Basque Cake: The best places to taste it

Whether for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, Basque cake can be enjoyed at any time of day. A golden crust, a meltingly soft center, and a deliciously buttery pastry… Hooked? You soon will be !

The Basque Cake, a timeless story

It's hard to imagine Basque cuisine without this famous and renowned pastry ! And yet, the Basque cake hasn't always existed, as it only appeared in the markets of Cambo-les-Bains in 1830, under a different name: " bistotxak." Sold by Hirigoyen, a pastry chef nicknamed " the Basque woman with the cakes," it was an instant success and quickly became a favorite treat of Basque gourmands. Its origin? Legend has it that Hirigoyen inherited the recipe from her grandmother and passed it down to her daughters, who carefully preserved this precious and delicious secret.

Basque Cake: The secrets of an unmissable treat

What a pleasure it is to savor a slice of this pastry with its crisp, crumbly crust and soft, melting center, while the butter gently melts on the tongue… To achieve this delectable result, a few steps are necessary, namely the preparation of the recipe. According to the Eguzkia association, which protects the know-how and quality of this artisanal product, the true Basque cake is filled with pastry cream. However, there are variations where the Basque cake is made with cherries (AOP Itxassou, of course), almond cream, rum, lemon, vanilla … As you can see, there are Basque cakes for every taste and every palate.

Basque Cake, a pastry with an inimitable taste

Made with butter, eggs, sugar, and flour, the Basque cake is far from being confined to bakery shelves. In fact, a museum dedicated to it opens its doors in Sare, 30 minutes from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, offering a glimpse into the history of the Basque cake and its preparation. An emblem of the Basque Country, it is even celebrated at an annual festival in Cambo-les-Bains, organized by the Eguzkia association. Every first weekend of October, the brotherhoods gather and present their creations for a delicious tasting in a spirit of good cheer and conviviality. Don't miss the Basque Cake Festival – you're in for a treat!

The best Basque cakes to enjoy without delay

If you're looking for the best Basque cake in the Basque Country, here are a few ideas to find it. Get your taste buds ready, the tasting starts at:

• Aramendia Pasteleria, with its 100% natural creations, including its legendary Basque cake, which has become an unmissable culinary highlight in San Sebastián.
• Maison Adam offers Basque cakes in Saint-Jean-de-Luz with cream, cherry, chocolate and apricot/walnut.
• Franck Mendivé Chocolatier, who makes Basque cakes in Saint-Palais with cream, black cherry and vineyard peach.
• Maison Pommiers with a personalized, light and gourmet recipe with limited edition flavors.
• Maison Gastellou makes 100% natural, preservative-free Basque cakes with cherry and cream.
• Au Fournil de la Licorne cultivates the authenticity of a family and artisanal recipe.
• Erroa, a pastry shop where even the Basque cake is homemade, and with passion.

Don't hesitate to try them all, each pastry chef has their own technique and little secret touch that makes the Basque cake unique and authentic.

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