If you’re asking which Amsterdam cafes have the best pastries and baked goods in 2026, you’re not alone. The city’s bakery scene has evolved into a competitive landscape where artisanal skill meets Dutch tradition. Whether you crave a perfectly laminated croissant, a buttery stroopwafel, or a vegan pain au chocolat, Amsterdam’s cafes now offer a level of quality that rivals Paris and Copenhagen. This guide cuts through the noise to highlight the bakeries and cafes that truly excel—based on ingredient sourcing, technique, and customer buzz in 2026.
Table des matières:
What Defines a Great Pastry Cafe in 2026?
Before diving into specific names, it’s worth understanding what separates a good cafe from a great one. In 2026, the best Amsterdam cafes for pastries share several traits:
- From-scratch baking – They make their own dough, creams, and fillings daily.
- High-quality ingredients – Think French butter, organic flour, and local seasonal fruit.
- Skilled technique – Proper lamination for croissants, perfect crumb for cakes.
- Consistency – The same excellence every visit.
- Atmosphere – A place you want to linger, with good coffee to match.
Avoid cafes that serve reheated frozen pastries or rely on pre-mixes. The best spots will often have a visible baking area or a queue of locals.
Top Amsterdam Cafes for Pastries and Baked Goods in 2026
Here are the standout cafes and bakeries that consistently deliver exceptional baked goods this year.
Fort Negen – The Croissant Champion
Located in the Negen Straatjes district, Fort Negen has become synonymous with world-class viennoiserie. Their croissant is a study in butter and air: shatteringly crisp on the outside, honeycombed and tender within. The pain au chocolat uses single-origin chocolate batons, and the kouign-amann is a caramelized masterpiece. Arrive early—by 10 a.m., the best items are often gone.
Must-try: Plain croissant, almond croissant, kouign-amann.
Bakhuys – Dutch Classics, Perfected
Bakhuys in Amsterdam Oost is the place for traditional Dutch pastries executed with precision. Their appeltaart (Dutch apple pie) features a buttery crust and chunky, cinnamon-spiced apples. The gevulde speculaas—a spiced cookie filled with almond paste—is a holiday favorite but available year-round. They also bake excellent roggebrood (rye bread) and ontbijtkoek (spiced breakfast cake).
Must-try: Appeltaart, gevulde speculaas, butter cookie.
Hummingbird Bakery – American-Style Indulgence
For those who prefer towering layer cakes, cupcakes, and pies, Hummingbird Bakery in the Jordaan remains a top contender. Their red velvet cake is moist with a cream cheese frosting that’s neither too sweet nor too tangy. The key lime pie has a graham cracker crust and a bright, tart filling. Portions are generous, and the vibe is cozy.
Must-try: Red velvet cupcake, key lime pie, banana cream pie.
De Bakkerswinkel – Rustic and Organic
With multiple locations, De Bakkerswinkel focuses on organic, stone-ground flours and natural leavening. Their sourdough croissants have a subtle tang, and the cinnamon buns are gooey without being cloying. The quiche Lorraine is a savory standout, with a flaky crust and silky filling. This is a great spot for a leisurely breakfast or lunch.
Must-try: Sourdough croissant, cinnamon bun, quiche Lorraine.
Vegan Junk Food Bar – Plant-Based Pastries That Impress
Vegan options have come a long way, and Vegan Junk Food Bar in De Pijp proves that plant-based pastries can be just as indulgent. Their vegan croissants are buttery (thanks to coconut oil and margarine), and the chocolate chip cookies are chewy and rich. The banana bread is moist and packed with flavor. Even non-vegans will be satisfied.
Must-try: Vegan croissant, chocolate chip cookie, banana bread.
Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Bakeries
Beyond the well-known names, Amsterdam hides several bakeries that deserve attention.
Boulangerie du Coin – French Authenticity
Tucked away in Amsterdam Zuid, Boulangerie du Coin is run by a French baker who trained in Paris. The baguettes are crusty and chewy, the éclairs are filled with real vanilla custard, and the financiers are nutty and moist. This is a tiny shop with limited seating, but the quality is undeniable.
Must-try: Baguette, chocolate éclair, financier.
Brood & Spelen – Scandinavian Influence
In the Eastern Docklands, Brood & Spelen offers a Scandinavian twist on baked goods. Their cardamom buns are fragrant and soft, the rye bread is dense and hearty, and the semla (a Swedish cardamom bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream) is a seasonal treat. The minimalist decor matches the clean flavors.
Must-try: Cardamom bun, rye bread, semla (seasonal).
Pâtisserie Kuyt – Family Tradition
Pâtisserie Kuyt in the Pijp has been around since 1905, and it’s still family-run. Their banketstaaf (a Dutch Christmas log filled with almond paste) is legendary, and the moorkop (a cream puff topped with chocolate) is a local favorite. The shop feels like a time capsule, and the pastries are classic and reliable.
Must-try: Banketstaaf, moorkop, apple turnover.
How to Choose the Right Cafe for Your Cravings
Not all pastry cravings are the same. Use this quick guide to match your mood with the best cafe:
| Craving | Best Cafe | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buttery, flaky croissant | Fort Negen | Best lamination in the city |
| Dutch apple pie | Bakhuys | Traditional recipe, perfect texture |
| Decadent layer cake | Hummingbird Bakery | Generous portions, balanced sweetness |
| Organic, sourdough options | De Bakkerswinkel | Stone-ground flours, natural leavening |
| Vegan pastries | Vegan Junk Food Bar | Plant-based but indulgent |
| French classics | Boulangerie du Coin | Authentic, Paris-trained baker |
| Scandinavian buns | Brood & Spelen | Cardamom, rye, minimalist style |
| Traditional Dutch treats | Pâtisserie Kuyt | Family recipes since 1905 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pastry-Hunting in Amsterdam
Even seasoned visitors make these errors. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Showing up too late. The best pastries sell out by mid-morning. Aim for 8–9 a.m. for the freshest selection.
- Ignoring the coffee. A great pastry deserves a great coffee. Cafes like Fort Negen and De Bakkerswinkel serve excellent espresso.
- Sticking to tourist hubs. The best bakeries are often a 10-minute walk from the main squares. Explore neighborhoods like De Pijp, Oost, and Zuid.
- Overlooking savory options. Many cafes also excel at quiches, sandwiches, and breads. Don’t skip them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Amsterdam cafe has the best croissant in 2026?
Fort Negen is widely considered the best for croissants. Their lamination technique and use of French butter create an exceptionally flaky and buttery pastry.
Are there vegan-friendly pastry cafes in Amsterdam?
Yes, Vegan Junk Food Bar in De Pijp specializes in plant-based pastries that rival traditional ones. De Bakkerswinkel also offers some vegan options.
What is the most popular Dutch pastry I should try?
Appeltaart (Dutch apple pie) is a must. Bakhuys serves one of the best versions. Also try gevulde speculaas and stroopwafels from fresh street stalls.
Do these cafes offer gluten-free pastries?
Most traditional bakeries focus on wheat-based goods. However, some cafes like De Bakkerswinkel occasionally have gluten-free options. Call ahead to confirm.
Can I order pastries online for delivery?
Several cafes offer delivery via local platforms. Fort Negen and Bakhuys have online ordering for pickup or delivery within Amsterdam.
What is the best time to visit these cafes to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. are usually quiet. Weekends can be busy, especially at Fort Negen and Hummingbird Bakery.
Final Thoughts on Amsterdam’s Pastry Scene in 2026
Amsterdam’s cafe culture continues to thrive, and the best pastries and baked goods in 2026 reflect a city that values quality, tradition, and innovation. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring these bakeries is a delicious way to experience the city. Start with Fort Negen for croissants, Bakhuys for Dutch classics, and Vegan Junk Food Bar for plant-based treats. Each offers something unique, and together they represent the best of what Amsterdam has to offer. So next time you’re wondering which Amsterdam cafes have the best pastries and baked goods in 2026, you now have a curated list to guide your cravings. Happy tasting!
Photo by Sávio Félix on Unsplash
Great list! I’m curious about vegan options. Are there any Amsterdam cafes in 2026 that specialize in vegan pastries that are actually flaky and buttery, not dense?
Great question! While the article focuses on top overall cafes, several spots now excel in vegan viennoiserie. For example, Vegan Junk Food Bar has upped its pastry game, and some locations of De Bakkerswinkel offer vegan croissants. Fort Negen occasionally does a vegan kouign-amann. For reliably flaky vegan options, check out specialized bakeries like Pluk or the vegan branch of Beter & Leuk. Always call ahead to confirm availability.
I appreciate the emphasis on from-scratch baking. I’ve been disappointed by cafes that claim ‘artisanal’ but serve reheated frozen goods. How can I spot the real deal when visiting Amsterdam?
Excellent point! Look for visible baking areas or ovens—if you see bakers at work, that’s a strong sign. Also, note the queue: locals lining up early for fresh batches is a reliable indicator. Check if the cafe lists their suppliers (e.g., ‘French butter,’ ‘organic flour’) on the menu or website. Finally, avoid places where pastries are displayed under heat lamps for hours; real bakeries rotate batches throughout the day.