On December 30th, I sent out a plea: “It is basically 2025; where can I find king cake for January 6th?”
It. Was. Time.
Now, for those of you outside the Pensacola area and especially those who derive from the Creole State, you must bear with me as I am an amateur merely aspiring to become a professional King Cake Connoisseur.
I have tried your Duong Phuong’s and Randazzo’s. THEY ARE AMAZING.
However, I must admit, the First City itself does indeed have a good king cake (or several).
Although a king cake, or three kings cake, has a version in many countries worldwide, the Gulf Coast version typically consists of cinnamon dough with or without icing. Many of them have a variety of flavors inside- cream cheese (YAS), strawberry, pecan praline, or the unicorn…pecan praline cream cheese! If you are really lucky, you can find the Zulu varietal as well (yep, we have one available here).
A tiny baby figurine is placed inside (after baking) meant to represent the Baby Jesus. The one who gets it receives good luck and prosperity for the year. With their new-found wealth, they are also responsible for buying the next king cake as the Mardi Gras season rolls on.
If you, too, wish to venture into the world of king cake sampling and join in the revelry, here is a list of local hot spots for all your doughy desires.
Adonna’s Garden Street Café
(850) 696-2227
811 W Garden St, Pensacola
Apple Market
1021 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola
(850) 433-4381
Broussard’s
690 E. Heinberg St, Pensacola
(850) 469-9400
Cafe Nola
400 Quietwater Beach Rd, Pensacola Beach
(850) 677-8532
Craft Bakery
(850) 332-5921
5555 N Davis Highway, Pensacola
J’s Bakery
(850) 439-6546
2014 N 12th Ave
Maynard’s Doughnuts
(850) 378-0025
875 E 9 Mile Rd #9, Pensacola
Milton Quality Bakery
(850) 623-3676
6727 Caroline Street, Milton
Nelson’s Lounge
2526 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola
(850) 457-3664
PJ’s Coffee
(850) 542-7400
85 W Airport Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32505
Small Cakes
5046 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola
(850) 332-5245
Sweet Sarah
(850) 982-5993
Pick up in Cantonment or local delivery
Trollbreads Bakery
Pick at 1505 Rivers Street or Saturday Palafox Market South
They have a Zulu variety and a savory option with boudin and/or andouille.
Pauline Manor Bakery and Gardens
Ya’ll, she has a SOURDOUGH king cake, and let me tell you, WOW!
Fannie Lou’s Ice Cream
3101 E Cervantes St
(850) 332-6770
Yes, I know, not a bakery, but let me tell you- their King Cake ice cream is AMAZING and a nice twist on the tasty treat.
And for those of you who eat your way through the local hot spots, there are indeed imported versions locally without a Grub Hub shipment charge.
Gambino’s King Cakes
Meche’s King Cakes
Randazzo’s King Cakes
Caluda’s King Cakes
What is your favorite place to buy king cake locally?
