5 South Australian bakeries that’ll make you drool

Posted 30 December, 2021 Jeremy Rochow

Chunky pieces of steak covered in rich gravy and encased in buttery pastry; vanilla custard topped with passionfruit icing; or a sweet bun bursting at the seams with cream and a hint of jam – we all have our bakery favourites.

And going by the response to our list of the best bakeries in SA, you – our readers – are passionate aficionados of everything from pies and pasties to beestings and banoffee.

Well, we’ve taken some of your comments on board and turned to RAA’s very own self-appointed bakery buffs to taste and rate some of SA’s best baked goods.

Without further ado, let me introduce you to Senior Traffic Engineer Matthew Vertudaches (AKA The pepper pie punter) and his trusty sidekick Traffic Engineer Paul Leone (AKA The lemon-tart lover).

1. Balhannah Bakery

Balhannah

A quick squiz at the Portuguese tarts and jelly cakes on Balhannah Bakery’s Insta account will leave you drooling like Homer Simpson.

You won’t be disappointed when you walk through the door of this Adelaide Hills bakery either, with dozens of tasty treats in the display case.

“Balhannah Bakery is my favourite stopover in the Adelaide Hills for lunch or quick treat,” Matt says.

“You won’t be disappointed by the amazing flavours and nice tender chunks of steak in their pies – the crust, and gravy to meat ratio are nearing perfection.

“The vanilla slice is also second to none, so grab one for dessert.”

Favourite pie: Chunky pepper steak

2. Yankalilla Bakery

Yankalilla

A favourite stop for people heading to Normanville, Carrickalinga or even Kangaroo Island, Yankalilla Bakery is always hustling and bustling with guests.

According to Paul, it’s because this Fleurieu establishment is the “ultimate all-round bakery”.

“Sweet and savoury, they have you sorted,” he says. “It’s an essential stop when travelling down south.”

From country-style quiches and good old-fashioned pies to vegan doughnuts, the Yankalilla Bakery will please even the fussiest bakery aficionado.

Favourite pie: Chunky pepper steak

3. Otto’s Bakehouse and Coffee Shop

Hahndorf

In the heart of Hahndorf, you’ll find more than just strudels and bee sting cakes at this bakery. The chunky beef, cheese and bacon pie lives up to its name, with large pieces of juicy steak and gravy crammed into a flaky pastry shell.

The vanilla slice is also a fan favourite. Buttery pastry is filled with rich vanilla custard and iced with fondant and chocolate.

If you’re looking for a custard tart, try Otto’s apple version of this much-loved pastry – you won’t be disappointed. A shortcrust pastry shell is filled with sweet apples and topped with a custard cream.

Favourite pie: Chunky beef, cheese and bacon

4. Beck’s Bakehouse

Port Noarlunga

If you’re looking for a chocolate doughnut that almost melts in your mouth, Beck’s Bakehouse is the bakery for you. Light as a feather, this pillow of deliciousness is topped with a sweet and sticky chocolate icing that’ll have you in a food coma for days.

Are you a bit of a Cookie Monster? Do you go nuts for Nutella? Well, make sure you try the Nutella choc chip cookies.

Don’t forget to balance out all those sweets with a bit of savoury. Beck’s Bakehouse has all your usual offerings, including Matt’s favourite – beef curry pie.

Favourite pie: Beef curry

5. Pie Time

Tea Tree Gully

It’s always a good time for a pie at this Tea Tree Gully Bakery. They have traditional beef pies as well as wackier varieties like breakfast pizza, slow-cooked lamb and rosemary, and pulled pork.

Located in the old Tea Tree Gully Police Station, Pie Time also serves a range of goodies, including tarts, cookies, croissants and cakes.

If you’re looking for a healthier lunch, Pie Time offers a range of sandwiches using their freshly baked rolls and focaccias.

Favourite pie: Chunky pepper steak