East Idaho Eats: Local baker preserving family tradition at Carstens’ Bakery

IDAHO FALLS — It’s in the way the flour is weighed, the dough is rolled and the frosting is spread. A local baker is following in his grandfather’s footsteps and preserving family tradition.

“My Grandpa’s got almost 60 years of experience in the bakery. He got his bakers license over in Germany when he was just a boy,” said Ben Borsik, manager of Carstens’ Bakery.

Owner Willi Carstens, 81, started Carstens’ Bakery in 1968. The bakery sits where it always has, on Cliff Street in Idaho Falls.

Carstens began learning how to bake when he was a teenager. He moved to the United States in 1955.

“I started when I was 16. I worked one year on the ranch for my sponsor. The rest of the time I spent in the bakery,” Carstens said.

The walls of the bakery are bright blue, and decorated with a collage of vintage photos. A glass case with red lederhosen made by Borsik’s great-grandfather also serves as decor.

“It’s a traditional place. To me it looks fantastic,” customer Teresa Torres said.

Many customers have said Carstens’ is one of the best bakeries in town, and that may be for good reason.

Carstens’ glass casings are filled with a choice selection of delicious baked goods, from fresh Danishes, to breads and donuts, to éclairs and cream cheese brownies.

“We use the real thing. We use a lot of butter. No imitation. That’s why we’re still here after 48 years,” Carstens said.

“My cream cheese brownies are a really popular item, I sell those in pans all the time,” Borsik said.

Other staples include Carstens’ raisin filled cookies or beehive cake.

“Our specialty is called beehive cake, (it is) made with brown sugar and honey with pudding inside, and whipped cream on top. We’ve been making them here for 48 years. Made them over in Germany too,” Carstens said.

Whenever one local visits she gets her favorite pastry item off the menu.

“One of my favorite things when I come to this place are these pig ears. They are wonderful. They’re so tasty,” customer Viodela Browning said.

Borsik said he is doing his best to learn all he can from his grandfather to make the special treats locals have enjoyed for years.

“I really love working down here with my grandpa,” Borsik said. “He’s been teaching me everything that he knows, and I’m going to continue on as best as I can for him.”