what is the purpose of a king cake

How to make a king cake from a cake mix?

• Prepare cake mix according to the directions on the package.
• Pour half of the cake batter in the bottom of a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan. ...
• Bake the cake according to the package directions.
• While cake is baking, mix together sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup brown sugar, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. ...

What is a good recipe for King Cake?

Method

• To make the cake, place the flour, butter, yeast, salt and sugar in a large bowl and mix until combined. ...
• To make the praline, line a small tray with some baking paper. ...
• Place the praline crumbs, cream cheese, vanilla and almond extracts in a bowl and stir well to combine.

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What does a king cake taste like?

What does king cake taste like? King cake is like a rich, sweet danish, with flavors of cinnamon and sometimes cream cheese or pecans. It's called a cake, but it tastes more like a pastry! When is king cake eaten? King cake is typically made and eaten starting January 6, known as Epiphany, and through to Mardi Gras—this is Carnival season.

What does king cake represent?

What does the King Cake represent? King Cakes are oval-shaped to symbolize the unity of faiths. Each cake is decorated in the traditional Mardi Gras colors – purple representing justice, green representing faith, and gold representing power. A small baby, symbolizing the baby Jesus, is traditionally hidden inside each King Cake .

Why do they bake a baby in the king cake?

When a king cake is served at a Mardi Gras celebration, everyone wants to know who was served the slice with the baby—but what does it mean if you find one? Tradition dictates that finding the baby in your cake symbolizes luck and prosperity, and the finder becomes the 'king' or 'queen' of the evening.

When should you eat a king cake?

When do you eat king cake? King cake is indeed a heavenly treat for New Orleanians when it appears in supermarkets and bakeries between early January and Ash Wednesday. Some bakeries across the city begin selling as early as December, but always at the start of Carnival - January 6.

What is placed in a king cake and what does it mean?

Traditionally, a small porcelain baby, symbolizing Jesus, is hidden in the king cake and is a way for residents of New Orleans to celebrate their Christian faith. The baby symbolizes luck and prosperity to whoever finds it.

What do the colors on a king cake mean?

Gold represents power, green is associated with faith, and purple illustrates justice. King cake is baked without a center, like your average Bundt cake, except buried inside the batter is a tiny, plastic baby figurine.

Is king cake a Catholic tradition?

The history of the king cake came from European and Roman Catholic roots, which made its way into the New Orleans area in the 1870s. In contrast to the French king cakes, which are a flaky puff pastry, the New Orleans style is similar to the Spanish tradition, which is oval-shaped and topped with icing.

Where did the king cake tradition come from?

History of King Cakes The King Cake tradition is thought to have been brought to New Orleans from France in 1870. A King Cake is an oval-shaped bakery delicacy, crossed between a coffee cake and a French pastry that is as rich in history as it is in flavor.

What happens if you cut the baby in a king cake?

As you cut yourself a slice of the oval-shaped treat, they may inform you that whomever gets the piece with a small plastic baby inside has to bring the king cake themselves next time.

What happens if you get the baby in a king cake?

“There is traditionally a baby hidden inside the cake,” said Swift. “When the cake is sliced and served whoever gets the baby is declared king for the day. They also are responsible for hosting next year's Fat Tuesday party and bringing the King Cake!”

Do you bake the baby in the king cake?

King Cake is baked with a tiny plastic baby hidden inside; whoever gets the slice with the baby in it has to host the next party.

What is the traditional king cake flavor?

cinnamon-King cakes come in various flavors, but traditionally, the king cake is a cinnamon-flavored dough covered in sweet green, gold, and purple sugar or icing. Over time, other flavors became just as popular. Two of the most popular flavors are the cream-cheese and our Praline king cake.

Who made the first king cake?

King cakes were first filled in the early '80s. A 1990 story in our files quoted Joan Seeman of Jodase Bakery in Metairie as saying that in 1983, the bakery made four filled king cakes "and my husband took them to work. Within half an hour, we had 25 calls.

Do you eat king cake before Twelfth Night?

King cake season, technically, lasts from the Twelfth Night until Fat Tuesday. Some people are militant when it comes to this tradition and don't even want to see a king cake before King's Day.

What is the tradition of a king cake?

King cake is eaten on January 6 in honor of Epiphany, or Twelfth Night, which historically marks the arrival of the three wise men/kings in Bethlehem who delivered gifts to the baby Jesus. (The plastic baby hidden inside king cakes today is a nod to this story.)

How long do you eat king cake?

Recipes for king cakes are usually taken out and dusted off before the Christian holiday of Epiphany (aka Three Kings) and they are made continually until Fat Tuesday, which we all know as Mardi Gras, per Today. That season began on Jan. 6 and it ends on Feb. 16, this year.

What do you eat for dinner on Fat Tuesday?

16 Indulgent Dishes for a Festive Fat Tuesday01 of 16. Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits. ... 02 of 16. Fried Shrimp Po' Boy Sandwich. ... 03 of 16. Slow Cooker Jambalaya. ... 04 of 16. Fried Boudin Balls With Remoulade Sauce. ... 05 of 16. Cajun-Style Shrimp Etouffee. ... 06 of 16. Updated Tunnel of Fudge Cake. ... 07 of 16. King Cake Shot. ... 08 of 16.More items...•

What is a King Cake?

In two words—sensory overload. But more specifically, it's a frosted seasonal treat that Mardi Gras partygoers eat between January 6, otherwise known as King's Day or Twelfth Night, and Fat Tuesday. Typically, king cake is made of a rich, brioche dough and a wide array of fillings, such as cinnamon, chocolate, and cream cheese.

Why is There a Baby Inside the King Cake?

There are two theories. Some believe the plastic baby is symbolism of Baby Jesus because of the religious connection to King's Day. Others, however, believe the popular New Orleans lore, which suggests that an elaborate cake was served with a bean or ring placed inside during the commemoration of the king's ball in colonial Louisiana.

Why Is It Called a King Cake?

The name is derived from the Three Wise Men in the Bible, who came bearing gifts for Baby Jesus on the Twelfth Night. King cake is first served on King's Day (January 6) and lasts through the eve of Mardi Gras to celebrate the coming of the three kings, as well as to honor them with a sweet homage to their jeweled crowns.

Where to Find King Cakes for Mardi Gras

Some New Orleans-area bakeries require in-person pickup, like James Beard Award-winning Dong Phuong Bakery, where the highly coveted cakes inspire lines out the door; but others, like family-owned Manny Randazzo King Cakes in Metairie, will ship them right to your door.

What is king cake, exactly?

A king cake is a wreath-shaped cake that’s similar to a Danish pastry and traditionally made of brioche, flavored with cinnamon, and embellished with a frosted glaze and gold, green, and purple sugars. Collectively, these shades are the official Mardi Gras colors, and each one of them has a specific meaning.

Why is there a baby in the cake?

To explain this quirky tradition, let’s start with the king cake’s origins. This dessert is associated with a Christian holiday called Epiphany, also known as the Three Kings Day, which falls on January 6 every year. It commemorates the story of the three wise men visiting the baby Jesus.

Where did king cake originate?

While the king cake may seem like an American tradition, its roots can actually be traced back to France, according to Adley Cormier, a historian in Lake Charles, Louisiana. When French settlers came to what is now Louisiana, they brought over their festive traditions, such as Carnival, which became Mardi Gras.

The wildest king cakes ever created

While bakeries can size up their king cakes from miniature to large, imagine a king cake that’s big enough to wrap around a building. In September 2010, Haydel’s Bakery in New Orleans accomplished that feat, creating “the world’s largest king cake” at the Louisiana Superdome.

Bringing Mardi Gras to you

While a trip to Louisiana might not be in the cards right now, especially since 2021’s festivities have been canceled due to the pandemic, you can still get a taste of king cake—by having one delivered right to your doorstep. Here are some yummy options:

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Michele Herrmann applies her love for art, travel, and food -- plus a willingness to trying something new -- toward creating editorial and promotional content that puts the reader right on the page. She regularly contributes features to TimeOut New York, amNY, Orbitz, and Trip.com. Past publications include Yahoo, BudgetTravel, and Shermans Travel.

So, what is a king cake?

The name “king cake” comes from the Biblical story of the three kings who bring gifts to Baby Jesus. A blend of coffee cake and cinnamon roll, king cake is usually iced in yellow, green and purple – the colors of Mardi Gras -- and is frequently packed with fruit fillings and decadent cream cheeses.

What does the baby inside the king cake mean?

Hidden in its interior, or under a slice, is a small plastic baby. Whoever finds it must either bring the next cake or throw a party, thus sparking an unending round of food and fun. Whether at the workplace, school or home - king cake is a gift that keeps on giving throughout the Mardi Gras season.

When do you eat king cake?

King cake is indeed a heavenly treat for New Orleanians when it appears in supermarkets and bakeries between early January and Ash Wednesday. Some bakeries across the city begin selling as early as December, but always at the start of Carnival - January 6.

Where do I Buy a King Cake?

New Orleans is filled with a number of bakeries, sweet shops and restaurants eager to begin sharing this sweet seasonal treat. Enjoy customized, traditional and unique king cakes from across the city. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see a list of bakeries that offer king cakes, or browse a this list of some of our favorite king cake spots.

Can I Make King Cake at Home?

Yes! You can definitely start a tradition of making your own king cakes at home with your loved ones. Check out Sucre’s award-winning king cake recipe for inspiration this Mardi Gras season. Voted "A Favorite" by the Times-Picayune King Cake Contest and "BEST" King Cake by a Washington Post blind taste test.

German-speaking countries

The German and Swiss Dreikönigskuchen 'Three king cake' are shaped like wreathes or rounds, and uses an almond as the fève.

Portugal

Bolo-rei, ( lit. 'king cake') is a traditional Portuguese cake eaten from the beginning of December until Epiphany.

Spanish-speaking countries

The roscón de reyes is celebrated in Spain and Latin America such as Mexico. Recipes vary from country to country and between cultures but tend to be similar. It generally has an oval shape due to the need to make cakes large enough for large groups.

United Kingdom

The Twelfth Cake, Twelfth-night cake, or Twelfth-tide cake was once popular in the United Kingdom on Twelfth Night.

United States

In the American South, particularly Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region, king cake is associated with Mardi Gras and is served during Carnival and year-round. It may have been introduced by Basque settlers in 1718, or by the French in 1870.

What is king cake, and what's it made of?

King cake is one of New Orleans' local delicacies, an oval braided confection smothered with white icing and sugar sprinkles that salute the official colors of Mardi Gras: Green for faith, purple for justice, and gold for power. There's a trinket, usually a plastic baby, hidden inside each one.

What's the deal with the king cake baby?

Like Mardi Gras itself, the tradition of king cake is largely rooted in Old World Europe, chiefly France and Spain. Settlers brought an early (and far less colorful) version with them to Louisiana, where families would bake and eat it at home.

I heard the baby represents Jesus, though..

Rosca de Reyes is king cake's older Latin cousin, eaten during the January 6 holiday celebrated throughout Spain and Mexico. Also oval-shaped, the pastry is traditionally adorned with (often red and green) candied fruit slices and enjoyed by families on Three Kings Day.

What Is King Cake?

To truly understand the dessert, you have to go back a few hundred years. King Cake as it's made around New Orleans now evolved from brioche desserts brought over by French colonists in the 18th century.

Why Is There a Baby Hiding in King Cake?

"No matter what form your King Cake takes, it must be shared and it must have a baby," says Adley Cormier, a Louisiana historian with the Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

King Cake Recipes

If a trip South isn't in the cards this Carnival season, you can still eat King Cake at home. Make it using this highly-rated recipe, or this slightly less traditional but very cute cupcake variation.

How did the Kings Cake become part of Mardi Gras?

Actually, the origin of the King Cake is a lot older than Mardi gras and goes back to the middle ages deep within Europe. Deeply embraced by religious symbolism, the Kings Cake began its historic journey around the 15 th century.

Kings Cake comes to America

Some claim that the Kings Cake was brought in by Basque settlers around 1718, but there is way too much proof in 1870 when the French had settled in after they made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Either way, the celebration of Carnival is commonly held on Fat Tuesday and a day before Ash Wednesday.

What does the King Cake represent in America?

The French might have given this cake a rather important task in bringing a Christmas tradition to the tail end of Easter, but those who have ever experienced a King Cake at Mardi Gras will all be pleasantly surprised. This cake and the tiny figure of Jesus that can be found inside represent fortune and good health.

Baby on Board: The King Cake Tradition

As the infamous Doctor Lecter once said ‘I ate his liver with some Fava beans and a nice Chianti’… But for those who read the book, this is obviously not exactly what he was saying. Yet for all it’s worth- when was the last time you had ever heard of a Fava bean? This is where the legend of the King Cake Fava Bean comes from.

Why use a Fava Bean as a prize?

To understand why a bean was used instead of a Christ baby, you need to understand the Pagan level of thinking that was prominent in the 1300s throughout Europe at that time. It seems that Christianity and the practice of Carnival had many layers that mixed two separate events.

I Got the Baby Club

The King Cake festival is no joking matter when it comes to the lucky ones who have found their little baby. In many traditional circles, getting a baby means you’ll have a big responsibility to host a party for the day or organize the next year’s cake (or party) for that matter.

What is king cake?

A sweet, circular pastry, cake, or bread that is the centerpiece of a historically Catholic celebration known as Epiphany, which falls on January 6. Today it takes on many different forms and is found at a variety of similar celebrations with religious origins.

Where did it originate?

King cake is said to have originated in Old World France and Spain and came to be associated with Epiphany during the Middle Ages. When it was brought to the New World (along with Catholicism and Christianity), the tradition evolved further.

How is king cake made?

To make it, sweet dough is twisted into a round and sometimes adorned with colored sugar doughs before being baked. Some versions are split and then filled with cream or fruit; others are topped with candied fruit, icing, and colored sugar.

Why is there a plastic baby inside my king cake?

While there’s a long history of hiding trinkets inside king cakes, the modern tradition of a small plastic baby started in New Orleans. A commercial bakery called McKenzie's popularized the baby trinket that was baked into cakes back in the 1950s; they were originally made of porcelain but later swapped out for an easier-to-find plastic version.

What other countries serve king cakes?

In France, galette des rois translates literally as “cake of kings,” and is a flaky pastry cake made from puff pastry that is typically filled with a frangipane almond cream (or occasionally fruit or chocolate). A decorative pattern is scored into the top of it before baking, and sometimes the finished cake is topped with a paper crown.

Where can I get my own king cake?

If you happen to be located in New Orleans, there are bakeries galore selling king cakes — whether you’re in the market for the traditional brioche ring version or something fancied up with peanut butter or bacon.

Overview

A king cake, also known as a three kings cake, is a cake associated in many countries with Epiphany. Its form and ingredients are variable, but in most cases a fève (lit. 'fava bean') such as a figurine, often said to represent the Christ Child, is hidden inside. After the cake is cut, whoever gets the fève wins a prize. Modern fèves can be made of other materials, and can represent various objects and people.

History

Regional variants

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