Old Post 2: Prantl's Bakery and the famous Burnt Almond Torte

At a traditional German-style bakery like Prantl's in Shadyside (or downtown), there are many choices to satisfy that sugar-love craving you might have. You can try classic cookies such as chocolate chip or peanut butter, morning pastries like a doughnut or cinnamon roll, or grab a loaf of zesty lemon pound cake.

Whatever your chosen sugary sweet is for the day, Prantl's is sure to have something to satisfy you. They have been in business for over 40 years and are a standard in Pittsburgh.

It wasn't until the 1970's though, that Prantl's began to serve its most famous item- the Burnt Almond Torte. In the midst of an unusual surplus of almonds, the Almond Board asked bakers to use more almonds in more creative ways. Henry Prantl, an original owner, traveled to California to learn and came back with an idea for a cake which he refined into the ever-delicious Burnt Almond Torte (curious about the difference between a cake and a torte? Try this link).

The recipe is hard to replicate. Other local bakeries have their own version of the Burnt Almond Torte, which are all quite delicious, but none are the same as Prantl's. It begins with a moist, soft, light layer of white cake. Nestled in the middle is creamy and flavorful custard. The custard is topped with another layer of white cake and covered in a delicious whipped cream. The final touch is the sugar-toasted almonds, with flecks of rock sugar sprinkled on top.

On the Sugar Love scale, the Prantl's Burnt Almond Torte scores a 5 overall. If the scale could write an ode to the torte, it might.

Today, you can venture to Shadyside, Downtown Pittsburgh, or just your home computer to get a Burnt Almond Torte. That's right- Prantl's ships the tortes nationwide. For just $25, Sugar Lover's of the Burnt Almond Torte can have one in just 2 days. Beware: the custard filling is a little different than the original so that it can be shipped without refrigeration, but don't worry too much-it tastes very much like the original.

Prantl's Burnt Almond Torte on the Sugar Love Scale:

Taste ♥♥♥♥♥ 5/5 Hearts

Texture ♥♥♥♥♥ 5/5 Hearts

Appearance ♥♥♥♥ 4/5 Hearts

Overall ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts!