There’s something magical about century-old dessert shops that have stood the test of time. These iconic establishments aren’t just bakeries – they’re living museums of sweetness, guardians of secret recipes, and purveyors of joy passed down through generations. For dessert lovers planning a gourmet pilgrimage, here are 5 historic sweet spots that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
1. Ladurée (Paris, France) – The Macaron Monarch
Established: 1862
Signature Treat: Double-Decker Macarons
What started as a simple bakery near Madeleine church became the birthplace of the modern macaron when Pierre Desfontaines first sandwiched ganache between two almond meringue cookies in the 1930s. The pastel-hued treats at this Louis XVI-style salon are so iconic they’ve spawned international cult followings.
Must-Try: The rose petal macaron – its delicate floral notes inspired by Marie Antoinette’s favorite perfume.
2. Café Sacher (Vienna, Austria) – Home of the Original Sachertorte
Established: 1876
Signature Treat: Sachertorte
The chocolate cake that launched a thousand imitations was created by 16-year-old Franz Sacher in 1832 for Prince Metternich. Today, the hotel’s secret recipe (with apricot jam between layers) remains locked in a safe. Each cake bears the official “Original Sacher-Torte” seal.
Pro Tip: Order it mit schlag (with whipped cream) like locals do.
3. Magnolia Bakery (New York, USA) – The Cupcake That Started a Craze
Established: 1996 (young but culturally significant)
Signature Treat: Banana Pudding & Red Velvet Cupcakes
This West Village hole-in-the-wall became a global phenomenon after appearing on “Sex and the City.” Their buttercream-frosted cupcakes sparked the 2000s cupcake boom, but regulars know the real star is the banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers.
Fun Fact: They use 15,000 bananas weekly just for pudding!
4. Demel (Vienna, Austria) – Imperial Confectioners
Established: 1786
Signature Treat: Anna Torte
As official purveyors to the Habsburg Court, Demel’s master bakers created extravagant desserts for Empress Sisi. Watch through glass as artisans hand-paint chocolates using techniques unchanged since the 1800s.
Don’t Miss: The violet-infused Kaiser Franz Joseph Torte, named for the emperor.
5. Maison Bertaux (London, UK) – Oldest French Patisserie in Britain
Established: 1871
Signature Treat: Éclairs & Mille-Feuille
Founded by Communard refugees fleeing Paris, this Soho institution still uses the original French baking methods. The charmingly mismatched china and handwritten menus add to its bohemian charm – it was a favorite of Sylvia Plath and Frank Kafka.
Local Secret: Ask for the “off-menu” raspberry frangipane tart.