Tucked away on Olde Wadsworth Boulevard in Arvada, Colorado, Rheinlander Bakery has been winning hearts for over 60 years with its authentic European-style baked goods. This family-owned gem is famous for its irresistible cinnamon rolls, but once you step inside, you’ll quickly discover there’s so much more to love.
From flaky strudels to custom cakes and gluten-free treats, every visit feels like a warm, delicious adventure. Whether you’re a longtime local or just passing through, Rheinlander Bakery is the kind of place that keeps you coming back again and again.
The Legendary Cinnamon Rolls
Warm, pillowy, and dripping with sweet icing — Rheinlander Bakery’s cinnamon rolls are the stuff of breakfast dreams. Locals rave about them constantly, and once you take your first bite, you’ll completely understand why people plan their mornings around picking one up.
The dough is soft and perfectly layered, with just the right amount of cinnamon filling swirled inside. Each roll is generously sized, making it a satisfying treat whether you enjoy it with coffee or on its own.
Customers have described the cinnamon streusel roll variation as something their husbands absolutely devour. At around $6 per item, it’s an affordable indulgence that feels far more luxurious than the price suggests.
Trust the hype — these rolls are worth every single bite.
Flaky Cherry Strudel Worth Every Bite
One loyal customer put it best: “Cherry strudel — man oh man, you have to get it and taste it. Cherish every bite.” That kind of passion says everything about what Rheinlander Bakery has perfected over six decades of European baking tradition.
The strudel features a paper-thin, buttery pastry shell that shatters beautifully with each forkful. Inside, the cherry filling is rich, slightly tart, and deeply satisfying — nothing like the overly sweet versions you’d find at a grocery store.
Reviewers consistently call the strudel one of the standout items on the menu, even among people who’ve had mixed feelings about other pastries. If you only try one savory-sweet item during your visit, make it this one.
It’s a timeless classic done with genuine skill and care.
Almond Kringle: A Holiday Favorite
Around the holidays, one item flies off the shelves faster than almost anything else at Rheinlander Bakery — the Almond Kringle. One happy customer shared, “We’re enjoying the Almond Kringle — it’s absolutely heavenly.
It pairs perfectly with my coffee and eggnog.”
A Kringle is a traditional Scandinavian pastry made from buttery, layered dough filled with almond paste and topped with sweet icing and crunchy almonds. Rheinlander’s version stays true to that old-world recipe while delivering a freshness that keeps people ordering it year after year.
Even if you visit outside the holiday season, it’s worth asking if this beauty is available. The combination of nutty filling, flaky dough, and sweet glaze creates a flavor profile that feels both festive and comforting.
Pair it with a warm drink and you have an unbeatable afternoon treat.
Blueberry Lemon Strudel — A Bright, Tangy Twist
Forget everything you thought you knew about strudel — the blueberry lemon version at Rheinlander Bakery brings a bright, citrusy punch that makes it feel completely refreshing. One first-time visitor called it “premium” and insisted you slow down to taste every layer of flavor.
The tart lemon zest cuts through the sweetness of the blueberry filling in the most satisfying way. Wrapped in that signature flaky pastry shell, every bite offers a contrast of textures and tastes that keeps your palate genuinely excited.
This isn’t just a pastry — it’s a small moment of joy you can hold in your hand. It’s the kind of thing that makes a Tuesday morning feel a little more special.
At roughly $6, you’re getting a handcrafted experience that no chain coffee shop could ever replicate. Add it to your must-try list immediately.
Custom Cakes That Are Actually Stunning
Need a show-stopping cake for a special occasion? Rheinlander Bakery delivers custom creations that look as incredible as they taste.
One customer ordered a Monsters Inc.-themed birthday cake and gushed about the perfect colors and delicious carrot cake filling inside.
Another reviewer had a custom cake made for their birthday and described it as “so, so good,” adding that the bakery — now owned by Johnson and Wales culinary alumni — truly knows their craft. The attention to detail in the decorating is clear, with designs that feel thoughtful and personalized.
Whether you want a classic tiered design or something wildly creative, the team here works with you to bring your vision to life. Ordering in advance is recommended since these cakes are popular and take time to prepare properly.
When it arrives at your party, expect a lot of impressed reactions.
Gluten-Free Options Done the Right Way
For people with gluten sensitivities, finding a bakery that truly takes cross-contamination seriously can feel nearly impossible. Rheinlander Bakery stands out because their gluten-free items are prepared in a dedicated space, completely separate from regular baked goods.
Customers who rely on gluten-free options have been coming here for years, praising everything from gluten-free King Cake packed with cinnamon flavor to moist, flavorful carrot cake. One reviewer said the gluten-free King Cake was “so moist and flavorful” that they couldn’t wait to come back and try more.
The bakery also offers dairy-free selections, making it a welcoming spot for people with multiple dietary needs. It’s rare to find a European-style bakery that handles allergy accommodations with this level of care and consistency.
If you’ve been missing bakery-style treats, this place might just restore your faith completely.
Black Forest Cake Worth Celebrating
Some cakes are just dessert. The Black Forest cake at Rheinlander Bakery is an experience.
One birthday celebrant described it as “a moist, light cake with the perfect amount of cherry” that was also “beautifully decorated” — exactly what you want when the occasion calls for something memorable.
Rooted in classic German baking tradition, Black Forest cake layers airy chocolate sponge with fresh whipped cream and tart cherries in a way that feels both indulgent and surprisingly light. Rheinlander’s version honors that heritage without cutting corners on quality ingredients or presentation.
Whether you’re ordering it for a birthday, anniversary, or just because you deserve something spectacular, this cake delivers on every level. Call ahead to place your order since custom and specialty cakes tend to go quickly.
Once you’ve had a slice, store-bought cake will never feel the same again.
Chocolate Covered Truffle Brownie — Next Level Indulgence
“Other worldly” — that’s how one customer described the chocolate covered truffle brownie at Rheinlander Bakery, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with that assessment. When a baked good earns that kind of praise from a casual visitor, you know the kitchen is doing something special.
Imagine a dense, fudgy brownie wrapped in smooth, rich chocolate truffle coating that snaps just slightly before giving way to the soft center underneath. It’s the kind of treat that makes you stop mid-conversation and just focus on the flavor.
Priced affordably and available right in the display case, this brownie is an easy impulse addition to any visit. Pair it with one of Rheinlander’s coffees for a combination that feels like a proper dessert moment even on a weekday afternoon.
It’s small but mighty, and absolutely not to be skipped.
Biscotti That Keeps Visitors Coming Back
How good is the biscotti at Rheinlander Bakery? One visitor staying in Arvada for just three days ate six of them.
That’s not a typo — six biscotti in 72 hours. That level of dedication to a single bakery item speaks volumes about the quality being served here.
Biscotti is notoriously easy to get wrong — too hard, too bland, or too dry. Rheinlander’s version strikes the ideal balance: crisp enough to hold up when dipped in coffee, but flavorful enough to enjoy completely on its own.
Even longtime reviewers who felt the bakery had slipped in some areas still consistently praised the biscotti as a reliable standout. It’s a testament to the consistency and craftsmanship the team brings to every batch.
If you’re a biscotti lover, consider this your official invitation to come try the best version in the Denver metro area.
Jalapeno Turtle Pastry — Bold and Unexpected
Not everything at Rheinlander Bakery plays it safe — and that’s exactly why the Jalapeno Turtle pastry deserves serious attention. One adventurous customer tried both the regular and jalapeno versions, describing the caramel as “silky and buttery” with a spicy kick that made it genuinely memorable.
Combining the classic turtle flavor profile — caramel, pecan, and chocolate — with a subtle heat from jalapeno creates something unexpected and completely addictive. It’s the kind of flavor combo that sounds risky but lands perfectly in execution.
This is a great option for anyone who loves bold, creative pastries that go beyond the usual cinnamon and vanilla territory. The balance between sweet and spicy is carefully calibrated, so it never feels gimmicky.
At roughly $6, it’s a low-risk, high-reward experiment that most visitors end up wishing they had ordered two of.
Tiramisu-Style Pastry — Italian Flair Meets Colorado Charm
Rheinlander Bakery isn’t strictly German — its display case pulls from a wider European tradition, and the tiramisu-style pastry is proof of that delicious range. One customer who visited the day before Valentine’s Day called it a standout, praising its “delightful flavors, textures, and nice presentation.”
Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, this pastry brings together the rich, coffee-soaked essence of tiramisu in a format that’s easy to enjoy on the go. The mascarpone-style cream filling is light yet indulgent, and the cocoa dusting on top adds a sophisticated finishing touch.
What makes this pastry especially impressive is that Rheinlander refreshes their display throughout the day, so even if you arrive in the late afternoon, you’re likely to find fresh versions available. It’s the kind of detail that shows real commitment to quality from open to close every single day.
Old Town Arvada Location — A Charming Destination
Part of what makes Rheinlander Bakery so special is where it lives. Nestled in the charming Old Town Arvada neighborhood on Olde Wadsworth Boulevard, the bakery sits among quaint shops and coffee houses that give the whole area a warm, walkable feel.
Visitors who’ve stopped in while exploring the area — or even on the way to Denver International Airport — describe it as a hidden gem that rewards those willing to seek it out. The bakery has been part of this community for over 60 years, becoming a genuine local institution that newer spots simply can’t replicate.
Open seven days a week from 8 AM to 6 PM, it’s easy to fit a visit into almost any schedule. Parking is available nearby, and the staff is known for being patient and friendly even when the shop gets busy.
Come for the pastries, stay for the atmosphere.
Friendly Staff and a Welcoming Atmosphere
Walking into Rheinlander Bakery feels like being welcomed into someone’s home kitchen — if that kitchen happened to produce world-class pastries. Multiple reviewers highlight the staff as genuinely patient, helpful, and enthusiastic, especially when first-timers are overwhelmed by all the choices in the display case.
You can actually watch the bakers work their magic right behind the counter, which adds a layer of transparency and excitement to the whole experience. Knowing that what you’re buying was made fresh, by real hands, just a few feet away makes every bite taste even better.
The bakery also earns high marks for how it handles customer concerns, with the owner frequently responding to feedback and offering credits when something falls short. That level of accountability and genuine care for customers is rare.
With a 4.7-star rating from over 2,000 reviews, the love from the community says it all.