Hail to the King Cake! The Colorful Story Behind the Season’s Favorite Treat

Hail to the King Cake! The Colorful Story Behind the Season’s Favorite Treat

Dessert Gallery's King Cake surrounded by its hand-decorated butter cookies

IT LOOKS LIKE a giant bagel at a Pride parade, or maybe a wreath gone wild — but was actually created to mimic a jeweled crown. Love it or hate it, oh-so-sweet and sparkly Mardi Gras King Cake is royalty in H-town and is selling like hot cakes this month.


Reportedly, the first King Cakes were made in Europe in celebration of the Catholic Epiphany (Jan. 6). The French brought the cake with them to Louisiana in the 1870s, and all these years later, it’s become synonymous with the French Quarter, Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday and the related festivities. King Cakes have their own season starting right after the New Year lasting all the way through Mardi Gras.

“In January 2014, I went on a bakery tour of New Orleans and surrounding areas with bakery owners from all over the country, and had never thought much about king cakes until that trip,” says Sara Brook, owner of Dessert Gallery in Houston. “Holy cow! I've never seen so many varieties and each one better than the next.”

King Cakes are traditionally covered with oodles of green, purple and yellow-gold sprinkles. Those colors aren’t random. The green symbolizes faith; purple stands for power; and yellow-gold represents justice. Let’s not forget the tiny hidden baby inside — whoever gets the slice with the baby is “crowned” king or queen for the day!

Brook brought the tradition home to Dessert Gallery and King Cake has made its annual appearance year after year with increasing popularity. “We've tried fancy flavor combos, but the hands-down favorite with customers is always cinnamon and sugar with that yummy drizzle with colored sugar, beads and a baby, of course.” The sweets boutique offers strawberry and blueberry toppings on the side if a customer wants to gild the lily (whole cakes $24.95, through March 1).

Looking for the ultimate party favor? “Our hand-decorated Dessert Gallery Mardi Gras butter cookies are over the top. Gorgeous and intricate masks, crowns, and fleur-de-lis are popular with big kids and little kids alike,” adds Brook.

Laissez les bons temps roulez!

Food
Introducing Dina Owner of Eyelashes by Dina

STEP INTO A world of luxury with Dina, the visionary owner of Eyelashes by Dina, nestled in the prestigious Saint James Place. Embrace the artistry of bespoke lash extensions, meticulously tailored to meet your every desire. With a decade of industry expertise, Dina elevates the lash game to an unparalleled level of sophistication. Discover a serene and elegant oasis, where every lash experience is a masterpiece. Indulge in the refinement of luxury, only at Eyelashes by Dina.

Keep ReadingShow less

Inside Buttermilk Baby (photo by Kirsten Gilliam)

NOSTALGIA RUNS HIGH at new Buttermilk Baby in M-K-T Heights, where classic Carvel ice cream treats — a rarity in restaurants — are paired with a menu of buttermilk biscuits, chicken sandwiches and burgers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food

Kat Pressly and Reagan Bregman

FORMER ASTROS PITCHER and current coach Joe Smith, along with his sportscaster wife Allie LaForce, hosted a gala at Minute Maid Park's Union Station in an effort to raise funds and awareness of Huntington’s Disease, which took the life of Smith’s mother in 2020.

Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places