It’s king cake — the traditional Louisiana/Mardi Gras cake that often has a tiny baby figurine hidden inside. The person who finds it is usually said to have good luck and is often expected to bring the next cake.

Quick Scoop

King cake is a sweet, ring-shaped pastry tied to Mardi Gras season in Louisiana. It’s commonly decorated in purple, green, and gold, and the baby figurine is part of the tradition.

Why the baby is there

The baby is a lucky trinket, symbolizing good fortune and, in some versions of the custom, the responsibility of hosting or providing the next king cake.