Carnival season brings out the creativity amongst local bakeries and chefs! Many spots have their signature king cakes, but every year, there are bound to be exclusive flavors. Below, four king cakes that are only available during the 2026 Mardi Gras season.
Vieux Carré King Cake
Inspired by the French Quarter cocktail, Ayu Bakehouse and Cure have collaborated on a special Vieux Carré King Cake. This confection consists of laminated brioche filled with brown-butter pecan praline, herbal Bénédictine-infused frangipane, and cherry–vermouth jam. Pick up one of these king cakes at the bakery or at Cure, where a slice is sure to pair well with their seasonal cocktails!
Ayu Bakehouse is located at 801 Frenchmen Street
RANDY SCHMIDT
Crème Brûlée King Cake
Get the best of both worlds in this unique dessert! Coffee Science has transformed the classic torched dessert, Crème Brûlée, into a king cake. This creamy and crunchy pastry is filled with a vanilla custard and topped with a layer of torched, caramelized sugar. Grab a full cake or try it by the slice up until Fat Tuesday!
Coffee Science is located at 410 S. Broad Street
Banana Cream Pie King Cake and Strawberry Tres Leches King Cake
The NOCCA Marketplace is offering fabulous king cakes this season! Until January 18, be sure to try Chef Emeril Lagasse's Banana Cream Pie King Cake made with real bananas and vanilla cream. Save room for even more slices because from January 19-29, you can try Chef Frank Brigtsen’s Strawberry Tres Leches King Cake!
Proceeds from these king cakes — and their other delicious offerings — support NOCCA's Culinary Arts department. Click here to pre-order your cake, which is available for pick up at Press Street Station.
Press Street Station is located at 600 Homer Plessy Way
Courtesy of the NOCCA Foundation