Thursday, May 31, 2012

Haegele's Bakery Still Making Washington Cake

Did you grow up in Philadelphia?
If you did, do you remember Washington Cake?

The Making of Washington Cake at Haegele's Bakery 
in Philadelphia PA

Richard Haegele adds molasses to the mixture

Washington Cake is a fond childhood memory 
for many Philadelphians. 

Richard Haegele adds flour to the mixture

Entering into a family owned bakery in Philadelphia, 
you could purchase 
a square of Washington Cake for a nickel. 

Freddy removes the beater from the batter.

Today, many of those small bakeries are gone, 
and along with them, Washington Cake. 

Freddy weighs and fills the pans with batter.

But not Haegele's Bakery! 

Glen Haegele evens up the batter.

Haegele's Bakery has been in business 
since 1930 when 
August and Helen Haegele 
opened shop. 


Today, the bakery is still in the family 
and operated by August and Helen's 
grandson, Glen, and his wife, Cheryl. 

Glen Haegele begins icing the cake.

Glen and Cheryl's children are often called in 
for an extra hand during the busy seasons. 
That makes the Haegele's Bakery
a fourth generation business! 

Glen Haegele prepares to decorate the cake.

When visiting the bakery, 
little has changed since the early days.  

Glen Haegele adds the decorative icing.

The oven, mixer, 
even the apple peeler 
are all vintage items still in use today.  

Adding a little pizzazz! 

When something breaks, 
Haegeles find a way to repair it 
instead of replacing it.


The finished product.

Cheryl Haegele packages an order of Washington Cake.
As soon as the tray was delivered to the bakery storefront, 
1/2 dozen squares were purchased. 

And they have been making 
Washington Cake through all these years. 

Here is the vintage apple peeler in use. 
It has nothing to do with Washington Cake. 
It is just cool!

So you if find yourself with a craving 
from your childhood, 
handmade just the way you remember it...
give Haegele's Bakery a call. 

Haegele's Bakery 
4164 Barnett Street
Philadelphia, PA 19135 
(215) 624-0117 

Open Tuesday thru Saturday.
Extended holiday hours. 
Call for hours.


6 comments:

Wayne said...

I've never heard of Washington cake, but if it has molasses, I'm in for a BIG piece. I love these trips to the bakery, it's so cool the shop is still open.

Heather said...

Becky, what a great display and awesome photography!!

~JarieLyn~ said...

I love how you weave the story. I've never heard of Washington cake either, probably because I'm not from Philly but it looks divine. Oh, and what a treat for the bakery that they have you to advertise for them. :)

Pauline said...

Not surprisingly, I haven't heard of Washington Cake either but it sure looks good! And I'm sure that piece in the third last shot had my name on it. Your photos tell part of the story, thanks for the history to complete it.

Anonymous said...

By far the best bakery in Philly. Everything here is just delicious!
bakery in brooklyn ny

Pride In Photos Beauty said...

Oh my...I have never tasted Washington cake...I know...where have I been☺ But after this post...I have to make it a priority to check this off the list.