Even though Mardi Gras originated in Mobile, Alabama, it’s New Orleans that’s often associated with the holiday. Likewise, the Louisiana city is often credited with the creation of filled King Cakes, but as it turns out, that’s simply not the case. Stuffed with cream cheese and fruit fillings, filled King Cakes actually originated in the small town of Picayune, Mississippi at Paul’s Pastry bakery. Today, the hometown bakery is world famous and still serving its delicious creation 47 years later. Take a look:
From wild parades to formal balls, there’s a lot to love about Mardi Gras.
Visit Mississippi/Flickr
But there’s no denying that one of the best traditions associated with the holiday is King Cake.
Jiro A./Yelp
Although the first Mardi Gras in the south was celebrated much earlier, the King Cake tradition didn’t begin in the region until the late 1870s.
Beth G./Yelp
For the next 100 years, the King Cake remained virtually unchanged – that is, until the early 1970s, when Paul’s Pastry was opened in Picayune.
Jaded-Bird/TripAdvisor
The small town bakery began filling King Cakes with a variety of fruits and cream cheese.
Paul’s Pastry Shop/Facebook
The delicious stuffed cakes have been a huge hit ever since, with filling options growing to include an assortment of more than 40 flavors, including Hawaiian Delight, Mississippi Mud, and Berry Deluxe.
Paul’s Pastry Shop/Facebook
Extremely popular, the King Cakes are sold year-round and are available in all sorts of flavors, shapes, and sizes, making them perfect for just about any occasion.
Paul’s Pastry Shop/Facebook
Now known as the “home of the original fruit and cream cheese filled King Cakes,” Paul’s Pastry has gained notoriety around the world.
Paul’s Pastry Shop/Facebook
Last year alone, the bakery sold 65,000 King Cakes. This year, the number is expected to reach 75,000.
paulspastry.com
Throughout the years, Paul’s has received numerous awards and been featured in countless publications.
Jerry W./Yelp
In 2014, the bakery received one of its most impressive honors when the “Official Best of” designated Paul’s cake “The Best King Cake.”
Jerry W./Yelp
As of today, Paul’s Pastry ships its King Cakes worldwide.
P5_Crazy_Train/TripAdvisor
Aside from being sold by Paul’s Pastry, the mouthwatering cakes are available in select stores, both regionally as well as nationally.
paulspastry.com In 2015, the cakes made it all the way to New Jersey when La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppes began carrying them.
Ready to try the famous King Cake for yourself?
Jerry W./Yelp
Visit Paul’s Pastry at 1 Sycamore Road Ste. A in Picayune. For more information on the bakery, including other locations, or to place an order, click here.
Visit Mississippi/Flickr
Jiro A./Yelp
Beth G./Yelp
Jaded-Bird/TripAdvisor
Paul’s Pastry Shop/Facebook
paulspastry.com
Jerry W./Yelp
P5_Crazy_Train/TripAdvisor
paulspastry.com
In 2015, the cakes made it all the way to New Jersey when La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppes began carrying them.
Jerry W./Yelp
Have you ever tried a famous Paul’s Pastry King Cake? Plan on ordering one this year? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
Looking for another great spot in the state to visit? Check out “The Mississippi Restaurant That Was One Of The Nation’s Top 10 Of 2016 Is Irresistible.“
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