Where to find Mardi Gras king cake in Metro Detroit

You can't swing a beaded necklace in this town without hitting a box of paczki this time of year, but good luck if you're looking for a Mardi Gras king cake.

King cake is a ring-shaped pastry that is more like a coffeecake or a cinnamon roll than, say, a birthday cake. It's made with cinnamon and pecans, and often decorated with white frosting and gold, purple and green sugar. The baker is supposed to hide a small plastic baby inside. Whoever gets the slice with the baby trinket is the "king" and has to bring the cake to next year's celebration.

Metro Detroit is definitely more on the Polish side of Fat Tuesday than the French, even with Detroit's French roots, and it's tough to find a king cake around here. I wouldn't even know what they taste like if it wasn't for a friend who baked one last week and gifted me a sweet, sticky slice.

If you don't have a skilled baker in your circle or aren't interested in making your own, there are a few chances to order a king cake in time for Mardi Gras, Feb. 13, this year.

Never Forgotten Bakery

Also known as Sunflour Bakehaus, Never Forgotten Bakery in Farmington sells king cakes in 8-inch round or quarter sheet sizes for $15, and they’ll throw in a package of beads for $3. Pre-orders open now for pickup starting Saturday and through Feb. 14. A limited number of king cakes will also be available for walk-in customers on Tuesday. 24071 Orchard Lake, Farmington. (248) 442-2360. neverforgottenbakery.com/shop/ols/categories/fat-tuesday.

Holiday Market

The bakery at this Royal Oak specialty market confirmed that they'll have some king cakes starting this week for the holiday at around $28. Might as well pick up some paczki while you're there; they've got traditional flavors, plus some filled with cannoli and chocolate mousse. 1203 S. Main, Royal Oak. (248) 541-1414. holiday-market.com.

Zingerman's Bakehouse

You can almost always count on Zingerman's when it comes to baked goods. Zingerman's Bakehouse will sell both New Orleans-style and French-style king cakes just for the upcoming holiday. Instead of a plastic baby, they bake theirs with one whole almond. The French-style cake will be sold in the Bakeshop Sat.-Tue. and can be pre-ordered by calling (734) 761-7255. The colorful New Orleans-style will be sold on Fat Tuesday only in limited numbers. Both styles are $24.99. 3711 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor. (734) 761-2095. zingermansbakehouse.com.

Goldbelly

If money is no object, you can order a prepared king cake direct from New Orleans from Goldbelly. The online retailer is not cheap, but they do offer fast service from sources such as Gambino's and Commander's Palace, or other bakeries outside of NOLA. Goldbelly also has vegan and kosher options. Browse your options at goldbelly.com/foods/king-cake.

Melody Baetens is The Detroit News restaurant critic

mbaetens@detroitnews.com