Christmas baking is serious business in Germany — and at Oh Happy Bake in Nanaimo, it's the time of year we look forward to most. Brigitte grew up near Nuremberg, the gingerbread capital of the world, and every December she brings those traditions to Vancouver Island. Here's what's on the menu this holiday season.
Elisenlebkuchen — the real German gingerbread
If you've never had a proper Elisenlebkuchen, you're missing one of Germany's greatest contributions to baking. These soft, naturally gluten-free gingerbreads are made with ground nuts, honey, and a warming blend of spices — completely different from the hard gingerbread cookies most people know. Ours are available in regular and vegan, and they're the real deal. Order yours here.
Pfeffernüsse — the spiced pepper nuts
Small, dense, and utterly addictive — Pfeffernüsse are a classic German Christmas cookie that most Canadians haven't encountered. Made with a blend of warm spices including white pepper, anise, and cardamom, they're dusted in icing sugar and impossible to eat just one of. Brigitte's recipe comes from years of perfecting them at Christmas markets across Vancouver Island.
Printen — the Aachen speciality
Printen are a softer, chewier style of gingerbread from the city of Aachen — completely different from Elisenlebkuchen and equally delicious. Rich, spiced, and deeply satisfying, they're the kind of thing you discover and then can't stop thinking about. Available in our holiday selection while supplies last.
Gingerbread Folks
A nod to the classic gingerbread man — our Gingerbread Folks are spiced, snappy, and decorated by hand. Perfect for gifting, advent calendars, or just having on hand through December. They also make a wonderful addition to a holiday hamper alongside a Cookie Club Subscription.
Order early — these sell out every year
Holiday baking is limited. We bake fresh to order and quantities are finite — so if you want to guarantee your order, don't leave it until December. We deliver across Nanaimo, Lantzville, Cedar, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach. Here's how to order — or get in touch if you're after a larger custom order for gifts or events.
