The Raspberry King Cake from Common Bond (photo by Andrew Hemmingway)
COMMON BOND There's nothing common about the King Cakes at Common Bond this year! Chef David Berg, the cult-classic bakery chain's executive pastry chef, is delighting Houstonians with two options this year. The sweet brioche cake — covered in royal icing and topped with purple, green and gold sugar and Mardi Gras beads — comes in a traditional (but decidedly not boring) cinnamon ($26) or a raspberry cream cheese ($28). Or channel some serious Fat Tuesday energy and snag both flavors for $50!
DESSERT GALLERY BAKERY & CAFE With a tagline "Calories Only Count After Mardi Gras," Upper Kirby go-to Dessert Gallery is definitely on to something. Colorful cakes and cookies are available for pre-order, and the sweet shop also has tons of adorable creations celebrating Black History Month.
MICHAEL'S COOKIE JAR Come for the cookies, stay for the King Cake at Michael's Cookie Jar! The local hotspot is accepting orders now through Feb. 13 for their larger-than-life treats that will undoubtedly help kick off the new year in style. Don't wait to order your cinnamon-roll-dough-filled cake with cookie butter, cream cheese and cinnamon.
FAT CAT CREAMERY Fat Cat and Fat Tuesday? What a match made in heaven. Head to the Houston fave, which just opened a second location in the new Stomping Grounds development in Garden Oaks, for your Michael's Cookie Jar King Cake slice, topped with your choice of ice cream. And here's the real scoop: Each shop has limited supply, so call ahead — or roll the dice and enjoy another Fat Cat flavor if they're out!
THREE BROTHERS BAKERY Feast your eyes on the intricate creations at Three Brothers Bakery! Full cakes start at $20, but for those looking for a bite-size treat, there are cupcakes — or dipped-and-decorated cookies and petit fours adorned with a classic fleur de lis. (P.S. They have Super Bowl sweets, too!)