There’s a nearly limitless variety of king cakes available, reflecting the hundreds of years bakers have been cooking up that classic Mardi Gras desert. There’s traditional, fruit fillings, cream cheeses, almond, and now, cricket. Audubon Insectarium Curator of Animal Programs Zack Lemann says their clever chefs cooked up quite a concoction.
There’s over 30 grams of protein in a pound of cricket, and Lemann says the snack is quite filling.
Leman says the crickets add a real depth of flavor to the iconic treat.
The cakes are baked from scratch at the insectarium. You can order one there, or this Sunday at the King Cake Festival in Champions Square.