Blog Layout

King Cakes, the Tradition and History of These Tasty Treats

Puffer Thompson • January 11, 2024

King Cake Tradition Reigns in Local Eateries

Mardi Gras King Cake with the Baby

A cake fit for a king. 

What’s round, colorful, and the reason so many people in our area break their new year’s dieting resolutions before making it even halfway through the first month?


You guessed it. King Cake season has arrived in all its sweet, delectable glory. But have you ever stopped to consider why? Or where it came from? Rooted in ancient cultural practices evolved over centuries, the King Cake has deep roots stemming from the French and Spanish settlers who brought their culinary traditions to the region. 


Originating from the early days of Christianity and adorned with the traditional colors of Mardi Gras—purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power)—the King Cake honors the three kings who visited Christ on Epiphany, the 12th day after Christmas. Its circular shape represents their continuous journey guided by a star to find the Christ child. 


About that baby. 

With every King Cake comes a hidden element of surprise—namely, a tiny baby figurine or other small token. While folklore says the token represents the Baby Jesus, it’s also believed to come from the Louisiana tradition of hiding a bean or trinket in one slice of cake during the king's ball. Then, when someone finds the trinket, they would be crowned the "king" or "queen" of the ball. Whoever discovers it in their slice is bestowed with good luck and is tasked with hosting the next celebration and serving another King Cake. More King Cake! Woo-hoo! 


A matter of taste.

Some prefer the traditional cinnamon dough variety of King Cake. Others prefer recipes that call for sweet fillings like cream cheese, strawberry, and lemon. Either way, here are a few of our favorites in the area that are sure to break even the strongest of new year’s resolutions. 


BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets

25689 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL 36561


Rouses

Visit them online to find a store near you. 


A Sweet Secret Bakery and Café

1538 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542


Deep South Cake Company

25405 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach, AL 36561


A Specialty Bakery

2200 East 2nd St., Gulf Shores, AL 36542


A unique take on King Cake.

Try this scrumptious recipe for King Cake bread pudding, courtesy of Rouses, where you can find all the ingredients. 

Share this article w/ Friends...

Walking tour participants listen to Tim and Sandy Russell during one of the 2024 history tours.

Foley Hosts Free Downtown History Walking Tours

By Guy Busby • April 3, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley residents and visitors will get the chance to explore more than 100 years of local history this April during guided walking tours of the city’s historic downtown.
Gulf Shores High Students Host Farm to Table Event

Gulf Shores High Students Host Farm to Table Event

By OBA Staff • April 3, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores High School is preparing for its annual Farm to Table event, a program that connects students with local agriculture and supports fresh, healthy meals in the school cafeteria.
Longtime Favorite Bubba's Seafood Has Closed

Bubba’s Seafood House in Orange Beach Closes Permanently After 27 Years

By R. Ken Cooper • April 2, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Bubba's Seafood House, a beloved fixture in Orange Beach, Alabama, has permanently closed its doors following the recent sale of the property. Established in 1997, Bubba's quickly became a favorite among both locals and tourists for its fresh seafood and laid-back, coastal charm.
Orange Beach City Hall

Officials Push for Clear Rules on Beach Business Use Restrictions

By John Mullen • April 2, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach will take a new city ordinance to further prohibit “commercial activity” on beaches, shorelines and waterways in the city. “There have been some business licenses that have come through recently that we needed some clarification on,” Deputy Coastal Resources Director Nicole Woerner said. “We just don’t want our beaches to be overrun and our waterways with people just selling and doing all kinds of things.”
Orange Beach High School Shooting Team Targets State Championship

Orange Beach High School Shooting Team Targets State Championship

By Erica Thomas • April 2, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach High School shooting team has "banged out" several state championships over the past four years, but now the team is getting more attention and will soon share the wealth.
Photo from Reach and Teach Facebook Page

Students Rock the Classroom with the Reach and Teach Program

By Allison Marlow • April 1, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Part classroom lesson, part real life problem-solving and a whole lot of rock ‘n’ roll has defined the school day for students at Foley and Gulf Shores high schools recently.
Your Guide to Easter Events Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast

Your Guide to Easter Events Along Alabama’s Gulf Coast

By R. Ken Cooper • April 1, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Easter is just around the corner, and here on the Alabama Gulf Coast, the celebrations are already taking shape. With Easter Sunday falling on April 20 this year, families have nearly three full weeks to enjoy a growing list of seasonal events stretching from Fort Morgan to Foley and over to Perdido Key. From egg hunts and bunny brunches to waterfront worship services and photo ops with live animals, the coast is gearing up for a busy and festive spring.
Orange Beach Garden Club Hosts Successful 37th Annual Game Day Event

Orange Beach Garden Club Hosts Successful 37th Annual Game Day Event

April 1, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The Orange Beach Garden Club hosted its 37th Annual Game Day fundraiser, an event that brings the community together for a day of fun and philanthropy each year. Under the leadership of 2025 Game Day Chair, Councilwoman Annette Mitchell, this year’s event was a resounding success.
Flora-Bama Takes on New Meaning in Final Four

Flora-Bama Takes on New Meaning in Final Four

By OBA Staff • March 31, 2025
Auburn will play Florida in the Final Four of the men's NCAA College Basketball Tournament. So it seems fitting that the ultimate game watch spot will be on the line at the Flora-Bama sports grill. Auburn defeated Michigan State by a score of 70-64 and punched their ticket to San Antonio for the big game. Now the SEC matchup between Alabama and Florida college teams makes the national championship more exciting for coastal fans.
Seven Days of Springtime Fun Across the Alabama Gulf Coast

Seven Days of Springtime Fun Across the Alabama Gulf Coast

By Jessica A. Taylor • March 31, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – As March gives way to April, the Alabama Gulf Coast eases into a fresh rhythm that blends springtime energy with coastal calm. This week, there’s a full slate of activities stretching from land to sea, catering to locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of open-water fishing, the serenity of parasailing over crystal clear waters, or the excitement of local theater and family-friendly events, the Gulf Coast offers something for every pace and interest.
Show More
Share by: