King Cakes—colorful ring-shaped cakes filled with cinnamon, pecans or cream cheese and dusted with green, yellow and purple sugar or frosting—are one of the most recognizable traditions during Mardi Gras season. The New Orleans-style cakes often contain a trinket such as a small plastic doll. Traditionally, the person who receives a piece with a trinket inside is deemed the king or queen of Mardi Gras. Many bakeries—such as Rao’s Bakery in Spring—include a small plastic doll on the side for customers to insert in the cakes themselves. Here are a few places in the Greater Houston area where you can find a King Cake in the days leading up to Mardi Gras on Feb. 28: Montgomery Bakehouse 240 Longmire Road, Conroe 936-756-1745 www.montgomerybakehouse.com Fillings: Cinnamon butter, Bavarian cream, strawberry cream cheese or pecan praline Cost: $13.50 Available through Mardi Gras. The bakery will take orders throughout Mardi Gras week.
Rao’s Bakery 6915 Cypresswood Drive, Spring 281- 251-7267 www.raosbakery.com Fillings: Cinnamon and strawberry, blueberry, blackberry or chocolate cream cheese Cost: $17.95-$21.95 Available regularly through March, or orders can be placed throughout the year.
Lou Lou’s Beignets 8000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands 281-651-2459 www.loulousbeignets.com Fillings: King Cakes can be made without or without pecan praline and cream cheese. Cost: $37 A limited number are available for pre-order through Mardi Gras. Pickup dates are Feb. 25, 26 and 28. Some may be available after Tuesday.
Elite Treats 2624 Chestnut Ridge, Humble 281-360-7593 www.elitetreats.net Fillings: Raspberry, apple or regular cream cheese Cost: $15 Pre-orders are recommended.
Zachary’s Cajun Cafe 716 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood 281-359-2256 www.zacharyscajuncafe.com Fillings: Traditional cinnamon and cream cheese Cost: $29.99-$34.99 Call in advance to ensure availability.
Three Brothers Bakery 12393 Kingsride Lane, Houston • 713-464-2253 4036 S. Braeswood Blvd., Houston • 713-666-2253 4606 Washington Ave., Houston • 713-522-2253 www.3brothersbakery.com Fillings: Plain or strawberry, raspberry or pineapple cream cheese Cost: $20-$45; party sizes are also available as a sheet cake to serve 18-24 ($50-$70) Call to order three days in advance for Mardi Gras availability.
Maureen’s Gourmet Bakery 3227 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land 281-494-4230 www.maureensbakery.com Fillings: Cinnamon, cream cheese, Bavarian cream cheese, raspberry, strawberry or lemon Cost: $18.95-$32.95 Available by order only.
Old Main Street Bakery 808 3rd St., Rosenberg 281-232-2253 www.oldmainstreetbakery.com Fillings: Cream cheese Call in advance to order or to inquire about availability.
The Cake Lady Bakery 1302 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood 281-482-3072 www.thecakeladybakery.com Fillings: Cream cheese, strawberry or cinnamon Cost: $16.50 Customers are advised to place orders in advance.
Acadian Bakery 604 W. Alabama St., Houston 713-520-1484 www.acadianbakers.com Fillings: Cinnamon pecan, cream cheese, raspberry, lemon, chocolate or blackberry cream cheese Cost: $34.95-$36.95 Call or to two days in advance to order. Cakes may also be available after Mardi Gras. This list is not comprehensive.