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Everything BUT king cake. Check out 5 Mardi Gras-inspired treats in Birmingham
Although Birmingham has several bakeries that specialize in king cakes, here are a handful of Mardi Gras–themed desserts from local bakeries that like to shake things up. From lattes to stuffed French toast, Birmingham has some king cake recipes that will surprise you.
1. Heritage Coffee’s king cake latte
Heritage Coffee recently put down roots at the historic Cotton’s Building in Ensley, and its king cake latte has been all the rage. Aside from giving you the caffeine boost to dance in a million parades, the drink is festive enough to make you feel like you’re in the Big Easy.
- Price: $4
- Hours: Mon-Fri.7AM-2PM | Sat. 8AM-4PM
- Location: 400 19th St Ens, Suite C, Birmingham, AL 35218
- Contact: Website | Facebook | Email
2. Hero Doughnuts’ King Rings
In addition to selling full king cakes, Hero Doughnuts also makes an adorable tinier version called King Rings. If you want to feel like you’re ruling a miniature monarchy, try one out!
- Price: $30/dozen
- Hours: Mon.-Sun., 7AM-5PM
- Location: 3027 Central Ave, Homewood, AL 35209
- Contact: Website | Facebook | Call
3. Jazzy Stuffed French Toast at Ruby Sunshine
Dessert disguised as a breakfast food is my love language (I’m looking at you, muffins). Despite the ominous caption, we’re on to Ruby Sunshine’s tricks. We know exactly what this flavor is, and can’t wait until it’s released into the wild on Feb.7. P.S. It’s stuffed with cinnamon swirl cheesecake filling.
- Price: $13 for the entree, which includes a side of breakfast meat
- Hours: Mon.-Fri., 7AM-2PM | Sat.,-Sun., 7AM-3PM
- Location: 1017 Oxmoor Rd, Birmingham, AL 35209
- Contact: Website | Facebook | Call
4. Rougaroux’s Abita king cake soda slush
If you’ve never had king cake in slushie form, there’s no better time than now. Each king cake slush comes with a tiny plastic baby–just don’t drink so much that you mistake it for being edible!
- Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 11AM-3PM, 5-9PM | Fri.11AM-3PM, 5-10PM | Sat. 12-9PM
- Location: 817 39th St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Contact: Facebook | Call
5. Honorable mention: Blue Bell’s Mardi Gras King Cake ice cream
I’m usually throwing a parade when I walk down the ice cream aisle anyway, but now it’s mandatory. Blue Bell brought back its limited-edition Mardi Gras King Cake: cinnamon cake-flavored ice cream with pastry pieces and a colorful cream cheese swirl with festive candy sprinkles.
Now, it’s available everywhere that sells Blue Bell products! Find it at most major grocery stores in Birmingham.
Which dessert are you eager to try? Let us know on social @bhamnow!
