Carnival season in New Orleans is unlike any other place in the world, but the Mississippi Gulf Coast also gets in on Mardi Gras fun with parades, extravagant balls and king cakes.
I’m a Bay St. Louis native who grew up eating king cakes across the Gulf Coast. And while New Orleans has some incredible options, don’t count out the bakeries a few miles away down Interstate 10 and along the beach.
Here are four of my favorite spots to get a king cake from Twelfth Night to Fat Tuesday.
Le Bakery, East Biloxi
It’s just a few blocks off the beach and near several casinos, but Le Bakery remains a somewhat hidden gem that locals swear by. The Vietnamese pastry shop is known for its signature fruit-filled turnovers and bahn mi sandwiches, but the bakers use their French bread to make king cakes at Mardi Gras season. The style is more classic than what you’d find at Dong Phuong or Dough Nguyner’s in New Orleans, but Le Bakery’s fillings are what bring their Carnival treat over the edge. And the king cakes are notoriously affordable.
What to try: Guava cream cheese king cake
Address: 280 Oak Street
Fleur De Lis Gourmet Bakery, Gulfport
The raspberry cream cheese pithivier from Fleur De Lis Gourmet Bakery in Gulfport.
This French-inspired bakery in the heart of Gulfport is known for its pithivier, a French version of the king cake that features dozens of layers of flaky, layered croissant-like dough filled with pastry cream. If I want a non-traditional king cake, this is always my first choice. The pastry is made to order and is always a hit, especially served after dinner with coffee or espresso martinis.
What to try: Raspberry cream cheese pithivier
Address: 500 B Courthouse Road
Dolce Bakeshop, Long Beach
Brooke Rester’s king cakes have a moist dough, and the unique fillings inside are always overflowing. Every king cake I’ve tried from Dolce has been decadent, messy and absolutely delicious. I’d recommend calling the downtown Long Beach bakery to order your king cake advance and check out which custom flavors are being offered.
What to try: Cookie butter king cake
Address: 200 Jeff Davis Avenue #2
Palace Casino, Biloxi
I was introduced to the Palace Cafe, located inside the Palace Casino, by former co-workers at the Sun Herald, and it quickly became the place we went to if we needed a cake or a pie for a celebration. The king cakes also don’t disappoint. Call ahead to place your order and learn about which flavors are being offered.
What to try: Millionaire king cake with chocolate, caramel, bavarian cream and pecans
Address: 158 Howard Avenue
