The many different types of King Cakes
There have been many king cakes of different styles throughout history. Most of them date back to Epiphany (the twelfth day after Christmas) and biblical kings brought gifts to honor the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The kingcake has toured the world, showing the traditions of each culture.
Authentic French kingcakes, known as “La galette des Rois” (The cake or “wafer” of the Kings) are made from layers of puff pastry, and have a dense center of frangipane. La Galette des Rois are sold and consumed during the month of January, celebrating the Epiphany. French Kingcakes have a little trinket hidden inside just like New Orleans-style KingCakes, but these little French cake figurines resemble cartoon characters or cars, etc., instead of the traditional “baby”.
Mexican KingCakes are known as “La Rosca de Reyes” or “Roscón de Reyes” in Spain (both mean King Cake). These kingcakes are usually eaten on January 6, during the Three Kings Day (El Día de los Reyes Magos) celebration. The Rosca de Reyes is made in an oval shape with dried or candied fruit to decorate, usually using figs or cherries. The traditional figurine that represents the Child Jesus is followed in these Mexican kings.
South Louisiana kingcakes are made from cinnamon bread dough, similar to a brioche. This dough is braided or twisted and then baked and decorated. The New Orleans-style kingcakes we all know and love are decorated in the colors purple, green, and gold. These colors are the authentic carnival colors, chosen by Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovitch Romanoff of Russia during a visit to New Orleans in 1872. Purple means Justice, Green Faith, and Gold means Power. King Cakes in South Louisiana date back to the 18th century, but in more recent history some New Orleans bakeries have begun to add their own twists to traditional King Cakes by adding a variety of flavored fillings including; apple, blueberry, chocolate, lemon, pineapple, raspberry, bavarian cream, cherry, cream cheese, walnut or strawberry praline. Many bakers even create custom king cakes with sports team colors, special shapes for the holidays, and more interesting and unique ideas.