King Cakes for 2024 in Portland

Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy: The Three Wise Men” (named Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar). Detail from: “Mary and Child, surrounded by angels,” mosaic of a Ravennate italian-byzantine workshop, completed within 526 AD by the so-called “Master of Sant’Apollinare.” Photo credit: Nina-no on Wikimedia Commons

Over the years I’ve talked about the Galette des Rois, the king cake popular in France. This year I thought I’d expand the article on two other kinds of king cakes—the NOLA-style king cake and the Rosca de Reyes, popular in Mexico. Here’s the rundown of how to access these tasty treats in the greater Portland area.

First, what is the big deal about eating cake on January 6? This is to celebrate Epiphany in the western Christian church, the day the magi, aka three kings (see above), brought gifts to the baby Jesus. It’s considered the end of the Christmas season (the twelfth day of the 12 Days of Christmas). I encourage you to order your cake of choice ASAP, as January 6 is almost upon us, and often cakes are limited.

Galette des Rois

St. Honoré Boulangerie

The Galette des Rois is available at St. Honoré Bakery this year, and I can tell you: It is delicious. Put in your order and pick up on the designated day/time at any of the bakery’s locations (see below for specifics). There are two options, a 9″ Medium (serves 8) for $53 and a 12″ Large (serves 12 to 14) for $69. They require a 72-hour notice.

More on their king cakes: “Our Galette des Rois comes with a lucky charm made of porcelain (la fève), a golden paper crown and an instruction for the fun ceremony and reheating. Baked to order.” Order here.

Note: I’ve been keeping an eye on La Provence/Petite Provence, and they do not seem to be offering Galettes de Rois as they have in the past (I reached out to ask, no response). If that changes, I’ll update the article.

Locations for the bakeries include 315 1st Street, Suite 103, Lake Oswego; 3333 SE Division Street, Portland; 501 SW Broadway, Portland; and 2335 NW Thurman Street, Portland

Alliance Française

On Sunday, January 7 I received an email in my inbox announcing an event to celebrate the Galette des Rois at the Alliance Française de Portland! So my earlier observation is nil about their annual celebration not happening. On Sunday, January 14 from 2:30pm to 4:30pm, you’ll get a chance to learn about the Galette de Rois. A teacher from the Alliançe will present a bit of history about the cake, talk about the culture that surrounds it, and you’ll have a chance to taste the cake. Galettes will be provided by St. Honoré Boulangerie.

Tickets are $10 for non-members, $8 for members, and it includes something to drink and a sample of the Galette. You can also enter their raffle and win a Galette! You can buy your raffle tickets when you register for at the event. They are $2 each, 6 for $10. Register here.

I went to this event last year and it was a lot of fun. The Galettes are delish. I definitely recommend it. 1425 SW 20th Avenue, Suite 102, Portland

NOLA King Cake

Photo credit: Gris Gris Kitchen

Bayou Bros Cajun Boil

Located in Oregon City, they are also offering NOLA-style king cakes: “Ok everybody! Jan 6 is quickly approaching and it’s King cake time! Bayou Bros Cajun Boils is now taking preorders for king cakes. We will have it available by the slice at the cart as well. They will come with a pecan praline filling a “baby” and some beads.” Whole cakes are $40. DM them on Facebook for more info and to order; cakes will be available after January 6. 21553 S Molalla Avenue, Oregon City

Gris Gris Kitchen

The order form for king cakes from Gris Gris Kitchen is up and there are options! Choose from:

• Praline Pecan Topped Traditional, $50
• Praline Pecan Topped Cream Cheese filled, $60
• Sweet Cream Cheese and Cinnamon filled $45

They also offered a Galette des Rois for $38 but that looks to be out of stock. Pickup for traditional NOLA-style king cakes is Friday and Saturday, January 5 and 6. Location details available when you order.

Helen Bernhardt Bakery

On Epiphany of this year I happened to be at Helen Bernhardt Bakery and spotted king cakes there. I asked how long they would have them, and they told me that they would be available until Mardi Gras (February 14, 2024). There were a couple of them in the case and I suspect there were more in the back. They cost $16.95 and are one size only (about 8-10 inches across). Either stop in and pick one up or order ahead at 503-287-1251. 1717 NE Broadway, Portland. helenbernhardbakery.com

Rosca de Reyes

Photo credit: La Impérial Bakery

Dos Hermanos Bakery

They are offering two sizes, a small (12″) for $35 and a large (18″) for $45. Order them via email at orders@doshermanosbakery.com. They will be available January 3 to 6. 1015 SE Stark Street, Portland

La Casa de Mamá

They are offering a twist on the traditional ring—one made with conchas. The conventional baby doll is also a little different here, and is represented by a mini tamal filled with candied fruit. This is their effort to reduce plastic waste (the baby is often made of plastic). More from La Casa de Mamá on their “rosca de conchas”:

“The Rosca de Conchas is a ring-shaped sweet bread, paying homage to the traditional Rosca de Reyes, traditionally eaten during Día de Los Reyes Magos with a little concha twist from La Casa de Mamá. The Rosca de Concha is a traditional soft sweet bread topped with a mixed variety of toppings crust ranging from Mexican chocolate, vanilla, almond, oreo, mazapan, or strawberry. The rosca consists of 12 conchas, which serves 8-10 people. Two of the pan dulces will contain one mini tamal filled with candied fruit. According to tradition whoever finds the special surprise in their slice must host a party on February 2nd, Día de la Candelaria, offering tamales, hot chocolate, and atole to their guests.”

The full ring is for larger groups, but they are also offering a smaller option: “A deconstructed version of the traditional Rosca de Reyes for those who want to celebrate with a smaller group or store a few extra for the week. Includes 6 pan de Rosca de Reyes in the size of a concha topped with a traditional sweet vanilla crust and candied fruit. One of the pan dulce will contain one mini tamal filled with candied fruit.”

The large is $50 and the small is $27. Order here. Pickup is Friday, January 5 from 9am to noon; and Saturday January 6 from 10am to 1pm. Supernova Commissary Kitchen
5018 NE 22nd Ave, Portland

La Impérial Bakery

They are offering a traditional Roscas De Reyes in three sizes: Small (serves 6 to 7) for $40, Medium (serves 15-20) for $70, and Large (serves 25-30) for $100. You can order 4 additional muñecos (babies) and fillings, including cajeta, cream cheese, walnut, pineapple, bavarian cream

Order ahead of time by calling us at 503-747-3246 or pre-order online. For same-day orders, give them a call; these orders include an $8 fee. 1895 SE Tualatin Valley Hwy Ste. K, Hillsboro

If I’ve missed any places offering the various king cakes, drop me a note or comment here.

Updated January 7, 2024