What Is King Cake? And Why Do People Eat It During Mardi Gras?

If you’ve ever been to New Orleans or a Mardi Gras celebration, chances are you've seen (or tasted) a king cake—that colorful, sugary pastry that’s as festive as the holiday itself.

But beyond its vibrant icing and delicious filling, king cake has a deep-rooted history in tradition and celebration.

Let’s dive into what makes this cake so special, why you can’t eat it before Jan. 6 and what happens if you find the hidden baby inside!

What Is King Cake?

King cake is a sweet, ring-shaped pastry that’s traditionally enjoyed during Carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday.

The cake is typically made from a rich, brioche-like dough and is often filled with cinnamon, cream cheese or fruit fillings. It’s topped with icing and sprinkled with the iconic colors of Mardi Gras. The color purple stands for justice, green for faith and gold for power, according to King Cake Shop.

King cakes are most popular in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region, but they can also be found in other areas where Mardi Gras is celebrated.

Why Can't You Eat King Cake Before Jan. 6?

According to Eater, if you see a king cake before Jan. 6, hold off on eating it! That’s because Jan. 6 is Epiphany, also known as Three Kings' Day—the official start of Carnival season.

In Christian tradition, Epiphany marks the day the three wise men (or kings) visited baby Jesus, which is why king cake is associated with the holiday.

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Eating king cake outside of Carnival season is considered bad luck by some, and traditionally, bakeries in Louisiana don’t even sell them before Epiphany. The season officially ends on Mardi Gras each year, which is the day before Ash Wednesday.

What Does the Baby in King Cake Mean?

According to King Cake Shop, the most famous parts of a king cake is the tiny plastic baby hidden somewhere inside. This hidden treasure is said to represent baby Jesus, as well as symbolize luck and prosperity for whoever finds it. Some versions of the tradition also tie the baby to the concept of royalty, since the cake itself is named after the three kings.

Originally, small trinkets or beans were hidden in the cake, but today, a tiny plastic baby is the standard.

What Happens if You Find the Baby in King Cake?

If you find the baby in your slice of king cake, congratulations! You get to be "king" or "queen" for the day. But you also have a responsibility: Tradition dictates you must host the next Mardi Gras party or buy the next king cake, according to New Orleans.com.

It’s a fun way to keep the celebration going throughout Carnival season, ensuring friends, family and co-workers continue to gather and enjoy the festivities.