Mardi Gras Magic: Where to Get King Cake in Indianapolis
With Mardi Gras just around the corner, the search for the traditional King Cake in Indianapolis is on! Admittedly this is still a newer tradition for me, but one my family and I have loved incorporating into our post-New Year celebrations at home.
Whether you're a long-time fan of this delish and festive dessert or looking to try it for the first time, Indianapolis has a few local bakeries where you can find this colorful and delicious treat. Here's a quick roundup of where to satisfy your cravings and put in a King Cake order...
But first, what is a King Cake?
A King Cake is a traditional dessert associated with Mardi Gras celebrations, typically in the form of a ring-shaped pastry topped with colorful icing or sugar. Hidden inside the cake is a small trinket or figurine, and whoever finds it in their slice is said to have good luck or be crowned king for the day. This is often in the form of a plastic baby Jesus, and is meant to symbolize luck and prosperity.
Is there a "right" time of year to purchase a King Cake?
Yes, there are two main times of year when it is popular to buy a King Cake. One is around Fat Tuesday - also known as Mardi Gras - which is a time of celebration before Lent. The other popular time is during the Lenten season - leading up to Easter - especially before Good Friday.
Where to Get King Cake in Indianapolis...
Amelia’s Bread
From what I've heard, Amelia's Bread is your go-to spot for not just King Cakes, but also other Mardi Gras party essentials. From a traditional King Cake to a Hurricane cocktail kit (or even a family meal kit that serves up to eight!), I feel like all three Amelia's locations in Fletcher Place, Fountain Square, and at the Stutz are a fave for my fam for so many things.
Bake Sale Indy
Eeek, this is my new favorite spot and just a mile from my house. This microbakery kicked off their King Cake sales early this year with proceeds benefitting a relief fund for victims of the recent attack in New Orleans. Pre-orders are now available for king cakes and their French counterpart, the galette du roi.
Circle City Sweets
Known for its French-style pastries, Circle City Sweets is a must-visit during the Mardi Gras season. This year they are offering Gallettes des Rois - also known as "Epiphany Cakes" - which are the French equivalent of king cakes, featuring puff pastry with almond cream.
Cretia Cakes
For those on the west side of the city, Cretia Cakes is the place to go. This bakery with Southern roots is known for its delectable King Cakes, so be sure to place your order in advance to secure your slice of Mardi Gras goodness.
HAVE A GIFT CARD BURNING A HOLE IN YOUR POCKET AFTER THE HOLIDAYS?
More spots to get King Cake in Indianapolis...
Fresh Market
While many local grocery stores may carry King Cakes, we're remembering they were also available for purchase at Fresh Market in Indianapolis last year, located at the corner of 54th and College Streets.
Goose The Market
Circle City Sweets King Cakes have also been available for order thru Goose The Market in years past. And the Market says "they sell out fast every year!" Customers can choose your favorite filling flavor and discover a traditional toy baby charm hidden inside each cake.
Taylor’s Bakery
With two locations on the north side of Indy, Taylor's Bakery is a popular spot offering the classic King Cake along with assorted paczkis. One local Redditor said, "We tried the lemon one which I'd never had in a king cake before and it balanced out the sweetness of the icing." Their 62nd and Allisonville location is also close to my home, and our go-to for cinnamon rolls.
