6 Mardi Gras Desserts to Get the Party Started

Posted by Wilton | Feb 13, 2019

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When it comes to Mardi Gras desserts the king cake is well king! But there are many other festive Fat Tuesday themed treats that are great for breaking out, whether you’re celebrating with a Mardi Gras party at home or celebrating Mardi Gras in The Big Easy and enjoying some of New Orleans classic food and fare along the way. This list of 6 sweet treats (including some takes on a classic king cake) will help you get the party started no-matter where you’re celebrating and feature the iconic purple, gold and green colors that wash over Bourbon Street and hopefully help spread some good luck and cheer each year.

1. Mardi Gras Trifle by Cook Craft Love

For a little bit of bon temps that packs a big punch, try the trifle from Cook. Craft. Love., which combines the visual appeal of brightly colored cake batter with creamy white layers of frosting, all in a tiny shot glass presentation that brings the party right to your mouth.

2. King Cake Truffles by Take Two Tapas

These adorable round Mardi Gras truffles from Take Two Tapas are just what the (voodoo) doctor ordered! The simple recipe can be whipped up quickly and decorated with festive colored sugar or sprinkles, for a bite-size, no-bake alternative that’s an easy contribution to any potluck without having to take out a baking sheet.

3. Mardi Gras Carnival Brownies by Happily Ever Breaux

Chocoholics can celebrate Carnival time by decorating homemade or store-bought brownies following Happily Ever Breaux’s cheerful, glimmering example. Edible gold glitter and gold, purple and green sprinkles prove that a good time can still roll—even if it has corners.

4. King Cake Recipe by Wilton

Start your King Cake education with our twist on the classic recipe. A cinnamon-accented brioche dough ring is topped with a confectioner’s (powdered) sugar glaze and sprinkled with colored sugars.C’est classique!

5. King Cake Donuts by Hummingbird High

For a Fat Tuesday treat you can dunk into your chicory coffee, try these Mardi Gras King Cake doughnuts from Hummingbird High. Based on a Finnish sweet yeasted bread dough recipe, these doughnuts allow you to level up on your breadmaking skills while still giving a result you can cover in delicious icing.

6. King Cake Macarons by Justin Hankins

For bakers looking for a sweet showpiece, let the macarons roll…onto your plate. Justin Hankins’ take on this upscale classic is easy enough for a first try but still emphasizes flavor first, with authentic King Cake flavors and a tasty cinnamon buttercream filling and vanilla cream glaze.

Looking for something tasty but not quite as festive? Try other Southern favorites that will help bring the spirit of the Big Easy into your bakes, like pecan pralines, bananas foster, bread pudding or even a pecan pie topped with a scoop of ice cream and some whipped cream!

Try your luck at any of the sweet treats above this Mardi Gras and drop a comment below or tag @WiltonCakes on your photos so we can celebrate along with you. Au revoir!

6 Festive Mardi Gras Desserts for Fat Tuesday

Check out this list of 6 festive Mardi Gras desserts to help you get the party started no matter where you’re celebrating with the iconic purple, gold, and green colors that wash over New Orleans every Fat Tuesday.

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About The Author

Wilton

Since 1929, the Wilton Team of bakers has been inspiring the joy of creativity in everyone, everywhere, every day. From big milestone celebrations to simply baking in the kitchen with your loved ones, the Wilton team is here to be your trusted guide, your secret ingredient, ready to help you shine with tips, tricks and solutions that enable you to be your most creative self. No matter where you are on your baking journey, Wilton is here to help you bake your world happy.

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FAQs

6 Mardi Gras Desserts to Get the Party Started | Wilton Blog? ›

The name “king cake” comes from the Biblical story of the three kings who bring gifts to Baby Jesus. A blend of coffee cake and cinnamon roll, king cake is usually iced in yellow, green and purple – the colors of Mardi Gras -- and is frequently packed with fruit fillings and decadent cream cheeses.

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What is the signature Mardi Gras dessert? ›

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What is the most popular dessert in New Orleans? ›

Beignets. Sometimes called a "French donut," these decadent treats were brought to Louisiana by the Cajuns. A beignet is a square piece of dough that, once fried, forms a slightly doughy, slightly crispy pillow that is then the perfect canvas for a coat of powdered sugar.

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What is the signature snack of Mardi Gras? ›

New Orleans-Style Beignets

Want to celebrate Mardi Gras from the comfort of your kitchen? Make beignets. Liberally dusted in confectioners' sugar, these pillowy deep-fried doughnuts will make you feel like you're at the famous Cafe du Monde in just one bite. Get the New Orleans-Style Beignets recipe.

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What does the baby in the Mardi Gras king cake mean? ›

The plastic baby symbolizes the infant Jesus because of the religious connection to King's Day. Tradition dictates that finding the baby in your cake piece symbolizes luck and prosperity, and the finder becomes the “king” or “queen” of the evening.

What are some Louisiana desserts? ›

King Cake is just one of Louisiana's famous desserts. Sweet and sugary pecan pralines. Bananas Foster is a New Orleans classic. Savor bites of bread pudding topped with a decadent, bourbon-based sauce.

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What is the original Mardi Gras cake? ›

The king cake is a mixture of a French pastry and a coffee cake. Its oval shape and festive colors give it a unique appeal. The original version features the royal colors of gold, purple, and green. Gold represents power, purple represents justice, and green signifies faith.

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What is Louisiana love bite dessert? ›

It turned out to be chocolate heaven with biscuity bits and lots of different chocolate bonded together to give it its name. My Louisiana Lovebite was caramel mousse bedded down on a biscuit base and covered in chocolate and was delicious.

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What is the most expensive dessert in New Orleans? ›

Arnaud's Restaurant

Most Expensive Dessert: For $3.95 million a true whale can purchase the Strawberries Arnaud (in a marinade of port, red wine, spices and citrus w/ vanilla ice cream) with a 7.09 carat pink diamond included from MS Rau antiques.

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What is the traditional cake in New Orleans? ›

Today, Haydel's is among the most popular choices for a classic king cake, with recipes deeply rooted in New Orleans tradition. The cake is made of Danish dough that's hand-braided with cinnamon and sugar and topped with fondant icing along with purple, green, and gold sugar.

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What are 3 traditional foods of Mardi Gras? ›

Try classic Mardi Gras recipes like shrimp étouffée, jambalaya, or red beans and rice, or fix something unexpected for a group of party guests like warm gumbo dip or cornbread hush puppies. No collection of Mardi Gras recipes would be complete without sweets.

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What is the signature drink of Mardi Gras? ›

The Sazerac is the most popular co*cktail and the signature drink of the city of New Orleans. Cognac, whiskey, and absinthe combine to make this drink. It's one of the most popular Mardi Gras co*cktails and originated in New Orleans in the 1940s.

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What is the difference between king cake and Rosca de Reyes? ›

The king cakes of New Orleans more closely resemble those of Spanish-speaking countries rather than the king cake that originated in France. Rosca de reyes, served in Spain and Latin America, is a ring-shaped sweet bread that can also be topped with candied fruit, in addition to a light layer of icing.

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Why is it called Fat Tuesday? ›

Mardi Gras, festive day celebrated in France on Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), which marks the close of the pre-Lenten season. The French name Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, from the custom of using all the fats in the home before Lent in preparation for fasting and abstinence.

What country celebrates Mardi Gras the most? ›

The Brazilian edition of Mardi Gras is the world's largest carnival. A whopping two million people pour into the streets of Rio de Janeiro each year for a major blowout. It comes complete with feathered showgirls, thumping sound systems and sensational samba choreography.

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What is the tradition of the Epiphany cake? ›

This tradition dates back to the 12th or 13th century when the monks of St. Michel, France would choose their Epiphany king by means of this cake. Many countries celebrate this day with a sweet bread or cake shaped in a crown to commemorate when the three kings visited Jesus, in Christian tradition.

What is traditionally hidden in a Mardi Gras king cake? ›

Traditionally, a small porcelain baby, symbolizing Jesus, is hidden in the king cake and is a way for residents of Louisiana to celebrate their Christian faith. The baby symbolizes luck and prosperity to whoever finds it.

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6 Mardi Gras Desserts to Get the Party Started | Wilton Blog (2024)