King Cake

Thought to have been brought to New Orleans in the early 18th century by Basque settlers, the cinnamon-swirled confection known as king cake signals the beginning of the region’s most exciting time of year: Carnival. On the Christian calendar, the season begins on the Epiphany (January 6)—the date on which, according to biblical readings, the gift-bearing Magi visited baby Jesus—and ends the day before Ash Wednesday, known as Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday). For the Gulf Coast, this celebratory season is marked by festive balls and entertaining parades, and while catching beads is fun, no tradition surpasses king cake.

Traditionally round in shape, king cake represents the unity of faiths. Sprinklings of purple, green, and gold sparkling sugar symbolize justice, faith, and power, and there is usually a trinket—most often a plastic baby—hidden inside. Today’s standard king cakes are shaped like wreaths, made with brioche dough, and filled with cinnamon-sugar, but many jazz up their Mardi Gras goodies with rich cream cheese icings and fruit fillings.

With these clever recipes, we’ve taken the tradition a step further by transforming the classic into an array of rolls and breads to really celebrate the season.

Mardi Gras Streusel Bread

MAKES 1 (9X5-INCH)