The Hot List: 6 Best Baked Goods
BJ Cinnamon
Who here loves the smell of freshly baked dough and the melting of buttery pastry in your mouth? All of us at Style say “aye.” Read on for a sampling of some of our favorite goodies. In no particular order…
“The Hungarian Apple Strudel from Farmer’s Delicatessen and Bakery in Cameron Park is a traditional Hungarian pastry featuring flaky, crisp layers of buttery phyllo dough, golden raisins, walnuts, apples, sugar, and cinnamon. It’s an extra rich treat that’s become a fast favorite (I even got my family hooked). Each strudel is individually handmade, and you can taste the attention to detail in every bite. This treat is all kinds of wonderful.” farmersdeli.net
“Folsom’s BJ Cinnamon is like pastry heaven. I think I’ve tried almost all of their baked goods (cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, donuts, cake, fritters—name it, I’ve had it), but I keep going back to the Cronuts. They’re the perfect mix of buttery croissant and sweet donut, and they NEVER disappoint. The croissant-doughnut hybrid is great with just plain sugar and exceptional with chocolate, or a maple glaze. They’re best warmed and had with a cup of hot coffee.” 916-608-8824
“The Almond Croissant from Julian’s Pâtisserie and Café in Folsom is filled with a delectable almond cream that’s the perfect consistency—not too thick and just enough with every bite. The pastry itself is nice and crisp and never dry with layer upon layer of flaky, buttery goodness. The outside has a bit of the same almond cream, topped with toasted slivered almonds and powdered sugar. It’s the best thing outside of Europe! I’m guilty of having made this a weekly habit.” julianscafe.com
“Icing on the Cupcake is famous for their Red Velvet Cupcake—and for good reason. I like getting it ‘baby-bite’ size so I feel less guilty. (It’s warped logic, I know.) The moist, never-dry cupcake isn’t overly sweet and come with a heavenly cream cheese frosting that makes for a spot-on confection every single time. Red sprinkles and a tiny red heart on top are the icing on the cake! I’ve also heard great things about their gluten-free and vegan cupcakes.” icingonthecupcake.com
“Starbread in Roseville is the greatest Filipino bakery in the region—possibly in existence. Their signature Señorita Bread dances lightly on your taste buds—and your wallet! What’s more, the customer service is always on point. These little finger rolls are light and airy and slathered with butter and sugar…it’s remarkable how something so simple can be so addictive. I’ve downed 10 of these babies in one go. They should seriously come with a warning!” starbreadca.com
“North Star Home Baking in Rocklin is a feast for the eyes. From artisan tarts and pastries to breads and savory items, all of their European and Mediterranean treats are ‘handmade with love’ as the cute stickers on their packaging claim. Owner Metin Emek also shares his love of baking with everyone he meets. Fresh fruit galore, their Fruit Puff cradles a rich, homemade French pudding topped with fresh fruits of the day that sometimes include figs, kiwi, and all types of berries. I’ve never seen or tasted anything so gorgeous before.” northstarhomebaking.com
compiled by Style staffers // photos by Dante Fontana