King Cake in Houston: Where Y’at?

I’ll admit it…I never had King Cake until my East Coast native, Tulane attending, New Orleans loving husband introduced me to it. And now there is no turning back. As soon as January rolls in, I start looking forward to the sweet smells and taste of King Cake that is upon us.

What is King Cake?

If you’re wondering what this “King Cake” nonsense is all about, allow me to explain. King Cakes are made in celebration of Mardi Gras. The brioche cinnamon dough is braided or twisted into a ring shape {usually an oval}. The traditional cake is just the cinnamon dough, baked and covered with white icing and purple, green, and gold sugar. A plastic “baby” is typically hidden in the cake. The tradition dictates that whoever receives the baby {or cuts a piece that exposes any part of the baby} must host the next King Cake party. This is just a fancy way of saying you are on the hook for buying the next King Cake.

Several decades ago, the King Cake evolved a bit. It can now be “stuffed” with cream cheese, any number of fruits, pecan praline, Bavarian cream, etc. There are also some bakeries that sell donut-style King Cakes.

Where Can You Buy King Cake in Houston?

There are tons of places in Houston to find King Cake. Where you go and what you get is simply a matter of taste preference and location.

Greater Houston Area

H-E-B: Texas’ greatest grocery store chain makes pretty yummy King Cakes at an affordable price {under $10}. They are not quite traditional, but the cream cheese King Cake at H-E-B is my daughter’s absolute favorite. Other flavors include cinnamon, apple, strawberry, and pineapple.

Whole Foods: If you’re looking for an all-natural, preservative-free King Cake, Whole Foods is the place!

Kroger: Kroger has several sizes and options available {most under $10}. Some Houston-area stores also sell Gambino’s King Cakes fresh from New Orleans.

Buc-ee’s: Buc-ee’s is selling Caluda’s Mini King Cakes in store!.

Kolache Shoppe: While it’s not a traditional King Cake, the Kolache Shoppe offers a King Cake kolache during the month of February. The specialty kolache is filled with cinnamon cream cheese and pecans. It is topped with an almond vanilla glaze and the traditional purple, green and yellow sugar.

PJ’s Coffee: At this New Orleans-based coffeehouse, you can get a slice {or a whole cake} of Caluda’s King Cake direct from Harahan, La. Nothing goes better with King Cake than coffee, and PJ’s Coffee also has limited-time King Cake-inspired specialty coffee menu items.

Central Houston

Moeller’s Bakery: Having been around since 1930, Moeller’s Bakery is a Houston staple and favorite that serves King Cake.

French Gourmet Bakery: The French Gourmet Bakery has 3 King Cake options. The first is a traditional 10 inch round New Orleans King Cake. The second is a 5 inch King Cake roll (for those wants a single serving). Lastly, they offer a Galette des Rois – a French style King Cake.

3 Brother’s Bakery: With 4 locations around the Houston area, this bakery can easily be accessed. If you do not want a whole cake, 3 Brothers offers King Cake by the slice. Not to mention their King Cake is a house favorite of ours!

Rustika Café and Bakery: If you are someone who plans ahead, check out Rustika for your King Cake. They request that you place your order ahead of time.

Plum Krazy Creations: Those who live near Rosenberg are in luck. Plum Krazy is making a variety of King Cakes starting at $40. They require 24 hours notice to make a fresh cake for you. *Special pick up options are also available in Kingwood, Cypress, Pasadena, Spring Branch, Richmond, Katy, and Sugarland!

Awesome Bites: This is the nation’s first allergy friendly bake and ice cream shop located in Houston, Texas. All scratch made awesome treats, including King Cake, are free of refined sugars and artificial colors PLUS vegan and every single thing is free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts

West Houston

The King Cake Lady: Based in Katy, The King Cake Lady makes delicious, authentic King Cakes. While they are not currently taking orders, you can buy a King Cake at the Fulshear Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9-1:00. Each cake comes in a variety of flavors such as cinnamon, cream cheese, almond, apple cinnamon cream cheese, strawberry cream cheese, cherry cream cheese, raspberry cream cheese, lemon cream cheese, and Nutella.

Great Harvest Bread Co.: In addition to all their delectable baked goods, Great Harvest in Katy has delicious King Cake available this season!

Humble Grounds Coffee: Want a twist on this famous dessert in drink form? Try Humble Grounds Coffee’s incredible King Cake Latte! They have locations in both Katy and Fulshear.

The Best Stop: This is a new addition to the Katy food scene and it is so welcomed. The Best Stop is conveniently located off of I-10 near Old Katy – and yes, it’s that same Best Stop that’s beloved from Scott, Louisiana. Not only can you grab a Gambino’s cake here (shipped in fresh), but you can also sample their cracklins, boudin, and other Cajun specialty meats.

North Houston

Rao’s Bakery: This Spring area bakery makes some pretty authentic King Cakes! You can order ahead on their website and either have it shipped to you or pick it up in-store. King Cake flavors include cinnamon, strawberry cream cheese, blueberry cream cheese, raspberry cream cheese, and Voodoo {a chocolate variety}. The King Cakes range in price from $20.95 to $28.95.

Great Harvest Bread Company: With 2 locations (one in Katy and one off Stockdick Road in North Houston), GHBC has king cakes ready for you and also available to ship. Prices range from $24 for plain/cinnamon to $34 for their more specialty flavors. You can also order online.

South Houston

Chloe’s Cajun Market: This Webster gem has delicious King Cakes this time of year. Stay and stock up on Cajun and Creole groceries, specialty meats, a daily lunch special, boudin and fresh Cracklin!

Do you celebrate Mardi Gras with King Cake? What is your favorite place in Houston to get one? 

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