Indulge in the sweet treats of Mardi Gras without leaving the French Quarter of New Orleans. The 30 desserts listed below will transport you to a world of decadence and indulgence, perfect for Fat Tuesday or any time you crave something sweet. But before we dive into the desserts, let’s take a brief look at the history of Mardi Gras. This festive holiday takes place on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of the Lent season.
Despite its religious roots, Mardi Gras is now celebrated worldwide for its vibrant culture and delectable cuisine. And what better way to indulge than with 30 mouth-watering desserts? From classic King Cakes to innovative treats like cheesecakes and Rice Krispie desserts, there’s something for everyone. You can even get creative and make your own variations, such as a Mardi Gras Trifle or Macarons. If you’re hosting a party, why not try a Mardi Gras Candy Charcuterie board?
Whatever your choice, be prepared to be blown away by the endless options for celebrating Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras Cupcakes
When it comes to sweet treats for any celebration, cupcakes are always a reliable choice. However, with their vibrant frosting, they’re particularly well-suited for Mardi Gras festivities. What’s more, these visually appealing desserts are deceptively simple to make, even for those without extensive baking experience. To take them to the next level, consider adding a surprise Mardi Gras baby or incorporating colorful sprinkles inside the cupcake before applying the final layer of frosting.
Mardi Gras Cream Horns
The process of crafting these delectable cream horns may seem daunting at first, but trust that the end result is well worth the minor investment of time. In reality, each step is relatively straightforward, and the payoff is a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress. What’s more, this sweet treat can be easily adapted to suit various occasions by simply adjusting the color scheme of the drizzle.
The combination of rich chocolate ganache, vibrant drizzle, and luscious cream creates a truly indulgent experience that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Mardi Gras Cinnamon Rolls
What makes a cinnamon roll recipe truly exceptional is its ability to deliver on flavor without sacrificing simplicity. And when that recipe requires only two ingredients for the dough, it’s a guarantee of a winner! Greek yogurt plays a crucial role in the dough’s texture and versatility, allowing endless possibilities for flavors and variations. Meanwhile, the colorful sugar sprinkles add a pop of color and whimsy to the finished product, making it perfect for themed events or celebrations.
The best part? These sweet treats can be easily customized at home by experimenting with different flavor combinations.
Mardi Gras Petit Fours
Indulge in the sweet delight of homemade pastries that rival those found at your favorite bakery. While the process may get a little messy, leaving sticky fingers in its wake, the joy on everyone’s faces when seconds and thirds are devoured is well worth the effort.
Mardi Gras Monkey Bread
This indulgent monkey bread gets its foundation from homemade biscuits, but it’s the array of extra ingredients that truly elevate it to perfection. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet breakfast treat or a late-night indulgence, this dessert is sure to hit the spot.
Mardi Gras Jello
This themed dessert requires only grape, lime, and yellow jello, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. While its simplicity belies its appeal, this treat is guaranteed to delight due to the harmonious combination of fruity flavors, calming colors, and a sweet finishing touch from the sprinkles on top.
King Cake Cheesecake
For Mardi Gras enthusiasts, a King Cake is often an integral part of the celebration. However, if you’re looking for a twist on the classic flavors, a cheesecake can be a delightful alternative. This unique dessert combines a cinnamon roll batter with a rich cheesecake filling and creamy frosting, topped off with a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl. The result is a decadent treat that’s sure to become an instant favorite once you take that first bite.
Beignets
In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is more than just a celebration – it’s a vibrant festival that fills the air with sweet treats and lively spirits. One of the most iconic and indulgent desserts to emerge from this festive atmosphere are deep-fried pastries known as beignets. These sugary delights typically come in a variety of colors, each representing a distinct value or tradition. When presented as Mardi Gras desserts, it’s no surprise that they vanish quickly, leaving everyone eager for more.
Despite their seemingly intimidating appearance, making these beignets is surprisingly straightforward. With clear instructions and a little practice, even the most novice baker can master this recipe and bring a taste of Mardi Gras magic to any gathering.
Mardi Gras Cake Roll
The cake roll’s swirled appearance, achieved by rolling up its vibrant colors, makes it a stunning treat that perfectly complements the scrumptious cinnamon cream cheese filling. With an unassuming ingredient list, you’re likely to find everything you need in your kitchen arsenal. Moreover, whipping up the meringue is a straightforward process, thanks to clear and concise instructions – leaving no room for excuses!
Mardi Gras Sweet Salty Bark
Indulgence knows no bounds when it comes to sweet treats, making this M&M and white chocolate bark an irresistible delight for Mardi Gras celebrations. With a medley of sprinkles, M&M candies, and creamy white chocolate, every bite is a treat. The best part? No baking required! Simply combine the ingredients, refrigerate until cooled, and indulge in the sweet reward.
Strawberry Paczki
While Mardi Gras may not be immediately associated with Poland, the country’s traditional pastries, known as paczki, are deeply rooted in this festive season. These sweet treats are actually Polish-style donuts that are fried to perfection and typically filled with jam or other sweet fillings before being coated in a layer of sugar. Unlike your typical morning donut, paczki require some preparation time, making them an even more indulgent and enjoyable dessert option.
Mardi Gras Marshmallow Pops
When hosting gatherings or attending social events, it’s often the thought that counts, not necessarily your culinary expertise. This delightful dessert is designed to impress without requiring extensive kitchen skills. By simply skewering marshmallows together and drizzling candy melt on top, you’ll be creating a treat that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
The traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, yellow, and green can be achieved by using these respective hues for your candy melts, adding an extra layer of whimsy and festivity to this already-appealing dessert.
Mardi Gras Cookies With Rum Frosting
Indulge in the decadent rum-infused frosting of these cookies, which has a remarkable ability to elevate any treat to new heights. Even if you opt for store-bought break-and-bake sugar cookies, the rich flavor profile will still shine through. Don’t be shy when applying this indulgent frosting – go ahead and add an abundance of sprinkles to create a visually stunning masterpiece! For those who prefer to skip the spirits altogether, milk or half and half can be used as a delightful substitute.
King Cake Bites
At Mardi Gras parties, it’s common to indulge in slices of King Cake. To make the experience even more enjoyable, consider baking bite-sized treats that guests can grab as they please. These sweet indulgences, made with crescent rolls filled with cinnamon and cream cheese, offer a rich and decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Taking it to the next level, add a pop of color with icing and colored sugar in purple, yellow, and green hues that scream Mardi Gras!
Mardi Gras Snack Mix
As the vibrant energy of Mardi Gras begins to wind down, satisfy your sweet tooth with this unique treat that blends the classic snackability of Muddy Buddies with the indulgence of a dessert. The addition of rich chocolate melts and colorful M&Ms elevates the humble snack into a delightful after-party pleasure. Feel free to get creative with the Muddy Buddies recipe, opting for homemade or store-bought – either way, this treat is sure to bring a touch of whimsy to your celebration.
And don’t be afraid to go wild with the chocolate and M&Ms, embracing the playful spirit of Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras Cupcakes
While it’s hard to imagine a celebration that doesn’t get a boost from the presence of delicious cupcakes, Mardi Gras is a notable exception. The vibrant colors and rich flavors of these sweet treats are the perfect match for the festive atmosphere of this iconic holiday. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or family, adding a batch of freshly baked cupcakes to the mix is sure to elevate the experience.
Mardi Gras Rolo Pretzels
The magic of this treat lies in the harmonious blend of its ingredients. At the core are pretzels, which provide a solid foundation for the delightful combination of nuts, Rolo candies, and sprinkles. This trifecta of flavors and textures comes together in a mere half hour, yet its impact is undeniable – it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
Mardi Gras Macarons
While macarons can be a bit finicky, that’s all the more reason to perfect your technique in the days leading up to Mardi Gras. And what better way to celebrate than with a festive treat inspired by the iconic King Cake? Our macaron recipe features a delicious cinnamon cream cheese filling that captures the essence of this beloved tradition.
To take it to the next level, feel free to get creative with your decorations – try swirling colors together, adding sprinkles for an extra touch of whimsy, or drizzling melted white chocolate on top for a sweet and indulgent finish.
New Orleans Bananas Foster
Bananas Foster, a classic New Orleans dessert, can be tweaked to make it perfect for Fat Tuesday celebrations. By adding some rum and serving it with King Cake flavored ice cream, you’ll get an extra boost of cinnamon flavor. Alternatively, vanilla ice cream will still result in a mouthwatering treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth as you ring in the Mardi Gras festivities.
King Cake Oreo Truffles
With just two main ingredients and an optional playful touch, the Oreo balls at the core of these truffles are surprisingly simple to prepare. This no-bake dessert’s rapid preparation time – mere minutes, in fact – allows you to swiftly produce a dozen or more treats. Whether you’re making a batch for personal indulgence or as a thoughtful share with friends and family, this recipe’s speed ensures you can enjoy the fruits of your labor sooner rather than later.
Mardi Gras Pound Cake
Crafting your own pound cake for Mardi Gras is an excellent way to ensure a rich, indulgent, and visually appealing dessert that may not always be part of the Fat Tuesday spread. The combination of a warm cinnamon swirl within the cake and a sweet glaze drizzled on top creates a delightful treat that’s both enjoyable to prepare and devour. With this recipe, you’ll be able to add a unique touch to your Mardi Gras celebrations.
Mardi Gras Candy Charcuterie Board
Indulge in a sweet celebration of self-care with a candy-themed charcuterie board that’s perfect for the holiday season. By incorporating treats in shades of purple, green, and gold, you’ll add an extra layer of festivity to your dessert spread.
While traditional charcuterie boards feature cured meats and cheeses, this sweet rendition is all about showcasing your favorite candies.
Consider including jelly beans, foil-wrapped chocolates, M&Ms, lollipops, and sprinkles – or get creative with the treats that bring you joy.
King Cake Rice Krispie Treats
Looking for a Mardi Gras dessert that’s both easy to prepare and appealing to all ages? Look no further than these Rice Krispie Treats. By substituting traditional marshmallows with cereal, colorful frosting, and even buttercream, you can create a sweet treat that’s perfect for both kids and adults. For an added creamy twist, consider using food coloring to give your buttercream frosting a vibrant hue that matches the festive atmosphere of Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras Trifle
Indulge in the sweet delights of Mardi Gras with these decadent trifles, where cake crumbs are elegantly layered with a rich and creamy frosting that yields a mouth-watering bite. If you’re looking to mix things up, consider substituting the frosting with alternatives like buttercream, whipped cream, mascarpone, or white chocolate ganache for a unique flavor profile.
Pecan Praline
Indulge in the Big Easy’s sweet charm with pecan pralines, an unlikely yet perfect treat for Mardi Gras festivities. The rich caramel and crunchy pecans come together in harmony, making each bite a delightful surprise. As the cookies set, they develop a satisfying crunch that can be preserved by storing them in an airtight container. When you take a bite, the texture and flavor will transport you to the vibrant streets of New Orleans.
Mardi Gras Lemon Bliss Bundt Cake
As Mardi Gras season arrives, marking the transition from winter’s chill to spring’s warmth, baking a lemon cake is a perfect way to incorporate fresh and vibrant flavors. The incorporation of lemon oil, lemon syrup, and even lemon zest adds a depth of citrusy goodness that complements the traditional colors of Mardi Gras. When you cut into the cake, the beautiful swirl of yellow, green, and purple hues emerges, reminiscent of the festive atmosphere.
And to complete the theme, sprinkles on top of the glaze add an extra layer of whimsy and fun.
Mardi Gras Fleur De Lis Spritz Cookies
While the initial appearance of these cookies may be enough to impress, the true magic happens when paired with a fleur de lis cookie press. This clever tool simplifies the process of shaping each cookie, allowing for a more efficient and enjoyable baking experience.
As delicious as they are visually striking, these spritz cookies boast a classic flavor profile that’s elevated by thoughtful additions like food coloring, sanding sugar, and gold dragees.
The end result is a sweet treat that’s both familiar and excitingly new.
Mardi Gras Chocolate Dipped Cookies
While Double-stuffed Oreos are the secret ingredient that brings these stunning cookies to life, it’s the rich chocolate melts and golden sugar sprinkles that elevate them into a showstopping dessert perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations. The best part? These treats require minimal effort – simply melt the chocolate, and you’re done! No baking necessary. The only challenge lies in waiting an hour for the cookies to chill in the fridge, as you’ll likely want to indulge immediately.
Mardi Gras Dipped Pretzel Rods
When Mardi Gras fever hits your household, consider involving the kids in preparing some festive treats. These sweet goodies offer ample opportunities for creative expression, allowing each one to be uniquely decorated by the children. Not only do they make a great addition to your own celebration, but they’re also perfect as party favors or thoughtful gifts to share with friends and family.
Chocolate & Rum Mardi Gras Cakesicles
Instead of traditional cake pops, why not try your hand at creating cakesicles that fit perfectly with the Mardi Gras theme? The combination of crumbled chocolate cake and a hint of rum in the base gives these treats an unmistakable flavor profile reminiscent of the festive atmosphere. To take it to the next level, add some colorful sprinkles and candy melts for a look that’s as vibrant as the beads and feathers worn during Mardi Gras celebrations.
The bottom line
As the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras descends upon us, it’s time to shake things up and take a departure from traditional King Cakes. Why not try something new and exciting? Our collection of 30 unique Mardi Gras desserts offers a refreshing twist on the classic treats, guaranteed to transport you to the lively French Quarter of New Orleans, where the locals come together to celebrate in style.
And if you’re looking for the perfect introduction to the festivities, our carefully curated list of Mardi Gras Appetizers is just the starting point you need.
