A Taste of Tradition - The Best Bakery in Idaho Nestled in the heart of Idaho Falls there exists a culinary gem that embodies the essence of old-world charm and authentic German baking. This quaint bakery, often whispered about among locals and raved about by visitors, is, without a doubt, the best in Idaho. Stepping through its doors feels like entering a warm embrace--a welcoming atmosphere that beckons you to linger, indulge, and savor every bite of its exquisite offerings. A Welcoming Slice of Europe The moment you step inside, you're transported to a cozy, old-world European bakery. The décor is simple yet charming, with rustic shelves lined with an assortment of fresh-baked goods. The smell of warm bread, sweet pastries, and rich chocolate fills the air, wrapping you in comfort. The friendly staff behind the counter greet you with genuine smiles and warm hellos, making you feel like an old friend rather than just another customer. There's a hum of conversation, and laughter.It's a place where time seems to slow down, inviting you to pause and appreciate the little things. read more

Delish homemade items support local vendors . Really nice selection. Quiet Thanks. read more

I always get the chocolate croissant, but they go fast. They have other croissants that I need to try. Need to get there early, or call in and reserve what you want beforehand. It's a small hole in the wall bakery that's about 30 years old or more. The staff has always been friendly when I've been there. read more

Great selection and tasty at affordable prices. Very quick to serve and casual setting inside. It's a breath or fresh air to not have to pay over $2.00 dollars for one donut and have a better quality. I have one request no one bakery that I've seen so far in Idaho Falls makes a tiger tail doughnut shown on the photo. Please discover this for your customers. read more

Carstens' Bakery - Tiger tail doughnut request - Bakeries Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

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Everything is great, we head there for great danishes and baked goods. Everyone is always kind there.

Literally the best donut I've ever tasted. It was a raspberry jelly that was not too sweet, perfectly puffy, like a cloud of goodness.

A major move in 2021 to Idaho Falls gives me the ability to explore new businesses. It is exciting for me to be able to review these offerings on Yelp. I usually don't frequent bakeries. But this was rated so highly, and I was always seeing people come and go, so I gave it a try. I was greeted warmly and given time to just peruse the selections. When I asked a question I've wondered about for years, "What is fruitcake made from?" I was given a good answer. It seemed each offering was tempting, but what finally got my full attention was a white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookie. My next question was: "Do you have coffee?" The answer was yes, but we don't have anything fancy. Well, that was the answer for me. I told him I wanted this cookie and a black coffee. Of course I wanted to devour it right then. It was so tempting. But alas they don't have seating, so I found my car and moved it so as to allow others to park closer. Then I sat and devoured my cookie. It was even better than I imagined, and my imagination is very good. GRIN If you like bakeries, this is one to try. They have a nice selection and their coffee is good & fresh. They do serve fresh cream and sugar if you don't like it unadulterated. As I'm writing this review I'm almost certain I'm going to return to buy a fruitcake. The cookie was go good, their fruitcake has to be amazing. read more

Carstens' Bakery - White chocolate chip macadamia nut cookie. - Bakeries Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

Bought cookies for clients and they were very pleased! The staff was very friendly at bakery and I appreciated taking care of a large order on short notice! Highly recommend! read more

This place is such a great bakery. I've been coming here forever and no matter the changes over the years it's ALWAYS amazing. The beehive cake and the mini "hives" are so good. A light cake with cream inside and carmelized almonds on top. Definitely unique. Definitely amazing. You've got try it. When I want to surprise work with some donuts I don't want the crummy choices we have in town. I always try to get the homemade donuts here. They're a bit more money than grocery store frozen dough donuts but they're so worth it. Give this place a try and support this local shop! read more

My favorite bakery. Have been eating these tasty treats since I was a little girl. They are just as lovely now. I love the feel of the store and the fantastic offerings. The donuts, danishes, raisin cookies, pie, rolls, all of it! Thank you for maintaining such a great atmosphere and product. Outlaw man! We salute you!! read more

Discovered Carstens Bakery in downtown Idaho Falls and after 25 years of searching and asking atleast a 100 or more "GERMAN BAKERIES" if they could bake a bread called Brochen that I was introduced to while on active duty with the U.S. Army stationed in Germany! So when I ask the Baker here if he knew how to bake it he said yes! So I ordered 2 dozen and I wasn't holding my breath. When I picked them up the next day and took them home I was blown away! They took be back in time to 1985. Amazing, simply amazing! Also their pastries are to die for! Give it a try! You wo t be disappointed! read more

Carstens' Bakery - German Brochen! Brezs to die for! - Bakeries Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

Carsten's is a cute baked good shop near downtown Idaho Falls. I've visited on multiple occasions and have almost always been pleased. My favorite item to purchase from here is easily their pies. I have yet to try one that didn't make my day delightful. They also make excellent pastries, especially when compared to the heavier and wetter "pastries" of some other places in town. The only reason I subtract a star is for their doughnuts. To me, they're somewhat bland compared with other places in town. There was nothing inspired or even particularly unique about them that would distinguish them from a box at Albertsons. Also, the interior could use a bit of a pic-me-up, as the current paint scheme eats quite a bit of the room's light and leaves it feeling a bit smaller than it actually is. TLDR: Pies and pastries are the best in town, doughnuts are sub-par. If you're looking for a pie to take home to the family, or a light and fluffy croissant to start your morning, I would recommend you visit ASAP. read more

Love the chocolate croissants! I was disappointed with the cookies and sandwich bread loaf. Both were dry and crumbled a lot when eating, my Turkey club sandwich fells apart because the bread crumbled apart half way thru due to the thickness the slices were cut. I will return for those chocolate croissants tho hands down! read more

Just on a whim, not from the area but, not only did I enjoy a chat with Grandpa Carsten and his grandson, but the fare was outrageous in taste and uniqueness. Opted for a peach Danish and a raspberry Danish, both melted in the mouth delicious. I arrived just as some items were being removed from the oven, which allowed me to stroll around the shop and get a family history in photos and newspaper articles. Even if you're not from Idaho Falls make the detour off the freeway for a fantastic experience. If you are from the area, then make Carstens a regular stop. read more

I've been coming here since I was five or so years old. I now live in Wyoming and have my wife that didn't know about it until about 7 years ago driving directly there as a first stop every time we head to Idaho. It makes me happy that it's still delicious and family ran. Everything they have is amazing. Along with their story. Love this little place. read more

On a whim dropped into Carsten's for a little something sweet for later in the day. While traveling, my husband and I love to visit local bakeries as we do not have any good options in our home town. Late in the morning so selection not expansive but grabbed a few fruit and cheese croissants, apple turnover, glazed & twist doughnut. Friendly prompt service is always a plus! Left and took a little walk by the river front. For me, the glazed was just average but the twist my husband got was very good. Just how I like my doughnuts, not too sweet with lovely texture (a little chew if you know what I mean). He kindly shared and we just had to go back for another. Upon returning we noticed some added bars ready for consumption and we purchased another twist and a maple bar. OMG!!! Never had a maple bar that was filled with some kind of buttercream? It was divine! Rivals the absolute best maple bars we have had ever..no joke. Are they huge? No. Are they super sweet? Nope. They are almost melt in your mouth, slightly crisp on the outside and pillowy soft inside. Just a smear of maple icing and they are craveable. I wanted to go back a third time and load up! The twist was better the second time around and we have finally found a worthy doughnut place in the inland NW, anywhere outside CA really. Making quality doughnuts now a days seems like a lost art or something. Nobody really does it right. For us, Carstens gets these absolutely right. We have yet to try the other items purchased but regardless Carstens will be a must stop for us anytime we are passing by Idaho Falls. read more

Love the almond ring. The pastries are excellent too. They make a low gluten cake ( not gluten free) that is not the prettiest in presentation but goodin taste, reminiscent of a homemade cake from years ago.Always great service as well. read more

Cutest family owned bakery. I loved the flakiness of the apple turnover and the freshly fried donut was to die for. I will definitely be back! read more

The greatest brownies the world has ever known are created here. (cream cheese frosting on top with melted chocolate)

Another quality visit to my good friend Ben and Willy to pick up some treats. I can honestly say, I have never had anything from here that disappointed me, my family enjoys coming here, and we love supporting local. If you are wanting to have some donuts, pastries, bread, sandwiches, potato salad, or are in need of some amazing cakes or pies, this is your place! Go get some tasty treats, and as a reminder, they are open Tuesday-Saturday until 5. read more

I Love there eclairs . I Love atmosphere . Prompt service . And friendly staff ! Great Prices !

Amazingly delicious! Stopped on our cross country trip. Enjoyed an apple strudel and almond Pastery. Small shop with wonderful baked items!!!! Worth the stop! read more

Yum. Hole in the wall little place, but they make the goods. Twist was yum. Maple bar was yum. Blueberry and cream cheese danish was yum. Strawberry and cream cheese danish was yum. Apple turnover was yum. Definitely worth the visit. read more

I have passed Carsten's a few times on my way home from the library and finally decided to take a chance and try it out. It is a tiny little hole-in-the-wall bakery and I think they are in the process of sprucing it up(?) because there were sign pieces and general detritus on the display case when we went in. It had the potential to be charming, though. We grabbed a few things to try on the recommendation of the man behind the counter (the grandson of the owner). The apple-spice cake doughnuts were SO good. I have never had ones with that balance of spice before, and they had the perfect amount of crunch around the middle. The icing, too, was just delicious. The sticky bun was not sticky, and not terribly sweet either. The topping was good, but the bun itself tasted like bread with cinnamon on it. I think an extra dousing of sticky-bun syrup would have fixed it, though. The danish was delicious (we tried the almond but I am sure they would have all been that good). We also bought a pie which we have not yet eaten, but I did try the crust and it was so good! Definitely worth stopping in, though I would suggest earlier rather than later in the day. read more

Best fresh homemade from scratch donuts and pastries you can ever imagine!!! Incredible

We are from Champaign, Illinois stumbled upon this little gem on our way through Idaho Falls. The huckleberry donuts were decadent. The gentleman working was very friendly and also recommended their specialty, glazed donuts, which were equally as good! They were soft and fresh and very reasonably priced. If you are in the area ~ or even if you have to go a bit out of your way ~ it is well worth the stop! read more

This is the best bakery in Idaho Falls! They have amazing danishes but you better get there early in the morning or they will be all gone!

Very nice bakery. Had breakfast here with very good prices. It was only $10 for all for of us. Idaho falls has that small town feel and I'd recommend coming here over a Starbucks. read more

Carstens' Bakery - Carsten's bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

This place is awesome. I've already reviewed a couple bakeries around town, in my search to find a good place to satisfy my sweet tooth from time to time, this place is it. I heard about this place randomly from someone and never would have known it was so close to where I'm staying. It's a little hole in the wall place that is family owners and operated. Everything is baked fresh daily. I came in with the intent just to try a couple things and ended up leaving with a box that was nearly bursting at the seams full of at least 1 of everything that they had. The pasties were so good that I nearly managed to finish a whole box in a day and I'm usually pretty sparing with the amount of sweets I eat. I'm already itching to go back and get more. Side note, some of the best eclairs I've ever had are from here. read more

Enjoyed their twist donuts this morning! They are light and delicious donut selection is low but it is a small business.

If your looking for old fashioned handmade baked goods this is the place for you. Not only is it the oldest bakery in Idaho Falls but Willi , the baker, has been baking professionally for over 60 years. This is a family owned establishment and a local business. And don't worry they're not your typical bakery there is always something different for those of you who are tired of the treats you find in a commercial bakery. For those who like sticking to the basics don't worry they've got you covered too! Danishes, cookies, eclairs, creamhorns, and cakes. Something for everyone! But remember to get in early. They are a fresh baked everyday bakery and sell out fast! read more

Carstens' Bakery - After the recent renovation. - Bakeries Near Me - Idaho Falls, Idaho

Friendly and professional customer service! Delicious cake made to perfection! Will be returning for more celebration cakes. Thank you for being such a wonderful, locally owned business! read more

This is what a twist doughnut should taste like! Get there early and they will still be warm for you:) Delivered 1 doz and a half to my co-workers today and they all said these are the best doughnuts in town:) You can't go wrong with the twist's! read more

Excellent donuts and great service. It is a small place, so not always the greatest variety, but great quality and taste. The owner has been here forever and you can tell he really loves what he does and takes great pride in his work. read more

Small bakery, old time feel, great prices, great pastries, who could ask for more!!

Delicious everything! Small shop that holds a lot of goodness. We love the fruit bars with molasses. And you can't beat their price on bread. read more

Pretty delicious bakery. Stumbled upon it by accident, but very happy we did! Fantastic maple bars!!!

Love this place! Old school traditional good flavors and not a bunch is syrupy sweet crap. Love the rum cake, yum! Wedding cakes are fresh, tasty, and with real butter cream frosting. read more