Where to find king cakes fit for royalty

Mardi Gras treat typically sold till Ash Wednesday and start of Lent.

If you’re hosting a Mardi Gras celebration, chances are you’re on the hunt for a king cake to serve as part of the festivities. Circular in shape ( like a king’s crown), the king cake is a dessert that is part French pastry and part coffee cake, sometimes filled with cream or fruit and often topped with icing and colored sugar ( like the Louisiana- style versions decorated in purple, green and gold).

King cake is typically available at bakeries until Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. Here are a few spots around town to grab yours.

■ Alon’s Bakery & Market. Preorder Alon’s 9- inch king cakes — with choice of cheese, chocolate or cinnamon walnut fillings — over the phone at either location.

1394 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, 404- 872- 6000; and 3500 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, 404- 9782601. alons. com

■ Great Harvest Bread Co. Great Harvest’s king cakes are made daily and swirled with cinnamon and a sweet cream. Decorated with royal icing and sprinkles, the cakes offer fillings including cinnamon pecan and blueberry.

10305 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek; and 4915 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta. getfreshbread.com

■ Henri’s Bakery. One of the oldest bakeries in Georgia, Henri’s specializes in cakes and pastries. This year, the French- inspired spot is offering 16- inch king cakes with cream cheese and cinnamon fillings for $ 44.99. The bakery recommends placing orders two days in advance.

Multiple locations. henrisbakery. com.

■ Hero Doughnuts. Hero’s $ 35 king cake was developed by founder Wil Drake, who was tasked with creating his own version of the cake by a fellow baker from New Orleans. Making the briochestyle cake is a three- day process that includes proofing the homemade dough; mixing the cinnamon mixture; inject---

ing the baked braids with sweet milk jam; and topping it with a vanilla doughnut glaze, cream cheese frosting, sprinkles and, of course, a plastic baby.

33 Georgia Ave. SE, Atlanta, 470369- 6800; and 210 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville, 678- 716- 7587. herodoughnutsandbuns.com.

■ McEntyre’s Bakery. Made from scratch and baked fresh, king cakes from McEntyre’s Bakery in Smyrna include the prize baby to hide inside. The cakes, which are $ 36.99 and serve 15- 20, are available in two flavors: cherry, cream cheese and pecan- filled; and cinnamon pecan- filled. Be sure to call at least 24 hours in advance to place your order.

1184 Concord Road SE, Suite 1, Smyrna. 770- 434- 3115, mcentyresbakery. com.

■ Zambawango. Need a lowcarb option for your Mardi Gras celebration? Try this keto- friendly coffee cake option from Zambawango with cinnamon and cream cheese frosting. The treat, which serves 10- 12 people, is topped with colored sprinkles and comes with a baby.

901 Abernathy Road NE, Sandy Springs. 404- 879- 9731, zambawango. com.