There are plenty of bakeries in Northern California that are great for satisfying that sweet tooth when you get a craving, or for simply starting your day off on the right foot with a warm pastry and cup of coffee. However, there’s something extra special about the Eastern European-inspired bakery featured here. This beloved bakery has definitely made an impression in its community for serving up some amazing Russian and Hungarian pastries, and there’s definitely no other place like it in the state. Stop on by for a sweet taste of Europe that you’re bound to enjoy!
Tucked away on the crux of Adeline Street and Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley, Crixa Cakes is a wonderful little small-batch operation that consistently turns out the best European-inspired pastries that NorCal has to offer.
Crixa Cakes is perhaps most unique for its Central European focus, including traditional Russian and Hungarian pastries and dishes. The humble bakery makes it easy to indulge in delicious baked goods you normally wouldn't find around here, and that's definitely part of its charm.
You can't help but feel instantly at home upon walking into the quaint bakeshop. Crixa is everything you want out of a neighborhood bakery—it's warm, friendly, and perfectly serene.
However, the cozy atmosphere isn't the only thing this place has going for it. The baked goods are simply divine and they'll keep you coming back for more! Although the menu changes daily, you're pretty much guaranteed to love whatever is waiting for you inside of the bakery's glass case.
Among some of their specialities are the poppyseed rugelach (a flaky and tender Hungarian pastry with ground poppyseeds), fresh ginger cake (a moist and delicious favorite made from brewed tea and spices), and the apple cake (made from apple, walnuts, and cinnamon, but not too sweet.)
However, a must-try when you visit Crixa Cakes is definitely the almond cake with raspberry. These delicious little cakes are made fresh and served hot daily, but they tend to sell out quickly. Created with butter and marzipan and topped with housemate raspberry jam, these thing are simply heavenly!
Crixa has gained quite the loyal following over its years in the Berkeley community, and it's certainly well-deserved. See what the fuss is all about for yourself and stop by soon for a little slice of Central Europe.
Crixa Cakes is open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Address: 2748 Adeline St C, Berkeley, CA 94703
