Shake up the king cake

Mardi Gras is fast approaching, and many of us have already chowed down on the favored treat of the season. But how many of us have tried one of these variations on the venerable king cake? King cake cupcakes: The gals at Sweet Wishes produce a tasty apple-cinnamon king cake cupcake that’s both authentic and ambrosial. The bakers at Cupcakes ’n Cream are no slouches in the seasonal department, either, as they’ve also got a king cake cupcake on the menu for Mardi Gras.  Cake balls: Brew Ha-Ha Coffee House’s signature treats never flag in popularity, but their king cake–flavored cake balls are a seasonal specialty. Grab a handful before you head to a parade party and you’ll be the toast of the evening. Galette du rois: Strands offers these traditional French-style king cakes, made of puffed pastry and stuffed with layers of marzipan and apricot. It’s creamy and rich and unlike any Louisiana-style king cake you’ve tried. Bread pudding: Bread pudding is basic to any Southern menu, and king cakes are, basically, bread—so why not combine them to make one super-decadent dessert? Bistro Byronz has done just that for the Mardi Gras season. Order it off their menu before it vanishes for another year.