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The Pastry Queen: Royally Good Recipes from the Texas Hill Country's Rather Sweet Bakery & Cafe
The Best Little From-Scratch Bakery in Texas
The pastry case in Rebecca Rather's bakery in Fredericksburg is packed with ultra-buttery scones, luscious cakes, cookies the size of saucers, brownies as big as bricks, and fruit pies that look as though they came straight out of Grandma's oven. Since the day Rebecca and her Rather Sweet Bakery and Café came to town, life in this Hill Country hamlet has been even sweeter and the townsfolk now know why she is the Pastry Queen. Everything she makes is a lot like down-home yet grand, and familiar yet one-of-a-kind.
A native Texan, Rather makes the most of her Lone Star state's varied traditions, whether looking to the kitchens of Texas's Mexican and German immigrants or to the cowboy culture of her own forebears. Best of all, her recipes aren't fussy—one of her best-selling cakes stirs together in a single saucepan. Add in a cupful of Texas attitude and her made-from-scratch-with-love philosophy, and you've got an irresistible taste of American baking.
What's best at Rather Sweet? Rebecca's customers all have their favorites (and she is happy to cater to their cravings), but here's just a taste of the perennial best
• Apple-Smoked Bacon and Cheddar Scones
• Texas Big Hairs Lemon-Lime Tarts (the only big hair Rebecca has ever had!)
• Fourth of July Fried Pies
• Peach Queen Cake with Dulce de Leche Frosting
• Turbo-Charged Brownies with Praline Topping
• All-Sold-Out Chicken Pot Pies
• Kolaches (pillowy yeasted buns with sweet or savory fillings)
• PB&J Cookies
With over 125 surefire tested recipes and 100 photographs that richly capture small-town life in the Hill Country, The Pastry Queen offers a Texas-size serving of the royal splendor of Rebecca's baked goods—courtesy of the rather sweet gal behind the case.
The pastry case in Rebecca Rather's bakery in Fredericksburg is packed with ultra-buttery scones, luscious cakes, cookies the size of saucers, brownies as big as bricks, and fruit pies that look as though they came straight out of Grandma's oven. Since the day Rebecca and her Rather Sweet Bakery and Café came to town, life in this Hill Country hamlet has been even sweeter and the townsfolk now know why she is the Pastry Queen. Everything she makes is a lot like down-home yet grand, and familiar yet one-of-a-kind.
A native Texan, Rather makes the most of her Lone Star state's varied traditions, whether looking to the kitchens of Texas's Mexican and German immigrants or to the cowboy culture of her own forebears. Best of all, her recipes aren't fussy—one of her best-selling cakes stirs together in a single saucepan. Add in a cupful of Texas attitude and her made-from-scratch-with-love philosophy, and you've got an irresistible taste of American baking.
What's best at Rather Sweet? Rebecca's customers all have their favorites (and she is happy to cater to their cravings), but here's just a taste of the perennial best
• Apple-Smoked Bacon and Cheddar Scones
• Texas Big Hairs Lemon-Lime Tarts (the only big hair Rebecca has ever had!)
• Fourth of July Fried Pies
• Peach Queen Cake with Dulce de Leche Frosting
• Turbo-Charged Brownies with Praline Topping
• All-Sold-Out Chicken Pot Pies
• Kolaches (pillowy yeasted buns with sweet or savory fillings)
• PB&J Cookies
With over 125 surefire tested recipes and 100 photographs that richly capture small-town life in the Hill Country, The Pastry Queen offers a Texas-size serving of the royal splendor of Rebecca's baked goods—courtesy of the rather sweet gal behind the case.
226 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2004
24 people are currently reading
1637 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 22, 2025
Grabbed this book from the library looking for a lemon meringue pie/tart & boom it's on the cover yet I won't lie, I didn't make it. A lot of the recipes are good for the people who have the space & mouths to feed to make these types of baked goods. Some of the batches were way too many for me. They all sounded absolutely delcious so would recommend to anyone looking for unique pastries and baked goods with a lot of people to share with but for me, it doesn't fit my baking style of small portions.
November 9, 2012
The Southern Comfort Apple Pie recipe alone is worth the price of this book. The apples are first cooked in a creamy SoCo and cinnamon spiked caramel sauce before being piled in the crust, and then the whole thing is covered with pecan-studded streusel topping. It far surpasses any other apple pie I've ever made or tasted. The Texas Pecan Pie Bars were also really excellent.
Unfortunately, I've had issues with a couple of the other recipes I've tried. I actually found the Bacon & Cheddar Scones a bit bland, but I think they could be great with a bit of improvement - maybe some minced jalepeno or something for a little kick? Then, when I made the Bourbon Pumpkin Tart With Streusel Topping, all the crumbs of streusel sank to the bottom and mixed with the pumpkin custard, so the whole thing had a kind of weird half-crumbly half-creamy texture.
There are still a lot recipes in here I want to try, so hopefully I won't have any more disappointments!
Unfortunately, I've had issues with a couple of the other recipes I've tried. I actually found the Bacon & Cheddar Scones a bit bland, but I think they could be great with a bit of improvement - maybe some minced jalepeno or something for a little kick? Then, when I made the Bourbon Pumpkin Tart With Streusel Topping, all the crumbs of streusel sank to the bottom and mixed with the pumpkin custard, so the whole thing had a kind of weird half-crumbly half-creamy texture.
There are still a lot recipes in here I want to try, so hopefully I won't have any more disappointments!
March 8, 2008
I think I used to try to eat healthily; that was before I discovered this cookbook. Now it just seems like a waste when I could be making bacon-cheddar scones -- mmmmm, scones.
The Texas Big-Hairs and cakes are good show-off recipes when you're cooking for someone else, and scones and beer bread are delissssssshhhus self-indulgence.
The writing is exactly what it should be - clear and concise, and doesn't get in the way of the recipes.
I've never been to the Rather Sweet Bakery, but believe me - after trying the recipes, it's on my to-do list.
The Texas Big-Hairs and cakes are good show-off recipes when you're cooking for someone else, and scones and beer bread are delissssssshhhus self-indulgence.
The writing is exactly what it should be - clear and concise, and doesn't get in the way of the recipes.
I've never been to the Rather Sweet Bakery, but believe me - after trying the recipes, it's on my to-do list.
June 29, 2010
What a yummy book I got for Christmas! This book makes you want to make delicious fattening experiences for your mouth! The pictures look yummy (less fat, more fiber if you eat the picture!). Thanks, Rebecca! I still like eating at your place and letting you do the work and I can enjoy the yummies.
May 7, 2008
We have visited this bakery- and as bakery afficionados, I can honestly say it's one of the best we've ever over-indulged at. The cookbook is great too- lots of great recipes- and the photographs and layout are fantastic.
January 23, 2011
This is my go-to when I'm making luscious desserts for special occasions. Everyone thinks I'm a fabulous cook - but it's really this cookbook. The non-sweets included here are great too!
May 22, 2019
Love. With frosting.
November 24, 2012
Native Texan Rebecca Rather decided to move her Austin bakery to the delightful Hill Country town of Fredericksburg, and local legend Rather Sweet was born. A self-taught pastry chef, Rebecca baked her way through childhood and adolescence, decided that she had to find a "real" (non-food) job after college, eventually went into the catering business (where she burned out two Thermador ovens in her home kitchen), was an executive pastry chef for Tony Vallone in Houston, and found her greatest happiness having her own bakery.
Rather Sweet serves a full gamut of baked goods, from sweet and savory kolaches, giant Texas muffins, and scones at breakfast to hearty entrees such as All-Sold-Out Chicken Pot Pie, sandwiches and quesadillas. The Pastry Queen captures all of these Texas-influenced recipes in their down-home goodness, lovingly captured in mouthwatering photographs and atmospheric pictures taken at the Rather Sweet Bakery and Caf�. Each recipe is personalized with an introduction by Rebecca about the origins of the recipe, possible substitutions, or a favorite memory attached to the dish.
Many of the breakfast recipes for quick breads and muffins also give conversions for muffins (both regular and Texas-size). Several of the cakes do as well, which is perfect for birthdays and coworkers (it's less messy to bring in individually frosted cupcakes than fuss with cutting and serving a frosted cake!).
If you're a scone lover, prepare to be delighted. Rather includes standards such as Peach Jam scones and Chocolate Chip Scones, but also includes savory options such as Apple-Smoked Bacon and Cheddar. Muffin lovers will rejoice at the Essence of Orange and Whole Lemon muffins, and the Eddie's Autumn Pumpkin Bread and Fresh Ginger-Pear Quick Bread will wake up your taste buds in a flash!
Rather has also written The Pastry Queen Christmas: Big-hearted Holiday Entertaining, Texas Style, but there are plenty of seasonal recipes perfect for your next Thanksgiving celebration, such as the Autumn Pumpkin Quick Bread, Bourbon Pumpkin Tart with Streusel Topping, Cream-Filled Pumpkin Roll, and Larger-Than-Life Praline Cheesecake.
Texan cuisine also make an appearance, including Hill Country Peach Cobbler, Peach Queen Cake with Dulce De Leche Buttercream Frosting, Buttermilk Pecan Pie, Southern Comfort Apple Pie, Texas Tortilla Soup, Brie and Brisket Quesadillas, Gorditas, and Nuevo Texas Waldorf Salad.
Tex-Mex and Mexican influences abound in the divine Mexican Chocolate Fudge-Pecan Cake rich with cinnamon and vanilla, Dulce de Leche Arborio Rice Pudding, Muchas Leches Cake with Sugared Almonds, and Dulce de Leche Macaroons.
If you're looking for more traditional fare, there's Espresso Creme Brulee, Tiramisu with Homemade Ladyfingers, Mars Pies and Grasshopper Pie, but with the Texas-sized bounty of creative desserts, why not try something new?
The recipes are clearly laid out and easy to follow. Helpful tips are sprinkled throughout, along with ideas for presentation. There are some truly spectacular desserts here (sky-high meringues, Tuxedo Cake, etc.), but all are manageable for novice cooks.
Be warned: this is not a book for those thinking about going on a diet! The recipes are loaded with butter, cream, sugar, and other indulgences; in Rebecca's own words, "I don't do low-fat desserts. If I am going to eat dessert, I want it to be really, really sinful."
Rather Sweet serves a full gamut of baked goods, from sweet and savory kolaches, giant Texas muffins, and scones at breakfast to hearty entrees such as All-Sold-Out Chicken Pot Pie, sandwiches and quesadillas. The Pastry Queen captures all of these Texas-influenced recipes in their down-home goodness, lovingly captured in mouthwatering photographs and atmospheric pictures taken at the Rather Sweet Bakery and Caf�. Each recipe is personalized with an introduction by Rebecca about the origins of the recipe, possible substitutions, or a favorite memory attached to the dish.
Many of the breakfast recipes for quick breads and muffins also give conversions for muffins (both regular and Texas-size). Several of the cakes do as well, which is perfect for birthdays and coworkers (it's less messy to bring in individually frosted cupcakes than fuss with cutting and serving a frosted cake!).
If you're a scone lover, prepare to be delighted. Rather includes standards such as Peach Jam scones and Chocolate Chip Scones, but also includes savory options such as Apple-Smoked Bacon and Cheddar. Muffin lovers will rejoice at the Essence of Orange and Whole Lemon muffins, and the Eddie's Autumn Pumpkin Bread and Fresh Ginger-Pear Quick Bread will wake up your taste buds in a flash!
Rather has also written The Pastry Queen Christmas: Big-hearted Holiday Entertaining, Texas Style, but there are plenty of seasonal recipes perfect for your next Thanksgiving celebration, such as the Autumn Pumpkin Quick Bread, Bourbon Pumpkin Tart with Streusel Topping, Cream-Filled Pumpkin Roll, and Larger-Than-Life Praline Cheesecake.
Texan cuisine also make an appearance, including Hill Country Peach Cobbler, Peach Queen Cake with Dulce De Leche Buttercream Frosting, Buttermilk Pecan Pie, Southern Comfort Apple Pie, Texas Tortilla Soup, Brie and Brisket Quesadillas, Gorditas, and Nuevo Texas Waldorf Salad.
Tex-Mex and Mexican influences abound in the divine Mexican Chocolate Fudge-Pecan Cake rich with cinnamon and vanilla, Dulce de Leche Arborio Rice Pudding, Muchas Leches Cake with Sugared Almonds, and Dulce de Leche Macaroons.
If you're looking for more traditional fare, there's Espresso Creme Brulee, Tiramisu with Homemade Ladyfingers, Mars Pies and Grasshopper Pie, but with the Texas-sized bounty of creative desserts, why not try something new?
The recipes are clearly laid out and easy to follow. Helpful tips are sprinkled throughout, along with ideas for presentation. There are some truly spectacular desserts here (sky-high meringues, Tuxedo Cake, etc.), but all are manageable for novice cooks.
Be warned: this is not a book for those thinking about going on a diet! The recipes are loaded with butter, cream, sugar, and other indulgences; in Rebecca's own words, "I don't do low-fat desserts. If I am going to eat dessert, I want it to be really, really sinful."
March 20, 2013
Wow, if there is a 12 step program for butter Rebecca Rather & I need to sign up. This book is packed w/ some butter lovin' recipes. Clearly, they need to made as occasional treats & not staples...mmm, so tempting!
There were a couple of recipes, especially the cookies, I thought I could use for bake sales/fund raisers but in retrospect decided against it. The ingredients list was too pricey. Yes, any recipe can be adapted but why would you get this book only to turn around & modify it?
The recipes are good ol' Southern staples (or soon to be) that have been elevated to a royal level. I was agog at the "Big Hairs Lemon Tarts", looked like Guy Fieri modeled for them. Again, a standard recipe but w/ a Texas twist.
It has some great recipes in it & some I thought were clunkers. The photography is fun but I wish they'd been captioned. It's like flipping through somebody's pix & not knowing what you were looking at. The little anecdotes are fun too. Overall, it was an enjoyable book.
There were a couple of recipes, especially the cookies, I thought I could use for bake sales/fund raisers but in retrospect decided against it. The ingredients list was too pricey. Yes, any recipe can be adapted but why would you get this book only to turn around & modify it?
The recipes are good ol' Southern staples (or soon to be) that have been elevated to a royal level. I was agog at the "Big Hairs Lemon Tarts", looked like Guy Fieri modeled for them. Again, a standard recipe but w/ a Texas twist.
It has some great recipes in it & some I thought were clunkers. The photography is fun but I wish they'd been captioned. It's like flipping through somebody's pix & not knowing what you were looking at. The little anecdotes are fun too. Overall, it was an enjoyable book.
February 25, 2009
In a word, yum. When we went to the Hill Country a couple of weeks ago, we drove more than 100 miles out of our way to eat at Rebecca Rather's bakery, Rather Sweet in Fredericksburg. It was well worth the trip, and the calories, and I've spent the last few days devouring her book, making lists of recipes I need to try. Next week I'm ditching cub scouts to go to a dessert class she's teaching at Central Market, and we're actually making those luscious lemon beauties on the cover of the cookbook. I can't wait. I think I may officially be a groupie.
October 25, 2009
Made Cafe Chocolate Cherry Cookies for a party at work using dried rainier cherries I brought back from Seattle. They were pretty tasty if I do say so myself! There are a few more recipes I'd like to try.
April 14, 2015
Loved Rebecca Rather's cookbook. ...she has beautiful pictures of her food and the quaint town of Fredericksburg, Texas. If you love desserts check out this cookbook. The Texas Big Hairs Lemon-Lime Meringue Tarts are to die for.
May 14, 2007
i have a signed copy :)
February 24, 2008
Since this is a Texan cookbook, everything is big and fun. Love the Texas Big-Hair Lemon Lime Tarts - the meringue on those babies really does look like some Texan hairstyles.
October 17, 2010
Yummm! So many good things that I'd like to make! This will probably go on my "to buy" list.
December 4, 2011
Lots of yummy looking recipes. Now I want to go to Fredericksburg and visit her bakery.
June 7, 2012
A nice book for baking inspiration, and beautifully presented, however,my biggest disappointment is the lack of photographs of the recipes. I like to see what a finished "product" should look like.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews