If you are looking for delicious breads, pastries and cakes in Basel you certainly don't have to look far. Here's a list of our favourite places and some of their specialties...with a some baking puns thrown in for fun.
Bake Me Happy
(Spalenberg 6, 4051 Basel)
Gilgen is a family run bakery that has delighted Baslers with their incredible baked goods since 1937. One of the smallest bakeries in Basel but most certainly one of the best. In fact I think Basel's favourite winter sport is standing in line at Gilgen (see picture). There is no place to sit inside but this is the perfect place to pick up something to go with your afternoon tea at home. Also an excellent place to stop if you are looking for a gift for the holiday season. You can't go wrong with anything you choose at Gilgen but make sure to try the Holländertorte, a delicious combination of flaky pastry and almond cake, as well as their famous Russenzopf, a rich braided bread with almond cream and dried fruit. I promise it will be worth the wait.
(Voltaplatz 1, 4056 Basel and Riehentorstrasse 18, 4058 Basel)
Bäkerei Kult is in fact Basel's oldest bakery, started in 1726! You would never know it by its beautiful new location at Voltaplatz though, which has just opened in November 2024. This place certainly has a 'cult' following and is particularly popular for their croissants and wide selection of bread. My all time favourite is their Wirbel, the love-child of a croissant and a filled-donut in the shape of a muffin. I guarantee you have never had anything like this before and they will certainly keep you coming back for more with their seasonal ever-changing fillings.
(several locations)
Founded in 1942 Confiserie Bachmann is now in its third generation of family ownership. In addition to their chocolate, they also have a small selection of excellent baked goods. They are also the proud inventors of the infamous (and often imitated) Schoggiweggli, a sweet brioche-style bun with enormous chocolate chunks. Theirs is by far it is the best in town (I have done extensive research on this subject), which can be attributed to the excellent quality chocolate they use, which is produced in house.
Cake It Easy
(several locations)
Since 1898, Beschle has stood for high-quality confectionery and chocolate creations. They also have an incredible selection of baked goods and are known particularly for their decadent cakes and pastries. My favourite, which also makes a great dessert for a dinner party, is the Beschle Ring, infamous in Basel with layers of fluffy biscuit and pastry cream coated in crushed homemade almond brittle. Beschle is also a great option for a party and they have several 'Bento Box' options with an assortment of small sandwiches or pastries.
You Bread My Mind
(Zürcherstrasse 73, 4052 Basel and Dornacherstrasse 67, 4053 Basel)
Family run since 1945, Bäckerei Jetzer is a favourite for locals (and those in the know). They specialize in long-leavened doughs which rise in a cool place for up to 48 hours. This makes for an intense-tasting bread that is also more easily digestible. Bread is not their only specialty though and they have a number of delicious seasonal cakes and pastries including an enormous selection of Grätibänzen, a man-shaped brioche popular for the Christmas season. Enormous is perhaps an understatement as their largest Grätti weighs 2.3 kilos and is the size of a small child (literally).
(various locations)
Founded in 1911, Sutter Begg is best known in Basel for their bread in addition to their wide selection of pastries. They have a huge selection of bread and buns which changes by the season, as well as the day of the week, which means you always have a new reason to go back. One of the most popular is the Ackersegen bread, a whole meal bread perfect for sandwiches and toast, as well as the Feigenstange, a fruity bread with lots of figs, walnuts and sultanas that pairs perfectly with soft cheese.
(Blumenrain 32, 4001 Basel)
Bread.love keeps it simple with natural sourdough made from 100% organic wheat, folded by hand, matured for two days and brought to its culinary peak in the wood-fired oven. This is the bread for connoisseurs. Perfect for dipping or spreading, or as an excellent accompaniment to good food.
Donut Tempt Me
(Rheinsprung 4, 4051 Basel)
This tiny shop can fit two people inside max but don't let that deter you from their truly delicious donuts. They are Switzerland's first vegan and artisanal donut shop specializing in handmade, vegan brioche donuts, made from scratch. This shop prides itself on creativity and you will find an ever changing menu of seasonal flavours to try.
On a Roll
(Freie Str. 93, 4051 Basel)
A new addition to Basel, this German chain lives up to its hype (and long lines) with a delicious (and extensive) selection of cinnamon buns. They are careful not to make the bun itself too sweet which balances well with decadent toppings like red velvet, Oreo and apple pie that vary by season. My favourite, the relatively plain, but delicious, pistachio which sweet nuttiness is reminiscent of the über famous 'Dubai' chocolate that is trendy right now.
Flaking Out
(Elisabethenstrasse 39, 4051 Basel)
For gorgeous decadent croissants you can't get better than Le Croissant. This tiny shop is fairly new to Basel (only opening last year) but there is quite a hype surrounding them and if you don't get there early enough they may be sold out. It's takeout only, but with flavours like pistachio, Oreo, Kinder Bueno, as well as fresh seasonal fruit, these croissants are the perfect decadent addition to your afternoon coffee.
Bake It 'Till You Cake It
(Gerbergasse 79, 4001 Basel)
Yes this is the same maker of jams and other delicious spreads but the Basel shop also makes some amazing cupcakes (lucky us!). There are numerous decadent flavours to choose from which change monthly as well as vegan and gluten-free options. They have regular size cupcakes, but what is really the best choice is to get the mini size so you can justify eating 2 or 3 at a time to try all their amazing flavours. The cafe itself is very charming and afternoon high teas are also available where you can try all their pastries, cookies and bread.
That's How the Cookie Crumbles
(Andreasplatz 17, 4051 Basel)
Milo's Cookies is pretty new to Basel and after doing a few pop-ups, they now have a nice little cafe. These are some seriously thick and gooey cookies which come in both 'big' and 'mini' size. There is good ol' fashioned chocolate chip but also flavours like apple cinnamon and peanut caramel which change monthly (vegan options as well). Delivery is also available in Switzerland if you are looking to send a gift.
(Marktpl. 19, 4051 Basel)
The cafe and tea room at Confiserie Schiesser has been a family-run institution in Basel since 1870, making it the oldest coffee house in Switzerland. They are perhaps better known for their chocolates, but they also serve a small selection of baked goods, including the best Christmas cookies in town. Challenge me if you like but their selection of traditional Swiss cookies such as Zimtstern (cinnamon almond cookies), Mailanderli (butter cookies), and my favourite (though not everyone's) Brunsli (a spiced, chocolate almond cookie) are unsurpassed. Around Fasnacht they also serve some of the best Fastenwähe (a distinctly shaped buttery yeast bread with caraway seeds). They also have smaller versions of this that are a perfect addition to any apéro - buttery pastry crackers with salt and caraway that you will be hard-pressed to stop eating once you start.
(Klybeckstrasse 58, 4057 Basel)
I'm just going to say it. Enila has the best ice cream in town. But why are we talking about ice cream? Because the big-chunky-gooey cookies she puts in her delicious vegan ice cream are also available on their own Now that the winter season is upon us, you may not feel like ice cream, but don't forget about the cookies! She also has a decadent waffle brunch on the weekend.
I hope this article has you donning your elastic-waist sweatpants and going to try some of these delectable treats. After all salads can wait until January 😉. If we have missed any of your favourites, let us know in the comments.
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