A traditional king cake is shared with friends and family on January 6th, marking the epiphany. No celebration is complete without a sweet treat. The popular dessert is a mainstay of the Christian holiday of Epiphany and Mardi Gras celebrations.
The Feast of the Epiphany is a Christian holiday that honors the Magi’s visit to the baby Jesus. Numerous aspects of the cake, such as its round or ring shape, which can represent a crown, wreath, the Magi’s journey, or harmony among other religions, were inspired by this biblical tale. On certain versions, toppings like dried fruits can stand in for diamonds, while the vibrant purple, green, and gold glaze symbolizes the Mardi Gras colors of justice, faith, and power.
But the hidden baby figure that symbolizes Jesus stands out the most. The baby in your slice may be a symbol of good fortune or wealth. From January 6 to the first day of Lent on March 5 of this year, the cake is a popular delicacy that is frequently consumed with loved ones.
Portland restaurants and bakeries will have what you’re craving, whether it’s Spanish rosca de reyes (wreath of the kings), French galette des rois (royal cake), or New Orleans-style king cake. Here are few locations in Portland and the surrounding areas where you can discover some of these king cake varieties.
Galette des rois
Microbakery Southwind
Every Wednesday through Saturday in January, Southwind Microbakery, which specializes in creating small-batch baked delicacies, will serve pecan galette des rois. Instead of the baby doll, the cake comes with a black-eyed pea. The cake costs $18 and may be pre-ordered via email at [email protected] or direct message on Instagram.
Southwind Microbakery: 685 S.E. Belmont St., Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; southwindbakery.com
Honor Boulangerie St.
In January, galette des rois will be available at all five of this French bakery’s locations. Every order includes a paper crown for the fortunate recipient and a porcelain charm concealed inside. The giant cake costs $76 and the medium cake costs $52. The St. Honor website is presently accepting preorders.
Hours and locations of St. Honor Boulangerie are subject to change; visit saintonorebakery.com.
The Provence
From January 4–6, La Provence, which has ten locations in and around Portland, will be serving its thick and flaky galette des rois, which is a French take on the king cake. A twist on the classic cake, this almond-filled puff pastry is ideal for anybody seeking a more delicate and elegant dessert. The festive treat may be preordered here and costs $45.
Hours and locations change in La Provence; visit provencepdx.com.
Rosca de reyes
Mam’s House
Vegan pop-up bakery La Casa de Mam is now taking orders for deconstructed rosca de reyes and rosca de conchas, which are ring-shaped sweet breads that can be picked up on the bakery’s website from January 5–6. Twelve conchas topped with chocolate, vanilla, almond, oreo, mazapan, or strawberry make up rosca de conchas. One little tamal loaded with candied fruit will be included in each of the two pan dulces. Six concha-sized pan de rosca de reyes, topped with candied fruit and vanilla crust, are included in each order of deconstructed rosca de reyes. One will have a miniature tamal with candied fruit inside.
La Casa de Mam: pickup orders are available at 5018 N.E. 22nd Ave.; @lacasademamapdxon; hours vary weekly. Lacasademamapdx.com and Instagram
The Imperial Bakery
Small, medium, and big rosca de reyes will be available at this Hillsboro bakery for $40, $70, and $100, respectively. Online preorders are accepted for pickup on January weekends. Cajeta (caramel), cream cheese, pineapple, walnut, and Bavarian cream filling are among the options.
La Imperial Bakery, located at 1895 S.E. Tualatin Valley Highway, Ste. K., Hillsboro, is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; panaderiaypastelerialaimperial.com.
Bakery Dos Hermanos
Rosca de Reyes preorders at Dos Hermanos Bakery go live on the bakery’s website from January 1–3 and may be picked up from January 4–7. Additionally, store inventory will be limited. Medium and big sizes will be available at the bakery.
Dos Hermanos Bakery: 1015 S.E. Stark St.; 7 a.m.–4 p.m. daily; doshermanosbakery.com
New Orleans style
The Gris Gris Kitchen
Gris Gris Kitchen, a pop-up kitchen in Southeast Portland, has everything covered with six different types of king cake. The Gris Gris Kitchen website offers chocolate, cream cheese, praline and pecan, and classic cheeses for online purchase. As of right now, pickup is only available on January 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. In February, orders will open once more.
Hours vary. Gris Gris Kitchen, 6319 S.E. Windsor Court, www.grisgriskitchen.com
Bakery of Helen Bernhard
King cake will be available at this century-old Portland bakery in mid- to late-February, a week or two before Mardi Gras. The cake will have a vanilla flavor with a colored sugar topping, and it will come in one size.
Helen Bernhard Bakery, located at 1717 N.E. Broadway #1775, is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; www.helenbernhardbakery.com.
Delta Coffee
Beginning two weeks before to Mardi Gras (about mid-February) and continuing through March 4, Delta Cafe will serve whole king cakes and slices for dine-in. To order a whole cake, give us a call at least 24 hours in advance.
Cafe Delta: 4–10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4–11 p.m. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. Sunday: deltacafepdx.com; 4607 S.E. Woodstock Blvd.
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Chiara Profenna discusses faith, religion, and cultural ties. You may contact her at [email protected] or @chiaraprofenna, or 503-221-4327.
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