Origin

• King cakes came to New Orleans with the first French settlers. The cakes were part of a family's private celebration and didn't take on a public role until after the Civil War.

Significance of the Toy Baby

• There is a plastic toy baby baked into each king cake, though sometimes it will be a bean or a coin. Whoever gets the baby is responsible for having the next party and baking the king cake.

Seasonal Appropriateness

• While the king cake is now associated with Mardi Gras, king cake season officially starts on Twelfth Night (January 6th) and ends on Mardi Gras day.

Appearance

• While king cakes can vary greatly in appearance, generally they are made in a fashion that resembles a very large donut, and are typically iced and then decorated in Mardi Gras colored sprinkles (yellow, purple and green).

Taste

• The name "cake" is a bit misleading; most king cakes are more of a sweet bread like a brioche in taste. The icing is usually made with a cream cheese base.