Many states struggle to find seasonal holidays to celebrate in between New Year’s Day and Easter, but Louisiana is not one of them. While Mardi Gras did originate in Alabama, it has taken on a life of its own in the heart of America’s boot. Beads and masks adorn the months leading up to Fat Tuesday, but there is one other element crucial to the holiday: desserts.
The iconic king cake is Mardi Gras’ staple dessert, but there are many other viable homemade options if you want to switch it up from the traditional treat. Here are six Mardi Gras dessert recipes ready to be whipped up in your kitchen.
Moon Pies
Every parade float throws a wide selection of items. From stuffed animals to fake roses to snacks — the possibilities reach the stars. The most memorable snack has to be Moon Pies.
With basic main ingredients of graham crackers, marshmallow créme and chocolate, the recipe is simple. All you have to do is mix the dough, sandwich créme between cookies and dip them into melted chocolate chips.
Whether you’ve seen them smushed on the ground or flying from a rider’s hand, Moon Pies could only be tastier fresh from the fridge. The moon is in your kitchen – it’s just waiting to be made.
Mardi Gras cupcakes
Are there alternative options besides a king cake that have the same green, purple and gold look and sweetness? The answer is yes. With these Mardi Gras cupcakes, another bite of the season is made possible. It is even easier to make than a typical king cake because the recipe calls for pre-made white cake mix.
However, the recipe adds a new spin to the mix by including grape, lemon and lime gelatin powder. It is unconventional for a cupcake concoction, but it is an experiment worth putting to the test. Top it with cream cheese and sprinkles, and it becomes a king cake in a different shape.
Pecan chewies
Candied pecans are sold in Louisiana throughout the year, and fairs are a main attraction selling the nutty delicacy. Still, Mardi Gras is Louisiana’s biggest carnival of the year.
You might as well get with the times and put those pecans into these bar-like pecan chewies. Not only is it easy to make, it is also extremely versatile in its ingredients. You can substitute pecans for other chopped nuts, add dried fruits or even top the bars with cream cheese frosting instead of the standard confectioners’ sugar.
Louisiana crunch cake
Since Louisiana has claimed Mardi Gras as its own, why not also serve a dessert named after the state during one of the most dessert-abundant times of year? Mixed as a typical cake mix, tossed into a bundt cake pan, coated with a vanilla glaze and sprinkled with toasted coconut flakes, the Louisiana Crunch Cake will give you yet another taste of what it means to be in the Pelican State.
Bananas Foster
Originating in New Orleans, bananas Foster is a simple recipe for any true Louisianan to learn. If you wish to taste a piece of history, just grab the ripe bananas sitting on your kitchen counter and start slicing.
With a total preparation and cook time of 20 minutes, butter and brown sugar in a pan, sprinkles of cinnamon and a splash of light rum, this is a unique recipe that will ignite your taste buds. It is also recommended to pair with vanilla ice cream.
King cake
It is not Mardi Gras without the one and only king cake recipe. They are found in grocery stores and local bakeries, complete with the tiny baby hidden inside. This recipe calls for more precision with its use of yeast and braiding of the dough, but that makes it all worth the while as your relatives will praise you for not buying a stale, store-bought mess.
While people from Louisiana may not understand that king cakes are more than just glorified cinnamon rolls, this recipe clarifies how king cakes are the ideal cross between that and a coffee cake. As is tradition, one cannot forget the incorporation of cream cheese in the topped icing.
No matter what, nothing can beat a classic dish, but here is what you really have to remember: try not to get the baby.
