Blog Layout

A Dessert Fit for a King

Allison Marlow • February 14, 2025

Celebrate Mardi Gras with the best King Cakes around

King Cake Mardi Gras Treat

Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Sweeter than Christmas cookies, more iconic than Thanksgiving turkey, more filling than any bowl of Halloween candy – we have arrived, finally, at King Cake season. 


Technically, it’s Carnival season - a time of feasting and celebration as the calendar marches toward Fat Tuesday and Lent begins. But, during this decadent and indulgent season, King Cake rules the table as the dessert of choice. 


When the three wise men arrived at the feet of baby Jesus, they brought gifts, not cake. The modern delight is named in honor of their appearance. Shaped like a round, centerless Bundt cake, King Cakes are sprung from a brioche dough. The layers between them can be filled with cinnamon, chocolate, cream cheese and fruit. More savory versions replace the sweet with seafood or sausage. 


The sweet versions are also often topped with icing, dusted with green, purple and gold sanding sugar, the colors of faith, justice and power. The colorful trio is repeated not just on King Cakes but on bunting, t-shirts, flags and costumes during the Mardi Gras season. 


Most bakers tuck a tiny plastic baby inside the rolls of dough. Tradition dictates that finding that baby at the end of your fork is good luck. It also dictates that you buy the next King Cake for the next event. Lucky you, King Cakes can be found both in specialty bakeries and grocery stores such as Rouse’s and Piggly Wiggly. 


Feel like you need even more King Cake in your life? Several coffee companies produce King Cake flavored brews including Community Coffee, available at most Baldwin County grocers and PJ’s Coffee. 


You might even try topping your King Cake with King Cake ice cream. Blue Bell crafts the limited-edition scoops in their creameries in Texas and Sylacauga, Alabama. Part vanilla ice cream, part sweet King Cake, the concoction is all delicious. You can easily spot it in the freezer section in its bright purple tub. 


You can even have your cake and drink it too. The Louisiana-based Abita Brewing Company produces King Cake Soda every year, crafted with hints of cinnamon, vanilla and cream. Six packs go quickly in local markets, so keep your eyes peeled for this treat, perfect to enjoy on the parade route. 


Need a King Cake? Here’s where you can find them! Remember, no two are the same so try them all! 


Rouses Markets

Orange Beach Location: 25405 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Gulf Shores Location: 1545 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

www.rouses.com

Rouses Markets offer gourmet King Cakes with flavors such as cookie dough and banana foster as well as traditional cakes with fruit, praline or cream cheese filling. Visit their website to find the location closest to you. 



BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets

25689 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561

Offers custom King Cakes with cream, fruit, praline or Nutella filling 



A Specialty Bakery

2200 E 2nd St STE I, Gulf Shores, AL 36542



Deep South Cake Company

25405 Perdido Beach Blvd. Suite 5 Orange Beach, AL 36561

Carries cakes from Gambino’s Bakery in New Orleans 



Smallcakes

2163 South McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 

Carries cakes from Gambino’s Bakery in New Orleans


Share this article w/ Friends...

Orange Beach Breaks Ground on New Veteran's Memorial Project
By OBA Staff March 18, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach Public Works started clearing the site for its new Veteran's Memorial at the City’s Municipal Complex on Monday, March 17, 2025. The existing digital monument sign in front of Community Development is being removed as part of the preparation.
Orange Beach City Hall
By John Mullen March 18, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach is moving forward with plans to build a pickleball complex on the city’s recreation campus and will discuss awarding the bid during a joint regular/work session on March 18 at 5 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.
Foley City Council to Vote on Downtown Streetscape Design Funding
By OBA Staff March 17, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The Foley City Council is set to discuss and vote on a number of resolutions at its meeting tonight. One of the most items on the agenda involves allocating additional funds for professional services related to the Downtown Residential Streetscape Conceptual Design.
Places to Go and Things to Do on the Gulf Coast this Week
By Jessica A. Taylor March 17, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Spring is in full swing on the Gulf Coast, and this week brings a lineup of events that highlight the best of local entertainment, food, and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in true Irish fashion, explore the local music scene, or set sail at the Wharf Boat and Yacht Show, there’s something for everyone. From high-energy festivals to laid-back waterfront dining, the week ahead offers the perfect mix of fun and relaxation.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations on the Alabama Gulf Coast
By R. Ken Cooper March 17, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – St. Patrick’s Day originated as a religious feast day in Ireland to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the island in the 5th century. He was said to have used the shamrock to explain the Christian Trinity and is often associated with driving the snakes out of Ireland (though this is likely symbolic rather than literal).
Join the Turtle Watch Volunteer Meeting in Gulf Shores
By R. Ken Cooper March 16, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Share the Beach, established in 2005, is dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles that nest on Alabama's beaches from May through October. Volunteers play a crucial role in this mission by patrolling beaches, educating the public and school groups, conducting late-night nest observations, and assisting with supply and equipment preparations.
Chef Brody Olive and sous chef Luis Silvestre put the finishing touches to their winning dish.
By OBA Staff March 16, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Alabama’s top chefs have a chance to showcase their skills in the 10th Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off, set for May 5, 2025, at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The competition, now hosted by Sweet Grown Alabama, will feature four chefs competing for the title and a chance to represent Alabama at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.
Dangerous Storms Expected Today with Tornadoes, Hail, and High Winds Possible
By OBA Staff March 15, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The National Weather Service in Mobile is warning residents of a significant severe weather event expected to impact the area today and tonight. Forecasters say conditions are favorable for a severe thunderstorm and tornado outbreak, with the potential for long-track, violent tornadoes, damaging wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, and large hail up to two inches in diameter. While the morning may be relatively quiet, storms are expected to develop rapidly during the afternoon and evening hours, moving eastward across the region.
Orange Beach’s 2025 Summer Camp Offers Fun, Learning, and Adventure for Kids
By OBA Staff March 15, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach is once again gearing up for an exciting summer filled with fun, learning, and adventure with the 2025 Expect Excellence Summer Camp Program. Designed for children from rising 1st to 7th grade, this camp provides an engaging mix of recreational and educational activities, ensuring a well-balanced, out-of-school experience. Whether your child loves hands-on experiments, outdoor adventures, or creative arts, this camp offers something for everyone.
Orange Beach Garden Club Donates $1,000 to Support Emergency Medical Services
By R. Ken Cooper March 15, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach community continues to thrive thanks to the generosity of its residents and organizations. One such group, the Orange Beach Garden Club, recently demonstrated its commitment to public service by donating $1,000 to support local emergency medical transport services.
Show More
Share by: