LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Fat Tuesday is upon us, and the traditional King Cake comes with that celebration.
Dating back to the 12th century, the cake was made to celebrate the Epiphany and the Three Kings’ arrival. Over time, it became a staple of Mardi Gras, symbolizing celebration, good fortune, and some indulgence before fasting for Lent, as well as a friendly competition over who finds the hidden baby inside.
Freed’s Bakery in Henderson cooks up the King Cake every year. Agata Burnell walked through the process of making the cake, including rolling the dough, adding the cream cheese filling, and baking.
Next comes decorating, with purple, green, and gold sprinkles added to the icing. However, the colors aren’t merely for decoration. Instead, those Mardi Gras colors represent justice, faith, and power, respectively.
The tiny plastic baby found hidden within the cake represents luck and prosperity. However, the person who finds the baby is expected to host the next King Cake party. The baby is placed in the cake after it is baked, because “plastic and heat don’t mix” according to Burnell.
For 2025, Freed’s Bakery made 250 King Cakes, including a few extra for last minute celebrations. More information is available on the Freed’s Bakery website.
