Trying Pretty Pastries From Altadena Bakery

After seeing Altadena Bakery's beautiful fruit pastries all over my feed, I finally made the trip to Burbank to see if they lived up to the hype. And let me tell you, walking into this place, you immediately get that authentic bakery vibe. It’s huge, truly one of the biggest I’ve ever seen, and not just pastries – they even have a whole section for savory food and other treats like Ferrero Rochers! It feels like a real destination, not just a quick stop. My main mission, of course, was to dive into those famous fruit pastries. Each one rings in at about $10, which definitely sets expectations high. Here’s my personal breakdown of the ones I tried: First up, the Green Apple pastry. This was a standout for me! The crunchy green shell was unexpected and delightful, and the filling tasted like a gourmet version of blue Powerade – in the best way possible. It was refreshingly tart and vibrant. If you're looking for something unique and surprisingly delicious, this is a must-try. Next, the Coconut pastry. This one instantly transported me to a beach with the Beach Boys playing in the background. It genuinely tasted like a pina colada, creamy and tropical. If you love coconut flavors that aren't overly sweet, you'll be a fan. The Raspberry and Mango pastries were both very light in flavor. While the mango had a good, authentic essence, neither of them quite hit the same exciting notes as the apple or coconut for me. They were pleasant and pretty, perfect for a casual sweet craving, but perhaps not the showstoppers. I also tried the Hazelnut and Bananas pastries. The hazelnut was quite nutty, with a rich Nutella-like filling. If you’re a big fan of strong hazelnut, you’ll probably love it, but it was a bit intense for my palate. The banana pastry had a lovely cream and a nice crunchy shell with light sweetness. It could have used a touch more sweetness for my taste, but the texture was spot on. Beyond the fruit, I picked up a Nazuk, a Mediterranean pastry that’s like a sweet biscuit, reminiscent of a less dry scone. I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this! It wasn't too sweet and would be absolutely delicious paired with a hot coffee. This was a fantastic discovery outside of the fruit pastry lineup. Now, for a bit of a low point: the Mocha Iced Latte. Honestly, it tasted like something you’d grab from a gas station. My advice? Stick to the incredible pastries and maybe grab your coffee elsewhere. The bread classics, priced around $8, looked tempting, but I focused on the pastries for this visit. Comparing Altadena Bakery to Artelice, which I’ve always considered my number one, is tough. Altadena definitely offers an impressive variety and a grander, more immersive bakery experience. While Artelice still holds a special place for its specific specialties, Altadena's unique fruit pastry creations, especially the green apple, are truly memorable. The $10 price per pastry is a commitment, but for the experience and the quality of the standouts, I’d say it’s often worth it. It’s a great spot to explore if you’re in Burbank and craving beautiful, delicious, and sometimes surprisingly innovative sweet treats!