Mardi Gras is all about vibrant celebrations, fun traditions, and — let’s be honest — delicious treats. Two fan favorites this time of year? King cake and paczki.
King cake is that colorful, ring-shaped pastry covered in purple, green, and gold sugar. Its history can be traced all the way back to the 12th century in France and the Biblical story of the Three Wise Men. There’s always a tiny baby hidden inside, a tradition that dates back to the ancient Romans. Find it, and you’re not just lucky — you're also on the hook for buying the next king cake or hosting the next party!
Photo courtesy of Sugar Ray's Bakery's Facebook
Then there’s paczki —pronounced in various ways, but locally most commonly as “puhnch·kee.” These pillowy Polish doughnuts are stuffed with sweet fillings like jam or custard. They date back to the Middle Ages when folks tried to use up all the good stuff like butter and sugar before Lent. Now, they’ve become a must-have for Fat Tuesday, especially in places with strong Polish ties.
Photo courtesy of Minooka Pastry Shop's Facebook
Craving king cake or paczki right now? You’re in luck! Lackawanna County is full of amazing bakeries and pastry shops serving up these tasty Mardi Gras morsels. Keep reading to find out where to get your fix this season.
And don’t forget to swing by the Mardi Gras Party at Groove Brewing on March 4 at 5 p.m. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your celebrations with awesome brews, music, and good vibes!
Lynn Sandy’s Bakery
Lynn Sandy’s Bakery is a great spot to pick up treats for your Mardi Gras celebrations in Lackawanna County. Indulge in their authentic king cake, or try their unique Mardi buns, along with strawberry and raspberry buns. And don’t miss their festive Mardi Gras-themed cupcakes to sweeten your celebration.
Photo courtesy of Lynn Sandy's Bakery's Facebook
Osborne Specialties
Head to Osborne Specialties in Scranton to indulge in their delectable king cake. And don’t miss their festive fleur-de-lis sugar cookies and cookie cakes, perfect for adding a sweet touch to your party. Any treats you pick up here will make your Mardi Gras celebration one to remember.
Photo courtesy of Osborne Specialties' Facebook
Sugar Ray’s Bakery
Sugar Ray’s Bakery is a family-owned spot in Peckville, PA. They’re best known for their wide selection of cakes, cookies, cannoli, pastries, and even pizza! But their Mardi Gras king cake will make your Fat Tuesday celebrations sweeter than ever.
Pilger's Pastries
Pilger's Pastries is a must-visit for Mardi Gras enthusiasts in Scranton. Known for their from-scratch baked goods, they offer a variety of treats that delight the taste buds. Their menu features items like NY-style cheesecakes, blissful brownies, and colossal cream puffs, but this time of year, king cake reigns supreme.
Barbour’s Bakery
Barbour’s Bakery, a beloved Carbondale institution since 1912, is the perfect place to grab your Mardi Gras king cake. Known for their fresh, preservative-free baked goods, Barbour’s also offers some other treats you may want to pick up while you’re there, including their world-famous cinnamon buns, making it a must-visit for any sweet tooth this season.
Lucca Fresca
Want the festive flavor of king cake without committing to a whole one? Lucca Fresca in Taylor, PA, offers king cake by the slice and a cold, creamy King Cake Shake for a sipable twist. Stop by and treat yourself to a taste of Mardi Gras!
