While an Australian Christmas is famously centred around seafood, barbecues, and cold ham, dessert is having a major moment in Newcastle this festive season. Local patissiers and bakers are rolling out stunning, handcrafted sweet creations perfect for gifting to loved ones or navigating the office Secret Santa.
Maison Augustine's French-Inspired Festive Collection
The star of the show is Charline Barre, the French pastry chef behind the home-based patisserie Maison Augustine in North Lambton. Her exquisite Christmas range, La Signature, sold out rapidly on Monday, December 1, but its artistry deserves recognition. Barre, formerly of Broadmeadow's French Faves, has designed a curated box of petits fours as a tasting experience.
Each piece is a work of art. The Coconut & Passionfruit Bauble brings a tropical vibe, while the Hazelnut Crown elevates a French childhood treat with crispy crepe bits and praline. For gluten-free options, the playful Red Berry Santa Hat and the zesty Lemon Snowflake Tart crowned with a gold-brushed chocolate snowflake are standout choices.
Other highlights include a Pistachio Yule Log, a Vanilla Blueberry Bauble with a surprise gel centre, a Pecan, Spices & Mango travel cake, a spiced Christmas Tarte Tatin, and a rich Black Forest Cake Entremet finished with a 'Merry Christmas' chocolate disc.
"Everything is handmade at home in small batches, with a focus on lightness, texture, and refined flavours that are never overly sweet," Barre explains, noting the French techniques that give her collection its unique character.
Where to Find Sweet Christmas Gifts in Newcastle
For those still seeking festive treats, several Newcastle bakeries and creators have delightful offerings available for order.
Doughheads Newcastle at The Junction has Christmas Dough-lights packs available until Christmas Eve. Each pack of 12 mini doughnuts features flavours like Weiss Bar Pavlova, Santa's Pudding with a gingerbread face, and Blueberry White Chocolate.
Cakeboi in Hamilton is bringing back Christmas classics. Owner Reece Hignell highlights their Vintage Cake, traditional Spiced Fruit Cake, gingerbread houses, and a vegan Summer Fruit Tingle Cake. "This range is all about bringing a bit of fun and nostalgia to your table," Hignell says.
Hello Naomi Specialty Cakes offers a stunning and cute range, including boxed Christmas Cookies, a Sugar Cookie Candy House, and custom-stamped Tree Cookies.
Cupcake Espresso locations in Adamstown, East Maitland, and Mayfield West have an extensive Christmas menu. The offering covers bite-sized treats, cupcake wreaths, cheesecakes, and DIY cookie or gingerbread house kits.
More Local Sweet Spots for the Festive Season
Additional Newcastle-area businesses with festive treats include:
- Spodeli in Wallsend: Making Rocky Road Christmas Wreaths and rum balls.
- Donarch Fine Chocolate: Offering Christmas Pops, Chocolate Trees, and Christmas Smash Balls.
- Katie Clifford (KT Bakes Cakes) in Cardiff: Selling bon bon cookies, Christmas cupcakes, a "paint-your-own cookie" kit, and festive family cookie packs. Orders opened on Monday, December 1.
The message from Newcastle's culinary creators is clear: plan ahead and order quickly. These handcrafted, festive sweets are in high demand and promise to add a deliciously memorable touch to Christmas celebrations and gift-giving this year.
