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.
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.
Head to Osborne Cookie Company in West Scranton to indulge in their delectable king cake, perfect for adding a sweet touch to your party. Their king cakes will be available on Sunday, February 8th, and Sunday, February 15th, in two flavors: vanilla cream cheese and cinnamon cream cheese. 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 Cookie Company's Facebook
Mardi Gras season calls for something sweet — and Minooka Pastry Shop delivers with festive King Cake and Paczki (see below), perfect for Fat Tuesday celebrations in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Known locally for decades of scratch-made baked goods, this Scranton staple has been delighting Northeastern Pennsylvania with delicious treats for over 40 years, and creates colorful, celebratory King Cakes designed for sharing.
Sugar Ray’s Bakery is a family-owned spot in Peckville. 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.
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.
Want the festive flavor of king cake without committing to a whole one? Lucca Fresca in Taylor 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!
Minooka Pastry Shop paczkis, filled with rich, sweet flavors such as raspberry, lemon, prune, Bavarian crème, or even plain, are a must-try for Mardi Gras, offering a perfect way to indulge before Lent. Stop by for these classic pastries and get your Fat Tuesday celebrations started off right!
When you stop by Barbour's Bakery to pick up your king cake, you’ll want to grab a paczki (or dozen) while you’re there. Once you sink your teeth into those puffy golden-brown doughnuts, your Mardi Gras party can officially begin.
Quinn's Market
Peckville, PA
Quinn’s Market in Peckville has your Fat Tuesday cravings covered with freshly made paczki in a variety of delicious flavors. Whether you're stocking up for Mardi Gras or just treating yourself, these sweet, pillowy pastries are a must-try!
The Fresh Grocer of Meadow Ave
Scranton, PA
The Fresh Grocer on Meadow Ave—run by Gerrity’s—has you covered with their freshly made paczki. They’re offering a great mix of flavors like raspberry, lemon, and Bavarian cream. Whether you’re gearing up for Mardi Gras or just indulging in a treat, these soft, rich pastries are definitely worth picking up!
