When was king cake made?

Answer 1

A king cake is a traditional cake served and eaten on Mardi Gras. Typically it is in a round shape, is a plain cake (like angel food, vanilla, or pound cake), and is decorates with a very sweet icing. Often, the decorations and icing colors are done up to match those of Mardi Gras (green, gold, and purple). There is a little toy baby or "king" buried into the cake. Whoever finds the baby is considered to be lucky and is "king" (or queen) for the day.

Answer 2

The King Cake tradition came to New Orleans with the French settlers around 1870, continuing a custom dating back to twelfth century France. Similar cakes were used then to celebrate the coming of the three wise men calling it the feast of Epiphany, Twelfth Night, or King's Day.

Answer 3

In the US, King Cakes are associated almost exclusively with Mardi Gras. French and Spanish settlers brought the tradition with them to New Orleans in the 1700s. They are part of the Lenten feast.

A traditional King Cake is round, and made from a twisted brioche dough, so it is not very sweet and has a fairly dry texture. The sweetness comes from the icing, which is often made from colored sugar in purple, gold and green, the Mardi Gras colors.

It's traditional to bake some sort of plastic trinket, like a baby doll -- to represent the Baby Jesus -- in the cake, or to place it underneath before serving. Whoever gets the slice with the doll gets to be King, or to bake the next King Cake.

King Cakes have grown much more elaborate over time, with rich fillings and icings. Many bakeries in New Orleans have their own special versions as do many home cooks.

Answer 4

I have no idea what a king cake is, but is sure sounds good!