What if the most interesting thing on your dinner table wasn't the main course?
We talk about wine with reverence. We celebrate artisan cheeses, savor fine chocolate, and appreciate a beautifully prepared meal. But bread? Too often, it's an afterthought.
A wonderful loaf can hold its own alongside any of them. Think of one of our crusty sourdough loaves, golden and crackling outside, tender and chewy within. Taste the toasted grain, a little nuttiness, perhaps a pleasant tang. Add aged cheese or peppery olive oil, and linger over a bite.
No reservations required!
At The Baker & The Cakemaker in Auburn, California, we make our artisan sourdough from scratch in small batches, baking fresh daily with organic flour and a living sourdough starter. It's bread made with care and meant to be savored.
Every Loaf Should Bring Something to the Table
Bread has personality, and discovering the differences is half the fun.
Our French Sourdough (Campagne) has a bold, earthy character that welcomes sharp cheddar, hearty soups, or a generous swipe of cultured butter.
A baguette is a study in contrast: crisp crust, delicate interior. Add a little Brie and a few slices of ripe pear, and you've got something special.
Then there are the more adventurous loaves.
Imagine our Meyer Lemon Rosemary sourdough paired with creamy goat cheese and fig jam. Or sourdough, toasted and topped with roasted garlic, sautéed mushrooms, fresh thyme, and Parmesan.
Artisan Sourdough: An Ancient Art With a Modern Appetite
For thousands of years, bread has been both a daily staple and an expression of culinary creativity. Across cultures, bakers developed distinctive loaves that became part of their communities' food traditions.
Here in our bakery, our living sourdough starter, nurtured for more than 16 years, connects us to that tradition. Thoughtful combinations of citrus, herbs, grains, and seeds bring fresh inspiration to an age-old craft.
What Artisan Means to Us
To us, artisan bread means the baker stays involved at every stage: working the dough, allowing time for fermentation, shaping each loaf, and knowing when it is ready for the oven. A recipe matters, but so do touch, patience, and experience. That is where the craft becomes an art.
A Customer Favorite, Recognized on the World Stage
Our Meyer Lemon Rosemary sourdough is our most popular loaf. Fresh Meyer lemon zest and rosemary bring bright citrus and fragrant herbs to our French sourdough—a combination our customers keep coming back for.
Our Meyer Lemon Rosemary sourdough earned second place in the Savory Sourdough category at the 2025 World Bread Awards USA. Held at the International Baking Industry Exposition in Las Vegas, the competition draws entries from around the world for blind tasting by baking industry experts. For our small bakery in Auburn, recognition on that stage means a great deal.
Our Meyer Lemon Rosemary sourdough — second place, Savory Sourdough, 2025 World Bread Awards USA.
Old-world roots. Fresh possibilities.
The Pleasure of Keeping It Simple
Good bread turns everyday ingredients into something worth savoring.
A few ideas to inspire your next meal:
A five-minute appetizer: Toasted sourdough with whipped ricotta, lemon zest, and a drizzle of honey.
A bistro-worthy lunch: A crusty baguette layered with Dijon mustard, cheese, and peppery arugula.
An effortless dinner: Thick slices of grilled country bread topped with white beans, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
A little something sweet: Warm toast with mascarpone, sliced strawberries, and a dusting of cinnamon.
From Our Auburn Bakery to Your Table
The next time you're planning dinner or entertaining friends, try beginning with the bread.
Bring a little of The Baker & The Cakemaker to your table. Visit our café at 1102 Lincoln Way in Auburn, California, or order online for delivery across the continental U.S. Start with our award-winning Meyer Lemon Rosemary sourdough, then try another loaf alongside it. You may find a new favorite.
Good bread isn't just part of the meal. Sometimes, it's the reason for it.
Explore Our Artisan Sourdough Breads
Bread as It Should Be™
