What is the traditional Carnival bread or cake in New Orleans?

The traditional Carnival bread or cake in New Orleans is king cake.

New Orleans king cake is a ring-shaped pastry associated with Carnival and Mardi Gras. Traditional versions use twisted, brioche-like dough, often finished with icing or sugar in purple, green, and gold—the familiar colors of New Orleans Mardi Gras. Modern bakeries also sell filled versions featuring cream cheese, praline, cinnamon, or fruit.

The custom has roots in European Epiphany cakes connected with the Three Kings. A small fève, now commonly a plastic baby representing the Christ Child, is hidden in or supplied with the cake. The person who finds it is said to receive luck and may be expected to buy the next cake or host the next celebration.

In Louisiana, king cake is traditionally eaten from Epiphany through Carnival season. It is not the same as a beignet, which is a square fried pastry, or praline, a candy made from sugar and nuts.