If you're from Louisiana, you already know: king cake isn't just a dessert, it's tradition. And if you're not from Louisiana, Mardi Gras season is the perfect excuse to learn what a real king cake is supposed to taste like.
With Mardi Gras around the corner, we rounded up five king cakes that actually deliver. No shortcuts, no gimmicks, just the real deal. Josh grew up with these, and this list isn't based on hype. It's based on experience.
1. Dong Phuong Bakery — King Cake Royalty
If there's a crown for king cakes, Dong Phuong wears it.
This is the most talked-about and most sought-after king cake in Louisiana, and for good reason. The dough is light and layered, the filling is balanced, and the icing never overpowers the cake itself. It's rich without being heavy and consistently done right.
If someone says they love king cake and hasn't had Dong Phuong… there's still work to do.
2. Manny Randazzo King Cakes — The Classic Champion
Manny Randazzo's is as traditional as it gets.
This is the king cake a lot of Louisianans grew up with, soft, cinnamon-forward, and familiar in the best way. No trendy twists, just a recipe that's been trusted for decades.
If you want a true Mardi Gras classic, this one delivers every time.
3. Haydel's Bakery — The OG Everyone Knows
Haydel's is an original.
This is the bakery that introduced king cake to a lot of households and helped turn it into the Mardi Gras staple it is today. Their king cake is traditional, dependable, and exactly what people picture when they hear “king cake.”
It's nostalgic, recognizable, and still holds up.
4. Caluda's King Cake — The Everyday Favorite
Caluda's is the king cake you can bring anywhere and know it'll be a hit.
Slightly denser and very flavorful, it's easy to slice and share, making it perfect for offices, gatherings, or just having around throughout Mardi Gras season. It's reliable, familiar, and done well every single time.
5. Oak Point Fresh Market — Baton Rouge Staple with Unique Flavors
Oak Point Fresh Market flies a bit under the radar, but locals know.
Based in Baton Rouge, they're known for offering creative flavor options while still respecting the tradition behind king cake. It's a great option if you want something a little different without drifting too far from what makes a king cake a king cake.
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What Sets These King Cakes Apart
It's about tradition. A real king cake is done the right way.
The texture, balance of flavor, and respect for the recipe matter more than flashy toppings or over-the-top fillings. These bakeries have been doing this for decades, and it shows.
Whether you grew up in Louisiana or you're just discovering Mardi Gras culture, starting with places that take king cake seriously makes all the difference.
At The Anderson Group, we love celebrating the traditions that make places feel like home, whether that's Louisiana roots or life here in Nashville.
Happy Mardi Gras. And don't forget to check for the baby.
Sources: NOLA.com, Manny Randazzo King Cakes, Haydel's, Bakery, Caluda's King Cake, Yelp, Southern Living, Dong Phuong Bakery