Spotlight on El Centenario: La Pastelería

“What can I bring?” It’s the standard question we all ask when invited to a friend’s home for dinner. If the answer is “dessert,” those of us who don’t love to bake may groan inwardly and wonder what we can pick up at the store that will pass muster.

Well, we have a better suggestion: stop by La Pastelería in El Centenario, and pick up one of proprietor Nayeli Diaz’s gorgeously decorated and delicious desserts. Your only challenge will be to decide which of her stunning cakes to choose. From tall and decadent Oreo, Milky Way or Snickers cakes decorated with their namesake cookies and candy on top, to her rich, moist carrot cakes (a local favorite), tres leches and banana cakes, we can pretty much guarantee these edible works of art will be a hit with your hosts!

Located on Transpeninsular Highway 1 in El Centenario, La Pastelería is a hidden gem that is quickly gaining a reputation with local residents for its beautiful cakes. The shop’s desserts, which also include pies, loaves, cupcakes, flans, gelatinas, puddings and more, are all lovingly created by El Centenario native Nayeli, who has been making desserts for her clients for years, long before she opened La Pastelería. She’s a talented baker, a creative decorator and a lovely person.

On a recent visit, the shop’s selection included apple pies, a Bubulubu cake (made with a much-loved Mexican chocolate bar…yum!), banana loaves, gelatins (made with cream cheese) and rice pudding. Nayeli also makes delicious chocolate flan, tapioca, seed bread, fruit pies, and her always gluten-free corn cakes. In fact, you can order many of Nayeli’s cakes gluten-free, and she even has a few desserts available for followers of the Keto diet.

If you want something extra special, Nayeli’s cakes can be custom ordered in advance in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, flavors and themes. She will be happy to show you photos of her creations, or you can bring in a photo or an idea for her to work with. For example, she can turn a Snickers cake into a pirate ship, or create a giant bloom of strawberries on a cream-covered Oreo cake. Some of the fancier cakes may require a few days’ notice, so it’s always a good idea to stop in and chat with her in advance.

We’ve shown a few examples of La Pastelería selections here, but be sure to check out the photos on Nayeli’s Facebook page for more inspiration.

Even if you haven’t been asked to bring dessert, stop in at La Pastelería to check out Nayeli’s amazing creations. After all, in the La Paz summer heat, turning on a hot oven at home is overrated.

Fern Corraini is a veteran traveler and explorer who moved to La Paz from Canada fourteen years ago and is happy to call Mexico home. In addition to her international travels, Fern has been an English teacher in Canada and Guadalajara, a customs officer, a beekeeper, a sandblaster, a travel rep in the Dominican Republic and a motel owner. When she’s not busy keeping Baja Life Realty organized as our administrator, Fern loves to cycle, visit the beach and spend time with her two rescue cats. She loves La Paz and firmly believes that the taco is the perfect food.

Next time you’re invited to “bring dessert,” stop by this sweet shop and impress your hosts with a beautifully decorated and delicious cake.