As I work in the event industry, I travel to numerous different cities and towns in North Carolina, especially Durham and Raleigh. My daughters, Holly and Amanda, are the owners of Greenhouse Picker Sisters, a specialty rental and event styling company. Because we do a large amount of weddings and corporate events we are always on the road or “running the streets” as we call it. One of our favorite things to do after a crazy day of events is to google “cafes and bakeries near me” and pick one to visit which has really good reviews. We have found so many cool places to eat or “dine” at one of them being the Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Restaurant in Durham.
I absolutely love the Guglhupf Bakery and Cafe. The Guglhupf serves German cuisine and baked goods while using local and seasonal ingredients. The co-founder and owner of Guuglhupf’s, Claudia Kemmet- Cooper, grew up in Germany with an abundance of farmer’s markets featuring local food purveyors such as bakers, butchers, cheese shops, local farmers and green grocers. This allowed her to learn early on that food was so much more than just sustenance. Meal times were communal, and foods were carefully sought out and prepared by the women in her family. Her love for the comforts of the kitchen ultimately led to the establishment of the popular foodie destination Guglhupf Bakery & Cafe.
If you are looking to taste the best German pastries in this area, you have to check out the Guglhupf Bakery. The Guglhupf also has an outdoor dining area with a cafe which offers so many German selections and outstanding coffee. This outside area also allows for a safe covid dining experience.
These are a few of my families favorite bakery selections – the cream puff, coconut macaroons and the chocolate elephant ear. The cream puff is a sugar encrusted delicate flaky puff pastry squares filled with vanilla whipped cream. Literally it is like eating sweet air- so light and so good!
If you have never tried an elephant ear you are really missing out. An elephant ear, or as known in Germany as Schweineohren, is made from puff pastry with alternating layers of dough and butter, rolled and folded over to create possibly hundreds of flaky layers. The puff pastry is rolled out, coated with sugar, and then the two sides are rolled up together so that they meet in the middle and then usually it is rolled in sugar before baking. It is crispy and airy at the same time with little bits of sugar crystals in each bite. And to top it off they dip it in chocolate. I mean “really” can you make it any better. But oh no, they sure did.
We also purchased a loaf of bread on this visit which was a roasted tomato, cheese and Kalamata olive bread. By the end of a day of events you are literally exhausted, so why not pick up a loaf of really really good bread. Take the loaf home, slice it, layer it with prosciutto, brie and grilled artichoke hearts, put it in the toaster oven and you will swear you are eating a gourmet meal (or at least we did). This bread was so good.
I know you are thinking did she really eat all of these desserts. No I did not, but I did eat at least of bite of each. My girls and I, because we can never decide on a dessert, like to purchase several and divide them among us to try. That way we all can enjoy each one and vote on our favorite.
On a funny note, I had to take a picture of this piece of art hanging in the bathroom at the café. Can I just tell you I laughed out loud when I saw this. Maybe because I remember when the beauty salons had these dryers lined up against one wall and all the ladies would have a major gossip fest while waiting for their hair to dry.
So if you are in Durham and have some time to kill, or if you just want to take a ride to Durham, please stop by the Guglhupf Bakery and Cafe. You can either simply purchase pastries and breads from the bakery, or take the time to enjoy lunch in the café area. I promise you, you will love the many options.
