Where to find king cake on Fat Tuesday in Dayton

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

To us in Dayton, king cake may seem like a bit of a novelty. However, those from or living in the Gulf Coast area take it very seriously.

Commonly enjoyed on Fat Tuesday, which will be celebrated on Feb. 25, 2020 this year, the origin of the king cake goes back to Biblical times as part of the celebration of the Epiphany, celebrated on Jan. 6. Its popularity spread across Europe as a Christmastime delicacy before making its way to North America.

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French settlers brought the recipe to the Gulf Coast in the 1700s, where the cinnamon-flavored treat was later associated with carnival season.

French settlers brought King Cake to North America in the 1700s.

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King cake recipes have transformed into various forms over the centuries, with a small baby doll being included somewhere inside the cake itself to symbolize the birth of Jesus at parties.

Tradition holds that the party guest who gets the piece of cake with the doll in it will be blessed with good fortune and be crowned the king or queen of said party. But royalty has its obligations as well, as the winner must provide the king cake the following year.

WHERE TO GET KING CAKE NEAR DAYTON:

Calling ahead to place your order is recommended at all bakeries.

👑 Ashley's Pastry Shop - 21 Park Ave., Dayton 45419

(937) 293-1719

Theresa Hammons, the Best of Dayton 2017 winner for 'Best Bakery'

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👑 Big Sky Bread Company - 3070 Far Hills Ave., Dayton 45429

(937) 643-0300

👑 Dorothy Lane Markets - Oakwood, Washington Square and Springboro

(937)-434-1294 -- ask for the bakery.

Mardi Gras dessert: Spoto's will serve traditional King Cake.

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👑 Ele Cake Company - West Carrollton, Beavercreek and Austin Landing

(937) 384-2253

It's Mardi Gras Season and that means KING CAKES are back at elé! Bayou one before they're gone! http://www.elecakeco.com/category/king-cakes

Posted by ele Cake Company on Monday, February 24, 2020

👑 Evans Bakery - 700 Troy St., Dayton 45404

(937) 228-4151

Evans Bakery said it will try to keep them available every day in the store but an order would be best.

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