Where to Order King Cake, or Gallette Des Rois, Online

The New Year doesn't start for me until I have king cakethe French pastry that hits the shelves in early January to celebrate Epiphany. When I lived in France, I kept these flaky ones king cakes — which translates to 'kings' cake' – in constant rotation throughout the month. That delicious, authentic Frisbee of frangipane-filled puff pastry meant to be shared with friends and family on January 6, the date the three kings arrived in Bethlehem (a prize or seeds placed inside for one lucky winner), and that I like overallmond croissants as a morning pastry (they're dense, not too sweet, and pair well with coffee).

France is not the only country that has holiday celebration with a dedicated cake, and similar pastries abound in Portugal and Greece to ring in the New Year. In Spain, Roscón de Reyes — a donut-shaped sweet bread topped with cream and topped with candied fruits — served to celebrate the day of the Three Kings, the three kings; Mardi Gras attendees in Louisiana will also enjoy a colorful iteration of the cake, which bears a closer resemblance to the Spanish version, but mainly with purple, green, and yellow sprinkles and icing. And, yes, there is usually a small child seeds inserted inside.

I live far from the Loire Valley these days, but there are still plenty of ways to order Goldbelly's king cakes, in their many glorious forms, if you're in the states.

Where to Buy Galette des Rois

Ceci-That Pastry Galette des Rois

Prices taken at the time of publication.

New York City based This-That bakery send you the classic almond paste pastry (seed = inserted) with a crown (which the trinket-finder wears). It also serves 6 to 8 people, making it an ideal party size.

Chef Daniel Boulud will cook the House Galette des Rois

Prices taken at the time of publication.

the seeds also comes pre-inserted in this king cake from the chef Daniel Bouludopting for an easy bake-at-home format for an 8-inch round, 6-serving cake. The design is a bit more detailed than Ceci-Cela's version.

Where to Buy a Mardi Gras King Cake

Maurice French Pastries New Orleans King Cake With Filling

Prices taken at time of publication.

Maurice's French Pastries really delivers on the filling variety, and there are nine different options for you to choose from, including praline filling, Bavarian cream, apple-cinnamon, strawberry preserves, and more. It also comes with Mardi Gras bead necklaces, doubloons, and a small plastic baby.

Caluda's King Cake Kit

Prices taken at the time of publication.

Kids and control freaks (me!) will enjoy this king cake kit, which gives you a fully-baked cake, but allows you to dose your icing and sprinkles however you like.

Haydel's Bakery Fleur de Lis King Cake

Prices taken at the time of publication.

said Haydel It's been a New Orleans fixture since 1959, and the bakery's Fleur de Lis-shaped king cake is a festive departure from the traditional ring of dough. Just note that this whopper can serve between 30 to 35 people, so bring it home if you're hosting a larger party.