King Cake Milkshake is inspired by the vibrant festivities of Mardi Gras, the King Cake Milkshake is a delightful blend of rich, creamy flavors and the signature spices of the beloved New Orleans dessert. Whether you’re celebrating Fat Tuesday or simply craving a taste of Carnival, this milkshake offers a fun and indulgent way to enjoy the essence of King Cake without the need to knead dough or wait for it to rise!
Picture the bustling streets of the French Quarter, filled with jazz music, colorful beads, and the joyous energy of celebration. Now, imagine capturing that magic in a glass swirls of vanilla, hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, bright citrus zest, and a touch of almond extract for depth. Topped with a cascade of purple, green, and gold sprinkles, this milkshake is as festive as it is delicious.
What is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is a celebration held the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. In the U.S., it’s famously celebrated in New Orleans with parades, music, and festive traditions. The date changes yearly but always falls 47 days before Easter.


What Make this Milkshake Interesting?
It takes all the delicious flavors of a classic King Cake and turns them into a rich, creamy drink! Instead of spending hours baking, you can enjoy the warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and almond flavors in just minutes. Plus, it’s visually stunning with its bright purple, green, and gold sprinkles making it the perfect treat for celebrating Mardi Gras.
What really sets it apart is the festive fun. The decorated glass, the whipped cream topping, and the option to add a slice of King Cake make it feel extra special. It’s both nostalgic and creative, bringing the taste of New Orleans to your kitchen in a new and exciting way.
Fun Facts About King Cake Milkshake
The Mardi Gras King Cake Milkshake isn’t just a delicious treat it comes with a fun history and festive flair! Here are some fascinating facts about this unique drink:
Inspired by Tradition: King Cake has been a Mardi Gras staple since the 1800s, originally tied to the Epiphany celebrations. This milkshake takes the same beloved flavors cinnamon, nutmeg, almond, and lemon zest and turns them into a creamy, drinkable delight.
A Sweet Shortcut: Baking a King Cake takes time, but this milkshake lets you enjoy the same taste in just minutes. It’s perfect for those who want a quick Mardi Gras fix without all the kneading and waiting for dough to rise.
Festive Colors with a Meaning: The purple, green, and gold sprinkles aren’t just pretty they represent justice, faith, and power, the same colors found on traditional Mardi Gras King Cakes.
The Baby Tradition: King Cakes usually have a small plastic baby hidden inside, symbolizing luck and prosperity for the person who finds it. While you wouldn’t want to blend a baby into your milkshake (yikes!), you can place a tiny figurine on top for a fun nod to the tradition.
A Taste of New Orleans: This milkshake captures the spirit of Louisiana’s famous Carnival celebrations. One sip can transport you to the streets of the French Quarter, where jazz music, parades, and delicious food fill the air.

Make Your Own Famous New Orleans Mardi Gras King Cake!
If you love the flavors of Mardi Gras and want to bring a little New Orleans magic into your kitchen, why not make your own famous Mardi Gras King Cake? This festive dessert is a staple of Carnival season, and it’s easier to make than you might think!
King Cake is a sweet, cinnamon-filled pastry, topped with purple, green, and gold icing the traditional colors of Mardi Gras, representing justice, faith, and power. It’s a delicious way to celebrate and share with friends and family. Plus, there’s a fun tradition: a tiny baby is hidden inside the cake, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck (and has to bring the next cake)!
If you’re ready to enjoy this famous treat, check out my King Cake recipe and start baking. With simple steps and festive flavors, you’ll have a homemade King Cake that’s perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras in style.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups Vanilla Ice Cream
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp Almond Extract
- 1/4 tsp Lemon Zest
- Whipping Cream, For Toppings
- Purple, Green, and yellow Sand Sugar, For Garnish
- A slice of King Cake, For Garnish
Instructions
Instructions
- 1
Blend the base: In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, almond extract, and lemon zest. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- 2
Decorate the glass: Rim your milkshake glass with a bit of icing or frosting and dip it into the purple, green, and gold sprinkles to coat the edge.
- 3
Pour and garnish: Pour the milkshake into the decorated glass. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
- 4
Add the finishing touches: Sprinkle more purple, green, and gold sprinkles on top of the whipped cream. If you have a slice of King Cake, cut a small piece and place it on top as a garnish.
Notes
Notes
Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality vanilla ice cream for a creamier texture and richer flavor
Flavor Enhancement: Opt for cinnamon ice cream or add a dash of brown sugar for extra warmth and depth.
Consistency Control: Adjust the milk quantity to achieve your preferred thickness—less for a thicker shake, more for a lighter consistency.
Presentation: Chilling the glass before serving enhances the milkshake experience, keeping it colder for longer.
Garnish Elegance: A well-placed slice of King Cake adds authenticity and a festive touch—position it neatly atop the whipped cream or serve it on the side.
Equipment
Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Milkshake Glass
- Small Bowl or Plate
- Icing or Frosting Spreader
- Knife
- Straw
Nutrition
Nutrition
Calories | 350 |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Fat | 15g |
Protein | 6g |
Sugar | 35g |
Give it a try and let me know how you like it! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!
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