5 places to secure the best king cake on the Gulf Coast this Mardi Gras season

The 2023 Mardi Gras season is in full swing in both Baldwin and Mobile counties. However, is it really Mardi Gras if you haven’t secured a king cake yet? Follow along to check out 5 local bakeries to support this season when you are on the hunt for the best king cake.

King Cake History

Many wonder why king cakes are only found in grocery stores and bakeries during Mardi Gras season. Well, the answer dates back to the 19th century when a New Orleans based group, the Twelfth Night Revelers, began a tradition of hiding a bean inside of a cake. Whoever was lucky enough to find the hidden bean within their slice of cake would be crowned the king or queen of the Mardi Gras balls.

Since then, king cakes have become a key component to the Mardi Gras community. Bakeries create various, gourmet flavors of these delicious treats that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s check out what local bakeries in Mobile and Baldwin county have to offer.

1. Warehouse Bakery & Donuts

A fan-favorite and three-year-award winning king cake is back and better than ever at Warehouse Bakery & Donuts in Fairhope, AL. This local bakery offers something for everyone with a variety in size and flavors. This year’s Mardi Gras menu features:

• Original Cinnamon (+ Cream Cheese)
• Blueberry Cream Cheese
• Raspberry Cream Cheese
• Pecan Cinnamon Sugar (+ Cream Cheese)

• Location: 759 Nichols Ave. Fairhope, AL 36532
• Hours: Monday-Sunday, 7AM-2PM
• Stay Updated: Facebook
• Price: $23-45

2. Urban Emporium

If you want to experience a Louisiana King Cake without the drive, then this is the place for you. The company takes pre-orders for securing these sweet treats by phone or Facebook Messenger. Nonna Randazzo’s King Cake is readily available for those craving these popular flavors: traditional, cream-cheese-filled and pecan.

• Location: 260 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36602
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 10AM-6PM | Saturday, 9AM-5PM
• Stay Updated: Facebook, Instagram
• Price: $35

3. Gourmet Goodies

If you want to secure this cake, you better set an alarm. Gourmet Goodies was recently awarded Best Traditional King Cake at the 2023 King Cake-Off and ranked No. 3 overall nationally in the King Cake Extravaganza. Each morning, there are a limited amount of freshly baked cakes available in the shop. Some popular flavors highlighted on this years menu include:

• Cinnamon Sugar
• Churro
• Banana Pudding
• Crawfish

Be sure to check out their social media for a full list of flavors, sizes and prices. You may be able to even score this year’s newest addition —Alabama Sweet Heat, which is made with strawberry jalapeño cream cheese.

• Location: 1539 US-98, Daphne, AL 36526
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 10AM-5PM
• Stay Updated: Facebook
• Price: $35-75

4. Fairhope Chocolate

This luxury chocolate shop in downtown Fairhope has many people talking about their one-of-a-kind King Cake. The bakery uses real, all-butter brioche dough with daily fresh in-house fillings and European-style butter to satisfy everyone’s cravings. This is the perfect dish for hosting small gatherings or just to indulge in for yourself.

Customers can order by the slice, whole or by special order. We recommend ordering the whole… you know you want more than one slice.

• Location: 403 Fairhope Ave. Fairhope, AL 36532
• Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 7AM-5PM | Thursday & Friday, 7AM-8PM | Saturday, 10AM-8PM | Sunday, 11AM-4PM
• Stay Updated: Facebook, Instagram
• Price: $40-45

5. Dropout Bakery & Co.

This bakery has gone above and beyond when it comes to Mardi Gras. Another award-winning King Cake in the Port City is sure to bring many people in. I, for one, can’t stay away! This year’s Mardi Gras menu highlights king “cake-lets” with three savory flavors: brown butter cream cheese, pecan praline and strawberry cream cheese

Other menu items include king cake Pop-tarts, danishes and breakfast items. Customers can pre-order online or wake up early to grab these tasty treats before sell-out.

• Location: 358 St. Louis St. Mobile, AL 36602
• Hours: Friday-Sunday, 8AM-12:30PM
• Stay Updated: Facebook, Instagram
• Price: $18

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