Porto's Bakery and Cafe, a beloved institution in the Los Angeles area, has been serving up delicious treats since 1963. Founded by Rosa Porto, the bakery has become a staple for those seeking authentic Cuban and European-style baked goods. With a wide variety of mouth-watering options to choose from, Porto's menu is a veritable paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. In this article, we'll delve into the best bakes Porto's has to offer, highlighting the most popular items and providing an in-depth look at what makes them so special.
A Brief History of Porto’s Bakery
Porto’s Bakery was founded by Rosa Porto, who immigrated to the United States from Cuba in the early 1960s. Bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in traditional Cuban baking, Rosa set out to create a bakery that would serve as a gathering place for the local community. Over the years, Porto’s has grown and expanded, with multiple locations throughout the Los Angeles area. Despite its growth, the bakery remains committed to using only the finest ingredients and adhering to traditional baking methods to create its delicious treats.
Traditional Cuban Bakes
Porto’s is perhaps best known for its traditional Cuban bakes, which include items such as tres leches cake, flan, and croquetas. The tres leches cake, in particular, is a standout, with its moist sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three types of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream). This decadent dessert is a must-try for anyone visiting Porto’s. Other popular Cuban bakes include the guava strudel, which combines the sweetness of guava with the flakiness of puff pastry, and the Cuban sandwich cookie, which features a delicate cookie exterior giving way to a rich, chocolatey filling.
| Bake | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tres Leches Cake | Moiist sponge cake soaked in three types of milk | $4.50/slice |
| Guava Strudel | Flaky puff pastry filled with sweet guava | $3.50/piece |
| Cuban Sandwich Cookie | Delicate cookie exterior with rich, chocolatey filling | $2.50/cookie |
European-Style Bakes
In addition to its traditional Cuban bakes, Porto’s also offers a wide variety of European-style treats, including danish pastry, croissants, and quiches. The bakery’s chocolate croissant is a particular standout, with its flaky, buttery pastry giving way to a rich, chocolatey center. Other popular European-style bakes include the fruit tart, which features a delicate pastry crust topped with a mixture of fresh fruits, and the cheese danish, which combines the creaminess of cheese with the flakiness of puff pastry.
Specialty Cakes
For those looking for a special treat, Porto’s offers a variety of specialty cakes, including birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and custom cakes. The bakery’s red velvet cake is a popular choice for special occasions, with its moist, flavorful cake and creamy frosting. Other specialty cakes include the carrot cake, which features a mixture of grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and cream cheese frosting, and the lemon cake, which combines the brightness of lemon with the richness of buttercream frosting.
- Red Velvet Cake: Moist, flavorful cake with creamy frosting
- Carrot Cake: Grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and cream cheese frosting
- Lemon Cake: Bright, citrusy flavor with rich buttercream frosting
What types of baked goods does Porto’s offer?
+Porto’s offers a wide variety of baked goods, including traditional Cuban bakes, European-style treats, and specialty cakes. Some popular items include tres leches cake, guava strudel, and chocolate croissants.
Can I customize my cake order?
+Yes, Porto’s offers custom cake orders for special occasions. Be sure to provide the bakery with at least 24 hours’ notice to ensure that your cake is prepared to your specifications.
Does Porto’s offer any gluten-free or vegan options?
+Yes, Porto’s offers a variety of gluten-free and vegan options, including gluten-free bread and pastries, as well as vegan cupcakes and cookies. Be sure to ask your server for more information on these options.
