Orange Beach, Ala. - (OBA) - The Mardi Gras season has begun and that means it is time to partake in one of the most treasured traditions, eating of the King Cake!

The King Cake is a traditional dessert that is typically served during the Mardi Gras season along the gulf coast. 

When is Mardi Gras Season

Mardi Gras Day, aka Fat Tuesday, can fall on any Tuesday between February 3 and March 9, depending on the date of Easter that year. In 2023, Fat Tuesday falls on February 21st. The length of Mardi Gras season varies, but for many, it begins on Epiphany, which is also known as Twelfth Night and is celebrated on January 6th. 

What are King Cakes

The King Cake is a sweet, ring-shaped pastry decorated with bright colors, particularly purple, green, and gold, which are the traditional colors of Mardi Gras. The pastry is made from a rich, buttery dough that is rolled and shaped into a circle, and it is typically filled with a variety of sweet fillings, such as cinnamon and sugar, fruit, or cream cheese. 

A small plastic baby, representing the baby Jesus, is hidden inside the cake, and the person who finds the baby in their slice of cake is said to have good luck for the rest of the year. 

King Cake History

The tradition of the King Cake is thought to have been introduced to New Orleans by French settlers in the 18th century, and it has since become an integral part of the city's annual Mardi Gras celebration.

The tradition of eating a king cake on Epiphany dates back to ancient Rome, where a cake was baked with a bean or a small trinket hidden inside. The person who found the bean or trinket in their slice of cake was crowned king or queen for the day and was also responsible for hosting the next celebration. This tradition was later adopted by the Christian church and became associated with the celebration of Epiphany.

Over time, the tradition of the king cake spread to other parts of Europe and eventually to the Americas, where it was adapted to local ingredients and flavors. Today, the king cake is enjoyed in many countries around the world as a delicious and festive treat during the celebration of Epiphany.

Where to get King Cakes

Rouses Markets in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores offer a variety of King Cakes. You can order them online or pick them up at any Rouses Market.

BuzzCatz Coffee & Sweets next to Cosmos in Orange Beach bakes King Cakes fresh everyday during the Mardi Gras season. 

The Pantry at the Wharf offers whole or by-the-slice King Cakes.