King Cake Near Me | Find Delicious Mardi Gras Treats in Indianapolis

Recently, I spent some time in Louisiana. While I was there, I learned about Mardi Gras and ALL of the festivals in Louisiana, ate as much seafood as there was in the ocean, and participated in a King Cake decorating contest.

Back here in Indy, there are several places to purchase King Cake near me. This is a fun way to participate in and teach your kids about Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, and festivals. After Fat Tuesday, you may want to start looking for a Lenten Fish Fry to redeem yourself and then you’ll eventually want to find an Easter Egg Hunt near you.

If you live in Indianapolis and you want to buy a King Cake somewhere, several local bakeries begin to sell the traditional dessert as Mardis Gras approaches. Please, please call ahead. Most shops require advanced orders or have very limited amounts pre-made for purchase.

What is King Cake?

You may have seen the brightly colored King Cakes in bakeries or even grocery stores before and wondered about the origins of this tradition. Why are they always purple, green, and gold, and what’s up with the plastic baby?

King Cakes are eaten during the Mardis Gras season, which begins on Epiphany, the twelfth day after Christmas, and ends with Fat Tuesday, the day before the start of the 40-day Lenten season leading up to Easter. The ring- or crown-shaped pastries are similar to a giant cinnamon roll in texture and often have fruit or nut fillings. They will usually be topped with loads of icing and sugars or sprinkles. The purple, green, and gold colors symbolize justice, faith, and power.

Epiphany celebrates the arrival of the Biblical three kings after their search for the baby Jesus, which is why bakeries often provide a small baby figurine along with the cake. The baby should be hidden inside or under a slice of King Cake. Whoever eats the piece concealing the baby is now “king” and must purchase or make the next King Cake or host the next Mardi Gras party. This keeps the celebration going all through the season.

Where to Buy King Cake Near Me

Ready to pick up some festive Mardi Gras fare for your family? Here are some local spots that offer King Cakes or other treats.

Taylor’s Bakery

6216 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis
Preorder: 317.251.9575
8395 E 116th Street, Fishers
Preorder: 317.596.2253

We bought our King Cake at Taylor’s Bakery last year and it was delicious! My kids also loved the selection of Mardi Gras cookies and Paczkis. Do not ever let your child accidentally call a paczki (pronounced PUHNCH-kee) a jelly doughnut…passionate customers in line will correct them!

Circle City Sweets at The Amp

1220 Waterway Blvd. Indianapolis
Preorder: 317.632.3644

Famous throughout Indianapolis for their perfectly flaky croissants, beautiful cakes, and other delectable treats, Circle City Sweets says Mardi Gras is one of their biggest holidays of the year. Get those King Cake orders in early! In addition to King Cake, you can also find delicious paczkis at Circle City Sweets. This bakery also has a seasonal stand at the Carmel Winter Market, but you’ll want to call ahead or check their social media to see if they’ll be bringing any Mardi Gras treats on a particular week.

Kim’s Kakery, Bakery & Café

5452 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis
Preorder: 317.784.5253

King Cakes should be pre-ordered beginning in late January, but a limited number will be available in-store starting on February 13.

Goose the Market

2503 N Delaware St, Indianapolis
Preorder: Online only

You can order a King Cake for Mardi Gras at Goose the Market, along with the makings of a full meal sure to transport you to New Orleans. Fill your table with crawfish, shrimp, remoulade, pecan pralines, and more.

Yats Restaurants

Multiple Locations

Yats has been known to serve up slices of King Cake for the Mardi Gras season. But even if you arrive to find no King Cake available, you can console yourself with Chili Cheese Crawfish Etoufee or Jambalaya.

Paczkis in Indianapolis

Polish Paczkis are traditionally made just before Lent begins to use up butter, sugar, and other ingredients not eaten during this solemn season of fasting leading up to Good Friday. Looking for a batch of decadent fried paczki? In addition to Circle City Sweets and Taylor’s Bakery, you can find paczkis at Longs Bakery and at Rise and Roll locations throughout Indianapolis.

Eat ice cream for breakfast on the first Saturday in February.

Give your daughter an evening of magical memories at a local daddy-daughter dance.