The Bake House German bakery
I set myself an experimental cooking challenge over the weekend. I was filled with glowing enthusiasm at the prospect of having something quite interesting to share. Alas for a number of reasons it was not to be, the experiment proved to need further work.
To consol myself I went to a new café that has recently opened in the neighbourhood. I was a little sceptical as it was in the DVD store, however it is a German bakery so the promise of sweet pastries overruled.
Anyone who knows me will agree I give the Germans a bit of stick, often making them the butt of a few jokes. There are three products of Germany that I don’t joke about though. The first is their football team, too often has their efficient and precise skills crushed England’s dream of world cup glory. Then there is their beer, I am a huge fan of the British pint of ale (yep the room temperature stuff ) but confess to enjoying the odd stein of Lowenbrau. The third thing that the Germans are pretty deft at (though still not as good as their French counterparts in my opinion) is pastries. The Germans have a sweet tooth and have given the world some wonderful sweet treats like strudel, black forest gateau and gingerbread houses.
The Bakehouse German bakery, unassuming on the outside, in fact too easy to miss is located on Harris Street, Pyrmont. The owner a friendly fellow is softly spoken and ready to talk baked goods as readily as Brits talk about the weather. A trio of pastries are ordered and some excellent coffee, served ‘Euro’ style, black and uncompromisingly full in flavour.
The first cake is a traditional bienenstich, it has a sweet pastry base with butter cream and topped with caramelized almonds. Tastes as good as it sounds.
Bee sting cake
We also order kasekuchen, this is a type of cheese cake made with sour cream and sugar. The texture is smooth and mouthfilling. Unlike most American style cheesecakes its not topped with fruit or chocolate. I like the uncluttered simplicity of this pastry.
German cheese cake
The third and final (and definitely my favourite) of the cakes isn’t actually German at all. It’s pastéis de nata or Portuguese custard tart. For those of you not fortunate enough to have tried one of these yet, change that and soon. Soft rich vanilla egg custard in a sweet, crisp pastry base, complements the bitter dark coffee extremely well. Seldom have I tasted such a good custard tart and I am a bit of a custard tart nut so I’ve tried a few.
Tart n coffee – bliss
I also bought some very nice caraway seed bread that was had a slightly sweet aromotic nuttiness to it. Tasted fantastic toasted!
The bakehouse might not look as pretty as some of the cafes in Paddington but it’s baking is as good as any I have tried in Sydney and I am glad to call it my local.
Now thats what I call a custard tart!
The Bakehouse German Bakery
313 Harris St
9660 6472
About the Author
Gareth Englishman in Sydney loves a whisky, pies and all things savoury. Digital Marketer by day, cook the rest of the time. Amateur writer, photographer & aspiring anthropologists.
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oh yum the cheesecake looks so smooth!
Yep smooth is was and the custard tarty was tarty liquid velvet!
Bienenstich cake is one of my favourites
I first tried it in the Barossa Valley and carried it home it was so good 
Try it at this place was good.
Everything I have tried so far is fantastic – best hot chocolates in Sydney and the owners are delightful. A must for lunch or afternoon tea.
It’s definately my favorite local, don’t forget to try the custard tart.