24-02-2025
Find your king cake crown: Where to find the best Mardi Gras baked dessert in Austin
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Mardi Gras, that glorious pre-Lenten celebration of beads, parades and general revelry, is just around the corner. And while Austin might be a bit short on Bourbon Street shenanigans, we've got one crucial element of the celebration down pat: king cake.
This oval delight, adorned in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold, is more than just a sugary treat. Baked inside is a tiny plastic baby (representing baby Jesus), and whoever finds it in their slice is crowned king (or queen) for the day … and is also responsible for bringing the king cake to the next gathering.
So, whether you're bringing the cake this year or prepping for the future, here's where to find the best king cakes in Austin to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Abby Jane Bakeshop is now accepting preorders for their king cakes. This year, you can choose between the classic Cream Cheese Filling ($38) or savor the Texas Pecan Praline flavor ($40), featuring a pecan paste swirled throughout their signature King Cake dough. Each cake comes with a special touch: a teeny-weeny ceramic croissant handmade by local artist Gwyn at Hammerson Co. Orders can be picked up on March 1 or 2 at the Bakeshop. Preorder now on their website.
16604 Fitzhugh Rd Unit C, Dripping Springs. 512-383-5923.
Central Market is offering two options for king cakes. The traditional is available for $12.99, and another king cake with cream cheese filling is available for $13.99. They are both decorated with Mardi Gras colors. King cakes can be picked up in-store or delivered. Orders can be placed online or in-person.
512-206-1000.
Cypress Grill in South Austin is your go-to spot for authentic king cakes from the renowned Gambino's Bakery in New Orleans. They offer both traditional Cinnamon ($28.99) and Cream Cheese ($38.99) varieties. But be warned: these treats sell out every year, so don't delay! The king cakes at Cypress Grill are available for pre-order or walk-out. To order, call 512-358-7474, option 1.
4477 S Lamar Blvd. 512-358-7474.
Easy Tiger is now accepting pre-orders for their king cakes ($26) through Feb. 24. You can pick up your pre-ordered treats between Feb. 26 and March 4. These cakes are made with pain au lait dough, filled with cinnamon sugar, and adorned with the colors of Mardi Gras. And don't forget the exciting surprise – a tiny tiger figurine is hidden inside each cake.
3508 S Lamar Blvd #300. 512-964-8229.
Indulge in the Mardi Gras spirit with delicious gluten-free, vegan king cakes from Gati Ice Cream. You can order these cakes from now until March 4. Call Gati at 512-220-1077 to inquire about full cake orders. You can also order slices on the website for $6.50. The business requests at least 48 hours' notice for full cake orders.
1512 Holly St. 512-220-1077.
H-E-B has several kinds of king cakes for your Mardi Gras celebrations. Flavors include cream cheese, cinnamon, praline pecan, strawberry, apple and pineapple cream cheese all for $9.34. All the cakes include a plastic baby figurine to hide inside. Orders can be placed through March 4.
512-448-3544.
Lil Easy is offering traditional New Orleans cinnamon cream cheese king cakes. Orders start at $43.99. Cakes can be picked up in-store through March 11. Slices are also available for purchase in-store.
5000 E Cesar Chavez St. 512-631-2812.
Stuffed is selling 'mini' king cakes ($5) as well as regular-sized ones ($20). The latter can get 16 slices or more. Both sizes of cake can be stuffed with fillings like bavarian cream, cherry and lemon. All cakes are covered in cream cheese icing, colored sugars and beads. Online orders require a deposit and customers must pay the rest during pickup.
12226 Ranch Rd 620 N. 512-918-1600.
Sugar Mama's has a special king cake available through March 4. Their cake has options of praline cream filling or chocolate cinnamon cream cheese filling. Both options start at $35. Orders must be placed at least 2 business days before pick-up.
1905 S 1st St. 512-448-3727.
Celebrate Mardi Gras with Walton's Fancy & Staple king cakes. The cakes are available for order now through March 1 with pickups available through March 4. Flavors include cream cheese, strawberry, lemon cream, chocolate, pecan praline, and cinnamon. Customers are asked to allow 72 hours' notice for orders. You can call 512-542-3380 or email catering@ to place your order.
609 W 6th St. 512-542-3380.
Cinnamon king cakes are available for purchase in-store for $17.99 at some Whole Foods locations in the Austin area. Call your store ahead of time to ask whether they are on sale. You can also check online by putting in your specific store location on the Whole Foods website.
Lamar: 525 N Lamar Blvd. 512-542-2200.
Domain: 11920 Domain Dr. 512-831-3981.
East Austin: 901 E 5th St. Ste 100. 512-884-5910.
Gateway: 9607 Research Blvd #300. 512-345-5003.
Arbor Trails: 4301 W William Cannon Dr Bldg B Ste 800. 512-358-2460.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Mardi Gras 2025 in Austin: Where to get best king cake near you
