Yalaha German Bakery - Best Kept Secret in Central Florida

The Yalaha Bakery store opened up in 1995. I have lived here for nearly 23 years in the Orlando area. It was only about 4 years ago that I learned about Yalaha Bakery which is located in a town called Yalaha about 45 minutes northwest of Orlando. Yalaha Bakery is an authentic German Bakery that will give any Florida tourist or resident a taste of what true quality European baked goods taste like -homemade pastries and breads to die for.

I originally come from Chicago, Illinois which is known for their wonderful European bakeries. My husband and I lived in Germany for three years. When we moved down to Orlando in 1985, finding a good bakery was something we missed. European baked goods are not as sweet as American baked goods. There is less sugar used, allowing the natural flavor of the specific baked item to emerge through.

The one problem with Yalaha is people who know about it; seem to be there all the time, creating a long line of anticipation. During the spring time through the summer, it stays like this on Saturdays. One reason is they also have live musical entertainment outside in their garden where they serve homemade bratwursts and sauerkraut. You can even purchase their homemade German luncheon meats and brats. However, this to die for feeling you get from Yalaha comes from inside the bakery.

Inside you will find a variety of quality healthy breads. They use an old-fashioned baking technique, applying quality and detail that has rewarded them well, in many articles in newspapers and magazines. In addition to their breads, they have a variety of Tortes - Swiss Truffle, Black Forest, Dark & White Chocolate Mousse, Amaretto Raspberry Buttercream, Hazelnut Praline, Linzer Cheese Fruit Cakes and the list goes on.

In addition to their tortes and cakes, they have a variety of pastries that will make you go "oooh, ahh" when you see them. Please beware of this list below; you could gain five pounds after you read this.

Their pastries consist of: Key Lime or Fruit Tarts, Chocolate Eclairs, Napoleons, Chocolate Tarts, Cannoli, German Apple Pie, Pecan Squares, Opera Mocha, Cheese with Cherry or Apple Squares, a variety of cookies and danish...Ok, I'll stop. Otherwise, I think you might have to go on the biggest loser diet.

The owner came from the romantic medieval town of Schwabisch Hall in Germany and you can feel the influence once you step inside the building. The bakery building is recognized immediately with its German architectural charm and murals painted on the buildings.

They do have an online store, however it is just to order their German stolens which is a traditional German spice cake made with either fruit or marzipan.

Yalaha Bakery is located on 8210 Country Road 48 in Yalaha, Florida. They are open from Monday- Saturday from 7am - 5pm. Saturdays are the most crowded from spring to summer. It's best to get there early before 10am. When you see the buses come in, don't' worry, just run out of your car and grab a number ticket. And even with the big crowds you may see, everyone is so friendly, the time waiting goes quickly. One bit of advice - if you wish to stay and listen to the music outside, bring a chair. You will not be disappointed if you visit the Yalaha Bakery.