Picked up a butter-mandelstollen for the holidays. It looks like a loaf of almond bread with lots…read moreof powdered sugar all over. There were lots of whole almonds and hazelnuts along with hunks of marzipan and the anise-candied fruit pieces that define German holiday cakes. Brought this over to the Mr's parents for our get together and they enjoyed it a lot Mom chose an apple tart slice that was out of this world I chose the gingerbread Santa. Lots of shredded pieces of ginger in the cake and a slightly sweet flavor Lots of chocolates and sweet treats to be found - huge fans!

Although Saarbrücken is the capital of its respective German state the city appears largely…read moreindustrial to passers-by, a fact that belies the presence of a Michelin 3* Restaurant from Klaus Erfort plus several nearby bakeries including Café Steigleiter at Arndtstrasse 27. An eponymous Konditorei and Bäckerei since 1961, Chef Steigleiter having since expanded to three total outlets in the area, it is immediately upon entering stylish confines that quality craftsmanship is evident, Loaves and Cakes first drawing looks thanks to their size but Pralines, Chocolate Bars and even savories such as Sandwiches also present in addition to a small seating area. Likely not frequented by tourists, staff nonetheless doing their best to explain items to visitors who spoke only English, it was with five items for just 11€ that a sale was made, the first taste of Steigleiter's Mohnschnecke featuring good lamination and plenty of Poppy Seeds beneath more Icing than other places but not so much that the Viennesoire was too sweet. Next taking a chance on two regional items suggested by staff, the Schokokuss apparently a play on German Chocolate-covered Marshmallows sold commercially, it was with Meringue lightness that Choux was filled, the Donauwellerollen to follow also a modification of the original Snow White Cake made from equal amounts Vanilla Sponge and Cream plus Cherries shellacked in White and Dark Choocolate. Not about to pass on Black Forest Cake, Steigleiter's unfortunately less moist than those found at Bareiss or Sachsenhäuser despite similar cost, it was bouncing back strong that tasting ended with Rhubarb and Custard, a light hint of Almond helping to soften the sours in a manner far more elegant than other Bakeries who instead rely on Sugar to accomplish the same.

Needing a quick on-the-go breakfast before we headed to Paris, BF suggested his favorite bakery -…read moreCafe Steigleiter Walk in & the case is overflowing with pastries & each offering looks as delicious as the next.....what to choose?? I opted for this pinwheel-looking pastry with pine nuts while BF got the same pastry but with this leafy plant thing that's apparently common around those parts Each pastry was large enough for 2 servings. Moist & just a bit sweet without giving us a total sugar rush But if sugar was what you were after, they have that too.....Bear Claws, Cheese Danishes & all kinds of glazed, flaky goodness just waits for you to bring it home with you And what better pairing for these delights but coffee of course! We didn't indulge since we had just had a cuppa at home but I would imagine this would be a wonderful start your morning / afternoon snack / pick me up kind of spot