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Mardi Gras season is upon us, and for many, that means one thing—King Cake! While Arkansas may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about this beloved tradition, the state has many bakeries that embrace the season with their take on this festive treat for those homesick for their favorite flavors.
Whether you’re a lifelong King Cake enthusiast, debating the best, or beginning to discover its sweet, cinnamon-laced layers, Arkansas has several destinations to celebrate the tradition.
What is a King Cake?
A King Cake is a sweet, ring-shaped pastry traditionally enjoyed between Epiphany and Mardi Gras. It is crafted from a rich, brioche-like dough infused with cinnamon and often filled with cream cheese, fruit or praline. The cake is topped with a sugar glaze and decorated in the iconic colors of Mardi Gras: purple for justice, green for faith and gold for power. A tiny plastic baby gets hidden inside the cake and the person who finds it is responsible for providing the next King Cake or hosting the next Mardi Gras party!
What is the Significance of a King Cake?
The King Cake tradition dates to medieval France and Spain. It was associated with the Epiphany celebration on Jan. 6, the Christian holiday marking the Three Wise Men’s visit to baby Jesus. French settlers brought the tradition to Louisiana, where it became a staple of Mardi Gras festivities. Over time, it has evolved into a must-have treat throughout the season, symbolizing community, celebration and the spirit of sharing.
The significance of King Cake extends beyond Louisiana. The influence of Cajun and Creole culture has permeated the South, particularly in Southern Arkansas within the tri-state region, where our transient lifestyles allow for migration and relocation. Many residents of Arkansas celebrate Mardi Gras with parades, festivals and gatherings, making King Cake an integral part of these festivities. The cake symbolizes a sweet connection to history, faith and joy, making it a cherished aspect of the season for many Arkansans.
Where to Find a King Cake in Arkansas
If you’re looking for a King Cake in Arkansas, you’re in luck! Several bakeries across the state offer delicious versions of this traditional treat. Here are a few places where you can find one:
Little Rock Area
- Blue Cake Company | Little Rock: Known for its artistic cakes, Blue Cake Company brings the Mardi Gras spirit with its beautifully decorated King Cakes.
- Community Bakery | Little Rock: A staple in Central Arkansas, this bakery offers classic King Cakes with various fillings. You can chase them with a SOMArdi Gras Mocha.
- Flake Baby | Little Rock: A unique bakery known for creative and delicious baked goods, including King Cakes during Mardi Gras season.
Northwest Arkansas
- Rick’s Bakery | Fayetteville & Rogers: This Northwest Arkansas favorite bakes up delicious King Cakes in multiple flavors. But get there early; they disappear quickly.
- Harvest Moon Bakery | Fort Smith: using their traditional, clean baking methods, moving away from seed oils and going dye-free, Harvest Moon keeps the food tradition going by the order or will have a large selection for Mardi Gras.
Central & Eastern Arkansas
- Wild Sweet William’s | Searcy: This artisan bakery creates beautiful, handcrafted King Cakes during the Mardi Gras season.
- WildFlour Bakery | Searcy: Local bakery specializing in beautiful seasonal treats. King Cakes are on the menu!
- Mama Mia Pizzeria | Benton: This pizza shop surprises customers with its delicious and festive King Cakes during Mardi Gras.
- NOLA Vibes at the Front Porch Market | Multiple Locations: A great spot to find authentic New Orleans-style King Cakes in Arkansas.
- Julie’s Sweet Shoppe | Conway: Always the top bakery and doughnut shop in Faulkner County, Julie’s is a great place to get a King Cake for your Mardi Gras celebration.
- Ed’s Bakery | Conway: A long-standing bakery in Conway known for its high-quality cakes, including King Cakes.
- Southern Confections | Jonesboro: Not just a great lunch spot, Southern Confections also offers treats, including King Cakes in cream cheese and raspberry flavors.
South Arkansas
- Ambrosia Bakery | Hot Springs: This bakery offers traditional and cream-filled varieties and is a go-to for Mardi Gras enthusiasts in the Hot Springs area.
- Country Village Oven | Star City: Known for fresh, homemade treats, their King Cakes are a hidden gem in southeast Arkansas.
- Ludwig’s Bakery | Arkadelphia: A classic European-style German bakery offering traditional King Cakes during the Mardi Gras season.
- Graham Slam Bakery | Texarkana: Voted best desserts in Texarkana, no one does it better for cutesy perfection in every locally made bite!
Cajun Meat Markets
- Lagniappe Meats | Texarkana: This spot is known for bringing a taste of Louisiana to Arkansas. It offers King Cakes alongside its Cajun specialties.
- Floyd’s Meat Market | Sherwood: authentic cajun foods for the homesick cajun; they are not afraid to share with the rest of us!
Be sure to call ahead, as King Cakes are seasonal and sell out quickly. You can also place your orders before Fat Tuesday, March 4!
Alternative Ways to Celebrate at Home
If you can’t find a traditional King Cake or want an alternative with the same flavors, try these options:
- Cinnamon Rolls – Use store-bought or homemade cinnamon rolls and decorate them with purple, green and gold icing.
- Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls – Roll cinnamon sugar filling into crescent rolls for a quick and easy treat.
- Cinnamon Roll Cake – A soft, gooey cake that mimics the flavors of a King Cake.
- Hawaiian Sweet Roll Cinnamon Rolls – Use sweet rolls as a base for mini-King Cake-inspired treats.
- King Cake Cupcakes – Bake cupcakes with cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, topped with festive icing and a hidden surprise inside one cupcake!
- Homemade doughnut beignets are a quick and delicious twist on the classic treat. They are made by frying biscuit dough until golden brown and dusting it with powdered sugar. Mix cinnamon with granulated sugar and dust the hot dough for an authentic flavor.
- Monkey Bread King Cake is a fun and easy twist on the traditional breakfast treat, featuring pull-apart cinnamon-sugar dough drizzled with colorful icing and topped with festive sprinkles.
- King Cake Bundt Cake: Choose any of your favorite cinnamon Bundt cakes topped with a drizzle of green, purple, or yellow frosting—you can still hide the baby in this delicious treat!
Enjoy celebrating with these delicious variations that bring the spirit of Mardi Gras into your home!
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