King cakes in New Orleans were once uniform and simple — a ring of braided lightly sweet brioche topped with purple, green and gold sugar. Some began filling their king cakes with cream cheese or fruit preserves. Years ago, Williams said king cake was probably consumed a few times a year, perhaps during a king cake party during Carnival season. Now, said Williams, Mardi Gras season means almost daily king cake consumption for some. Customer Adrienne Leblanc loaded the back of an SUV with king cakes for friends and family in New Orleans and beyond.

---

Persons: ”, David Haydel Jr, Adrian Darby Sr, You've, Liz Williams, hasn't, Williams, King, —, ” Williams, Mardi, it's, Manny Randazzo's, Adrienne Leblanc, LeBlanc, “ Organizations: ORLEANS, Mardi Locations: New Orleans, Mardi, Rome, Mardi Gras, Houston, Mississippi