Mardi Gras is just around the corner… which means it’s king cake season, baby! King cakes are the festive, braided brioche cakes decorated in purple, green, and gold sugars—the colors representing justice, faith, and power. The ring cakes are shaped like a crown, with a small plastic baby tucked somewhere inside, and it’s eaten during Carnival season, which starts on Epiphany and ends with Mardi Gras.
This sweet treat tastes similar to a giant cinnamon roll, but it is often filled with cream cheese, fruit, or almond paste. Needless to say, there’s a reason they’re a tradition for Louisianians. But rest assured! You don’t have to overnight yours from Gambino’s bakery—these 14 bakeries, grocery stores, and restaurants have king cakes right here in Birmingham!
1. Birmingham Walmart Supercenter
9248 Pkwy. E., Birmingham
Snag an authentic New Orleans king cake from Gambino’s at Walmart. You can even get it delivered to your door… talk about easy!
2. Cajun Boys & Our Poboys
3120 Hwy. 52 W., Pelham
(205) 624-4612
Want a Gambino’s king cake without paying the shipping? These native Louisianians strive to bring the tastes and smells of the French Quarter to Pelham… And they offer traditional and cream cheese king cakes from Gambino’s, bringing the magic of Nola to Birmingham. (Keep an eye out, strawberry is coming soon!) Order by the slice or get the whole cake… we won’t judge.
3. Costco
3650 Galleria Cir., Hoover
(205) 909-1039
When you’re purchasing everything else in bulk, be sure to add a few king cakes from Caluda’s to your cart as well….
4. Edgar’s
Multiple locations
This local chain has a wide variety of king cakes. Whether you want a mini king cake to satisfy a sudden craving or something beyond the traditional, you’re in luck: They sell full-sized pecan praline, strawberry cream cheese, cream cheese, and traditional king cakes.
5. Five Loaves Micro Bakery, LLC.
6924 Timber Trl. Rd., Leeds
(205) 603-7430
If you’re a fan of sourdough, you cannot miss this cottage bakery’s king cake! Choose from traditional (by the slice or whole), lemon-filled, or praline topped with toasted pecans—there’s no shortage of delicious sourdough options! You can also order a half-dozen sourdough Mardi Gras cinnamon rolls. Plus, they use organic, simple, quality ingredients.
6. Good Neighbor Baking
Located within Bluff Park Coffee Collective
(205) 286-2359
This boutique bakery sells from-scratch king cakes that can serve up to 10 people—and they have a tiny baby inside! You can get it with the plain cinnamon sugar filling or a cream cheese filling.
7. Hero Diner
Multiple locations
Hero’s spin on brioche king cake is not to be trifled with! Many people claim it’s their favorite king cake in town. Make sure to preorder on their website.
8. Homewood Gourmet
2703 Mamie L Foster, 18th Pl. S., Homewood
(205) 871-1620
Grab a regular or cream cheese-filled cake daily through Feb 17th. Call ahead to order yours.
9. Piggly Wiggly (Mtn. Brook)
41 Church St., Mountain Brook
(205) 802-9078
thepigbham.com/piggly-wiggly-crestline/
The Pig in Crestline stocks Caluda’s traditional, praline, and cream cheese-filled king cakes. Not to mention they sell cakes from Gambino’s and gluten-free Guncles cakes too. Seaux (so) you definitely want to check them out! Other Piggly Wiggly locations, like the one in Bluff Park, may also carry them, so be sure to call the one closest to you.
10. Publix
Varies by location (but all should have them)
Pick up a classic cream cheese or traditional cinnamon king cake when you snag your other grocery necessities…
11. Roll Cajun Boudin
Yellow Bicycle Catering Co.
195 Vulcan Rd., Birmingham
(205) 908-4722
Roll Cajun seems to be the “King” of the king cakes—there’s a whole slew of awards marking them the best Cajun food in Alabama. (Probably because they’re originally from Louisiana.) They also do custom king cakes. Neaux (no) one comes close.
12. Savages Bakery
2916 18th St. S., Homewood
(205) 871-4901
Swing by the bakery next time you’re in downtown Homewood (or, let’s be real: order ahead), so you can secure yourself a cream cheese or cinnamon king cake.
13. Southern Coffee and Waffles
Food Truck’s Weekly Schedule
(205) 582-7639
The king cake waffle, strawberry or banana, is a seasonal specialty that is worth trying if you happen to be near the food truck’s stop. Is it technically a king cake? Questionable. But is it delicious? Certainly.
14. Sweet Treats By Hayley
2742 Pelham Pkwy., Pelham
(205) 974-9800
They have king cake bites, slices, and full cakes. Order on their website or message them on Facebook.
Bonus:
If you live a bit farther out, be sure to check out Brown Butter Baking Co. in Sylacauga (they offer gluten-free king cakes!) and Hey Bebe Where Yat! in Maylene
