January 6th is known as Epiphany or Twelfth Night. This date marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season. The King Cake represents the three kings who visited Baby Jesus. A plastic baby representing the Baby Jesus is placed inside the cake, and traditionally whoever receives the “baby” in their piece buys the next King Cake. The cake is topped with sugar representing the Mardi Gras colors: Purple (Justice), Green (Faith) and Gold (Power). Mardi Gras season lasts from January 6th until Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent begins.
King Cakes taste similar to a cinnamon roll. It is a cinnamon swirled sweet bread with a white sugar glaze, topped with green, purple, and yellow sprinkles.
Though King Cakes are traditionally done in the New Orleans area, Polka Dot Bake Shop’s owner went to school at Louisiana State University and wanted to bring the tradition here to Charlotte. For food safety purposes and due to a choking hazard, we don’t actually bake the plastic baby inside, we place it in the box with Mardi Gras beads.
$29.95 per King Cake (serves 12-15 people, with 2-inch slices)
Pre-order only, strict 48 hour notice
Friday 2/5 Last day for orders
Tuesday 2/9 (Fat Tuesday) Last day for pickup
Author: Emily Williams
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