Hipster King Cake
I’m usually skeptical about anything served in a mason jar. I’m quick to dismiss the mason jar cold-brew, fruit parfait or artisanal cocktail as just another overpriced food fad. However, this weekend I came across a mason jar delicacy that totally blew me away...
Baby On Board
I got my hands on this decadent treat at Great America’s Annual Cajun Food Fest. For the uninitiated, the traditional King Cake is an oval shaped Mardi Gras dessert made of brioche dough. Inside is typically a yummy chocolate or cream filling. This festive treat is served between Kings Day (Jan 6) and Fat Tuesday. What’s inside is overshadowed by the King Cake’s glazed top adorned with magical gold, green and purple sprinkles. Plus, if you’re lucky, you’ll find a tiny baby figurine. Each cake contains one baby (symbolizing the baby Jesus). Whoever finds the baby in their cake slice (hopefully not in their mouth) is considered favored and the recipient of good luck.
Ditching Tradition
This mason jar version of the King Cake broke all tradition. To be honest, I didn’t mind. First of all, the glass jar was a great way to showcase the cakes gold, green and purple layers. Plus, I felt like an overjoyed kid holding that mug full of cake.
The Taste Test
It wasn’t all looks with this mason jar treat. Surprisingly the cake itself wasn’t too sweat. There was enough whip cream on top to balance out any dryness from the cake. The sweetness came from the colored sprinkles and the hints of cream in each cake layer. Overall, I didn’t regret choosing this mason jar King Cake over the tamer New Orleans beignets or bread pudding. I always fear those desserts that are Instagram worthy, but don’t deliver on taste. Well this wasn’t the case. This mason jar King Cake looked good and was worth the several hundred calories!