipes. Each king cake is made fresh to order and is available year-round. From the strawberry cream cheese and praline cream king cake, Joe Gambino's has almost every and any to cater to your sweet tooth.
7. Gracious Bakery+Cafe
Multiple Locations
Gracious Bakery features a unique lineup of Carnival cakes, most notably known for their traditional French galette de rios and modern king cakes. The nectar king cake is inspired by the classic New Orleans sno-ball flavor, which includes a vibrant nectar and cream cheese filling. They even offer an at-home king cake kit that is perfect for those wanting to put their baking skills to the test.
8. Antoine's Famous Cakes & Pastries
1300 Stumpf Blvd., Gretna, (504) 368-6222
Expanding beyond the king cake, Antoine's Famous Cakes & Pastries is home of the original queen cake. It includes five decadent fillings, offering a choice between apple, cream cheese, strawberry, and Bavarian cream cheese filling. The queen cakes are available in a large and extra large, so make a trip to Gretna and check them out.
9. Bittersweet Confections
725 Magazine St., (504) 523-2626
Home of the award-winning chocolate king cake, Bittersweet Confections puts an indulgent and chocolate twist on the Mardi Gras classic. The base of their chocolate king cake is made with a buttery, sweet brioche-style dough that is traditionally braided and baked to until golden. Their in-house chocolate cream cheese filling is baked directly into the dough, creating a perfectly baked Carnival delight.
10. Hi-Do Bakery
439 Terry Pkwy., Terrytown, (504) 366-6555
Hi-Do is famous for their classic, airy, McKenzie-style golden dough topped with a traditional colored sugar as opposed to thick icing. Style are offered in plain, cinnamon, Bavarian cream, strawberry cream cheese, and even almond paste. For an added layer of fun, specialty shapes can be requested upon ordering at least 24-hours in advance, such as crawfish, fleur-de-lis, and other New Orleans' motifs.
