Queen of Cakes Yule Log Cake in white sponge with strawberry mousse. Photos: Chris Emeott
Switch off the oven and indulge in desserts from local bakeries.
When the holiday season comes around each year, feelings of elation and joy fill the air. But it comes as no surprise that those same feelings can be accompanied by ones of stress. Whether hunting for the perfect gift or running between holiday events, the season is a whirlwind (more like a blizzard).
The solution for any hurried holiday fanatic, however, lies just a few steps inside one of the many delightful bakeries which call Edina home. Each of these locations offers respite from the frenzy of the season with delicious and delightful options to wow any guests. Leave the baking to them, and instead take time to soak in some of that fleeting holiday magic.
Cooks|Bellecour
Hazelnut Orange Mont Blanc Crêpe Cake
If you’re looking for something festive yet a little different from traditional cakes, this festive crêpe cake from Cooks|Bellecour might be perfect for your holiday menu. Layers of signature crêpes are separated with hazelnut orange pastry cream and topped with classic Mont Blanc-inspired piped ribbons of coffee cremeux, orange zest, nuts, a bit of gold leaf and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Pain Perdu with Crème Brûlée Batter
A tantalizing French toast take-and-bake option is drool worthy and absolute perfection for a busy morning of holiday activities or out-of-town company. The rich and luscious breakfast is made of croissant dough instead of brioche or pain du lait. It is soaked in an eggnog crème brûlée mixture, spiced with vanilla bean, nutmeg, orange and rum. Although simple to assemble, the decadent flavors will make you the hero of the holidays.
Both cakes are only available for preorder from November 24 to December 22 or until they sell out online at exploretock.com/cooks-bellecour-edina. Preordered items can be picked up from December 15 to 24.
Queen of Cakes
Yule Log Cake
A fan favorite since 2018, the Yule Log cake at Queen of Cakes takes on a polished, realistic appearance. If you are a chocolate devotee at heart, choose the chocolate sponge cake, filled with chocolate mousse and iced in chocolate buttercream. Those who prefer a lighter look can indulge in a white sponge cake, filled with strawberry mousse and iced in white buttercream. The Yule Log cakes are made fresh in store and are custom ordered.
Queen of Cakes Yule Log Cake in traditional chocolate.
Patisserie Margo
Panettone
This unique Christmas bread towers at 7–8 inches tall, but what Margo adds to the recipe is in-house candied lemon, orange and almond, finished in pearl sugar. The panettone is a meticulous recipe that from start to finish takes three days. Straight from the oven (which only holds 21 at a time), they are hung upside down to cool properly. They are only offered during the month of December, so get one (or two) now to be safe. And if somehow this treat doesn’t get devoured at your holiday event, prepare for the most decadent and mouth-watering French toast of your life.
Pistachio Blood Orange Torte
This is a unique and flavorful option from Patisserie Margo and is a long, rectangular cake, which is presented and prepared open sided. The beautifully layered colors hint at the varying levels of flavor, from the whipped cream-pistachio cake to the cranberry jelly and then to the blood orange cream. In addition, this torte lends itself to greatness at any event. The versatility allows one to serve like petit fours or in thin slices, depending on the size and satiability of the group.
Preorders for both items end December 16. While they will also be in store, they sell out quickly. The bakery recommends preordering to guarantee availability.
Rustica
Chocolate Peppermint Shortbread Cookie
One can never really go wrong with holiday cookies, but this recipe gives a sentimental nod to the traditional seasonal flavors. Inspired by hot chocolate and candy canes, the cookies are rich with peppermint extract, crushed candy canes and cocoa powder. Cacao Barry Extra Brute cocoa powder, however, is considered by top chefs as the best in the world. Made from West African beans, its spicy and woody notes give way for subtle flavors, and the high fat content creates an irresistibly smooth texture. Whether gifting or hosting, these cookies from Rustica are the perfect piece for your holiday menu.
Jerry’s Foods
Chocolate Peppermint Tart
A layer of truffle ganache is covered with dark chocolate peppermint mousse to make up this flavorful recipe. The combination of classic peppermint chocolate is a comfort to those seeking more traditional flavors, and the beauty and size of 9-inch tart opens the invitation for a group to gather and enjoy a slice together.
Jerry’s Foods Chocolate Peppermint Tart in holiday colors.
Cranberry Curd Tart
Consider this unique winter dessert that will wow your guests with its deep garnet color. This smooth and creamy curd is delightfully tart with a hint of vanilla and orange citrus for an ideal flavor balance that is sure to impress.
Wuollet Bakery
Princess Torte
Wuollet Bakery is known for many things, one of which is its Princess Torte. Traditionally green and ruby in color, this family favorite is made up of golden cake from scratch, boasts homemade raspberry jam, is covered in marzipan and sprinkled with sliced almonds.
Peanut Brittle
A staple of many households around the holidays, peanut brittle is a must-have but hard-to-find-the-right-recipe kind of item. Look no further than Wuollet, which uses real butter and sugar and a boatload of Spanish peanuts (the highest quality and best flavor). This thin, easy-to-eat brittle comes in a gorgeous gold box, filled to the brim with one pound of brittle to gift or keep. The delicacy is made only during the holiday season, so get it before it’s gone.
Cookie Boxes
Great for gifting, cookie boxes ship nationwide, and Wuollet’s usually fills 1,000 orders every holiday season. This option is only available via online ordering and by delivery. Get it there the next day with ground shipping.
Cooks|Bellecour
3934 Market St.; 952.285.1903
Jerry’s Foods
5125 Vernon Ave. S.; 952.929.2685
Patisserie Margo
4510 Valley View Road; 952.926.0548
Queen of Cakes
7027 Amundson Ave.; 952.942.7628
Rustica Bakery & Cafe
200 Southdale Center Suite A; 952.417.6199
Wuollet Bakery
3608 W. 50th St., Mpls.; 612.922.4341
