In Louisiana, the King Cake is a canvas for culinary artistry, and no two bakeries tell the same story. Whether you crave the shattering crispness of an almond-filled French galette des rois or the pillowy, cinnamon-swirled embrace of a classic Louisiana brioche, these local masters are preserving our heritage. Dive into our handpicked 2026 selection of bakeries keeping this legendary tradition alive.
La galette des rois – the French way
While the vibrant brioche ring defines the Mardi Gras season for many, those in search of the true ‘Old World’ tradition look for the Galette des Rois. This isn’t just a cake; it’s a masterpiece of French pastry.
A true galette is a study in texture: layers of shattering, buttery puff pastry (pâte feuilletée) filled with a rich, velvety almond frangipane. It is elegant, golden, and carries a history that stretches back centuries to the heart of France.
For the Francophile and the connoisseur alike, finding a perfect galette in Louisiana is a pilgrimage. We’ve curated a list of delicious French-inspired bakeries across the state that are honoring this delicate craft for 2026.
New Orleans
- La Boulangerie: Offers traditional almond and sometimes seasonal fruit/chocolate galettes, available for online order.
- Maurice French Pastries: Known for French-style king cakes, they often feature galette des rois.
- Celtica French Bakery: A little corner of Paris in Lakeview bringing fresh-baked breads, authentic French patisserie and tasty savories.
- Couvant: A French-Inspired Louisiana Brasserie praised online for their galette
- La Belle French Bakery: Advertised their 2026 galettes with almond, mixed berry, and chocolate fillings, including the fève (hidden charm).
- Croissant D’Or Patisserie: A reliable spot for traditional French pastries and king cakes.
- Gracious Bakery + Cafe: Unique flavors from French-inspired bakery
- Levee Baking Co.: Another local bakery mentioned for non-traditional galette des rois.
- OMGG Pastries: Savory and sweet treats inspired by European and American traditions.
And, don’t forget you can enjoy a selection of King Cake options at King Cake Hub (new location).
Baton Rouge
- La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe: A reliable spot for classic French baked goods, they often have tarts and seasonal specials.
- Eloise Market & Cakery: Known for custom treats and King Cakes, they might offer galettes or custom orders.
- Bonjour: A crêperie that brings French flair; check their offerings for galettes or similar pastries.
- French Market Bistro: A French restaurant that could feature galettes on their dessert menu or for special orders.
Lafayette
- Poupart Bakery: A long-standing local favorite for authentic French goods and likely their traditional Galette des Rois for Epiphany season.
- Lucía Bakehouse: Small batch from-scratch bakery known for excellent viennoiserie
- La Belle French Bakery: They already advertised their 2026 Galette des Rois in late 2025, so they are a definite place to look for ordering.
- Keller’s Bakery: Known for King Cakes, they might also offer galettes.
- Meche’s Donut King: While known for donuts, they offer King Cakes, so worth a check for galette availability.
***Please Note: While we strive to highlight as many local artisans as possible, this list is not exhaustive and may not include every bakery in the state. Did we miss your favorite spot? We want to know! Let us know who you buy from in the comments or on social media so we can continue to celebrate our local businesses together.
Where to Buy a King Cake in Louisiana
With hundreds of incredible bakeries across the state, choosing just one is an impossible task—so we’re leaving the “best-of” selections to the local experts. Our tourism partners live and breathe their local flavors, and they’ve curated the most comprehensive guides to help you find the perfect cake in your neck of the woods.
Explore the Top Sellers in Your Region:
- New Orleans by New Orleans and Company
- Baton Rouge by Visit Baton Rouge
- Acadiana by Lafayette Travel
- Southwest Louisiana by Visit Lake Charles
- North Louisiana by Visit Shreveport-Bossier
- Varieties of King Cake not to miss! by Explore Louisiana
Where to buy a Louisian King Cake to be shipped?
We love sharing our traditions, culture, and food with the world. You can buy a Louisiana king cake anywhere in the world a select bakeries. For international shipping, you can use platforms like Goldbelly (featuring bakeries like Haydel’s) or check with specific bakeries that offer international shipping, such as Nonna Randazzo’s, Gambino’s, or Meche’s.
Online Platforms
- Goldbelly: A popular choice that aggregates various New Orleans bakeries (like Haydel’s) and facilitates shipping, including internationally.
Specific Bakeries Known for Shipping
- Haydel’s Bakery: Offers king cakes via Goldbelly and is known for reliable shipping.
- Nonna Randazzo’s Bakery: Provides online ordering for king cakes with shipping services.
- Gambino’s Bakery: A long-standing NOLA bakery that ships its famous cakes.
- Meche’s King Cakes: Suggests overnight shipping and has a system to handle international orders.
- Poupart Bakery: Lists king cakes with options for shipping.
Tips for International Shipping
- Check Customs: Be aware that king cakes can get held up in customs, so verify regulations for your destination country.
- Expedited Shipping: For freshness, opt for faster air shipping, often with dry ice, which increases cost.
- Check Multiple Sources: Compare options on Goldbelly and directly with bakeries for pricing and delivery times, as suggested in.
If you are looking to share a taste of Louisiana with friends or family abroad, please keep in mind that international shipping is typically only offered by larger, high-volume bakeries. Because these perishable items must be sent via expedited air shipping to ensure they arrive fresh, the costs can be quite significant. Additionally, please be aware that international orders are subject to the customs regulations and import duties of the destination country, which may affect delivery times. We recommend checking with individual bakeries for their specific international policies.
About CODOFIL
The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) is a state agency within the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. Its mission is to support and promote the French language and Francophone cultures in Louisiana through education, scholarships, economic development, cultural programming, and international partnerships.
