A king cake, also known as a three kings cake, is a cake that is connected with Epiphany in various nations. Its shape and contents vary, but in most cases, a fève, such as a figurine representing the Christ Child, is hidden inside.
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Whoever gets the fève after the cake is cut receives a prize. The Epiphany has been tied with the tradition of the King cake since the nineteenth century.
The Three Kings cake is named after the Biblical Magi, also known as the three kings: Melchior, Balthazar, and Gaspard, who visited Jesus twelve days after his birth to present him with gifts.
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Image credit: Food Network
Why is there a plastic baby in a king cake?
The plastic baby is reportedly meant to symbolize baby Jesus. Whoever finds the baby — or whatever hidden item is baked or embedded in the cake — in their slice is crowned “king” for the day.
Do all king cakes have babies?
There are plenty of king cakes sold without a baby inside. Traditionally, the host of the party places the baby figurine in the King Cake before it’s sliced and served,
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