If you’re in the mood for a delicious King Cake, New Orleans offers a variety of mouthwatering options, from traditional flavors to innovative twists. Whether you’re craving a classic, a fried version, or even something exotic, the city’s bakeries have something special for everyone. Here’s a rundown of the best King Cakes delivered straight to you or available for pickup this season.
Dong Phuong Bakery – Dong Phuong’s renowned king cakes reign as the best in New Orleans. This beloved Vietnamese bakery in New Orleans East offers six classic flavors — cream cheese, pecan, cinnamon, strawberry, coconut, and almond crème — daily (except Tuesdays) from January 6 to March 3, 2025. New for this season is a durian flavor, first introduced during the 2024 Lunar New Year. Keep in mind there’s a three-cake limit per customer, and cakes typically sell out by noon. They’re also available for walk-in pickups at numerous local restaurants, bakeries, and cafes, which can be found on the list here.
Joe’s – Joe’s, a family-owned business with five locations, is known for consistently offering high-quality king cakes in a variety of flavors. From cream cheese triple berry to Bavarian cream, Joe’s has something for everyone. They’re also the only ones serving up fried king cakes, offering a unique twist on the traditional. You can visit a Joe’s location, order online for pickup or delivery, or even have one shipped overnight anywhere in the country.
Manny Randazzo’s – Manny Randazzo’s king cakes have a loyal following year after year. This Carnival-season-only bakery, operating since 1965, is famous for its sweet, braided brioche topped with icing and colorful sugar. No preorders for pickup are allowed; it’s first-come, first-served, but you can still have this iconic king cake shipped anywhere, complete with beads and doubloons.
Maurice French Pastries – Maurice French Pastries offers a wide range of king cakes to love. In addition to traditional options, chef Jean-Luc’s specialty cakes are exceptional, with flavors like the Pontchatoula (Bavarian cream, fresh strawberries, Chantilly cream, and toasted almonds) and the Bourbon Street (bourbon-flavored chocolate cream with toasted pecans). Plus, they sell cakes in various sizes, from small to extra-large, making it easier to find the perfect size for any gathering.
Gambino’s Bakery – Gambino’s, a classic New Orleans bakery famous for its year-round Doberge cake, turns into a king cake destination during Carnival season. Their cakes, which ship worldwide, come in a range of fillings, including almond wedding cake, Bavarian cream, blueberry, chocolate cream cheese, and pecan praline. This year, they’re offering two- and three-cake variety packs for $50 and $72, respectively.
Martha Gilreath’s – Martha Gilreath’s king cakes, once a popular pop-up in Nolita, are now available at her Bayou St. John bakery, which opened just in time for the 2024 season. Her king cakes have quickly become one of the most popular in town, known for their simple yet delicious old-school style, reminiscent of McKenzie’s. Topped with a perfectly runny glaze and vibrant sugar crystals, her cakes are a treat. Online preorders are now available, but be sure to get there early for walk-ins!
