6 Traditional Alsatian Desserts to Eat in Strasbourg

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From buttery brioche cakes to spiced gingerbread and seasonal fruit tarts, these are the traditional Alsatian desserts worth seeking out in Strasbourg.

Strasbourg may be best known for its charming half-timbered houses and world-famous Christmas markets, but the Alsatian capital has a culinary heritage that extends well beyond tarte flambée and choucroute.

Located along the French-German border, the region takes inspiration from both countries, with its own delicious collection of cakes, pastries, and sweet treats.

While you’ll come upon plenty of classic French pâtisseries throughout Strasbourg, I always recommend trying some of the local desserts, too. After all, one of the best parts of traveling through France is discovering the different foods each region is known for. And if you have a sweet tooth like me, Alsace certainly won’t disappoint.

Here are 6 essential Alsatian desserts to try in Strasbourg, along with the best places to find them.

1. Kougelhopf

Perhaps the most recognizable Alsatian pastry, kougelhopf (also spelled kouglof or gugelhupf) is a traditional brioche cake baked in a special circular mold.

It’s soft, airy, and not too sweet, despite its cake-like appearance. In fact, it’s just as popular for breakfast or an afternoon snack as it is for dessert.

Normally made with raisins and almonds, kougelhopf can also be found in other delicious variations. One of my personal favorites is the chocolate chip version from La Maison du Kougelhopf, which is well worth trying if you’re not a fan of raisins.

You’ll spot the ceramic kougelhopf molds in shops throughout Strasbourg, especially at the Christmas markets. Alongside the stork and the bretzel, they’re another major symbol of Alsace.

Kougelhopf is available year-round at bakeries and pâtisseries across the city. I’d recommend picking up a freshly baked one from a local boulangerie to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

And if you find yourself falling in love with kougelhopf, make a stop at Saint Sépulcre for its kougelhopf-inspired ice cream with “Marc de Gewurztraminer”. Now that’s a real way to indulge!

Where to Eat Kougelhopf:

Pâtisserie Buhler (La Maison du Kougelhopf), 11 Rue du Dôme, 67000 Strasbourg
Pâtisserie Christian, 12 Rue de l’Outre, 67000 Strasbourg

2. Bredele

If you’re visiting Strasbourg during Christmastime, bredele are an absolute must-try.

These Alsatian Christmas cookies come in all sorts of shapes, flavors, and varieties, from buttery shortbread and cinnamon stars to almond biscuits, anise cookies, and jam-filled treats.

Baking bredele is a big part of the festive season in Alsace. Families traditionally spend the weeks leading up to Christmas making large assortments to share with friends and relatives. Often using recipes passed down through generations.

Luckily, you don’t need to know someone who makes them. During November and December, you’ll come across them easily at Strasbourg’s Christmas markets, bakeries, and specialty shops.

One of my favorite places to buy them is Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie, which specializes in Alsatian biscuits and other regional sweets. They have several boutiques in Strasbourg and throughout Alsace. You can usually sample a few varieties before deciding which ones to take home.

Bredele also makes wonderful souvenirs from Strasbourg. Every time I travel back to the US, I pick up a few bags for my family. Spoiler: they never seem to last very long!

Where to Eat Bredele: Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie, 16 Rue du Dôme, 67000 Strasbourg

3. Gingerbread

Another Alsatian classic, pain d’épices is a fragrant gingerbread made with honey and a blend of spices including cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and anise.

Unlike the heart-shaped gingerbread cookies you’ll see around the holiday markets, Alsatian pain d’épices is a dense, moist loaf that’s then cut and served in slices.

It’s especially popular around Christmas, although you can find it throughout the year in certain shops.

If you’re going to try it anywhere, I’d recommend you visit Mireille Oster, a local favorite known for its artisanal pain d’épices. They also do lovely seasonal variations if you aren’t visiting Strasbourg in the winter and other small treats with local flavors.

The packaging is also so pretty (the perfect gift or souvenir to bring home from your trip).

Where to Eat Gingerbread: Mireille Oster, 14 Rue des Dentelles, 67000 Strasbourg.

4. Tarte au Fromage Blanc (Alsatian Cheesecake)

If you love cheesecake (and who doesn’t?), you’ll definitely want to try tarte au fromage blanc, the traditional Alsatian version. Made with fromage blanc (a fresh, lightly tangy cheese), this classic tart has a delicate, airy filling and a pastry crust.

It’s quite different from the dense, creamier cheesecakes we’re used to in the US. The Alsatian one is fluffier, less rich, and has a more subtle sweetness.

I’m a big fan of New York-style cheesecake, but honestly I think Alsace wins here. It’s not necessarily lower in calories, but it feels much less heavy after a meal.

You’ll find tarte au fromage blanc at plenty of bakeries, pâtisseries, and tea rooms throughout Strasbourg. Keep in mind that it’s typically served plain (not with fruit toppings) or with a little dusting of powdered sugar.

Where to Eat Tarte au Fromage Blanc:

Tonton Gâteau, 1 Rue des Bouchers, 67000 Strasbourg.
Salon de Thé Grand’Rue, 80 Grand’Rue, 67000 Strasbourg

5. Tarte aux Myrtilles (Blueberry Tart)

Alsace and the neighboring Vosges Mountains are known for their abundance of seasonal fruits, particularly berries and plums. One of my favorites is tarte aux myrtilles, a classic blueberry tart made with a buttery pastry crust and a generous layer of blueberries.

The berries soften as they bake, creating a juicy, almost jam-like filling that pairs perfectly with the crisp pastry. Miam! It’s a simple dessert, but when the fruit is in season, it doesn’t need much else.

Summer is the best time to try it, when blueberries are at their peak. Keep an eye out for them in bakeries and pâtisseries around Strasbourg.

Depending on the time of year, you might also find tarte aux quetsches (made with purple plums) or tarte aux mirabelles that features the small golden plums that are popular in northeastern France. Both are a must-try if you’re visiting toward the end of summer or in early autumn.

Where to Eat Tarte aux Myrtilles:

Maison Naegel, 9 Rue des Orfèvres, 67000 Strasbourg
Le Thé des Muses, 19 Rue Sainte-Barbe, 67000 Strasbourg

6. Mannele

Every December, Strasbourg’s bakeries fill their windows with adorable little brioche figures known as mannele, or mannala in parts of Alsace. Soft and lightly sweetened, these pastries are traditionally prepared for Saint Nicholas Day on December 6 (an important holiday in Alsace).

Shaped like little people, they’re often decorated with raisins or chocolate chips and typically dunked into a cup of hot chocolate. Double the indulgence!

Although they’re technically more of a sweet bread than a dessert (and even less sweet than kougelhopf), mannele are a big part of the Alsatian holiday season.

If you’re visiting Strasbourg in late November or December, you’ll find them at almost every bakery. I’d recommend picking one up for breakfast before heading out to explore the Christmas markets. And if you have time to sit down with a coffee or chocolat chaud, even better!

Where to Eat Mannele: