Naples: Make your own babà from scratch, taste it, and take it home

Discovering the Sweet Side of Naples: Making and Tasting Babà with Pasticceria Anna

If you’re looking for a way to truly connect with Naples beyond just sightseeing, this “Make Your Own Babà” experience is a wonderful choice. It’s an intimate, two-hour journey into the heart of Neapolitan pastry craftsmanship that combines learning, tasting, and a bit of family-style warmth. While it’s not a full-fledged cooking class, it offers a genuine peek into the tradition, with the added bonus of taking home your own handmade babà.

What really stands out are the personalized approach—you’re not just watching a demonstration but actively participating—and the authentic family-run vibe. Plus, the chance to take home a freshly made babà means you’ll remember your trip in a delicious way long after you leave Naples. On the flip side, it’s a fairly short experience, which might not satisfy those seeking a more comprehensive culinary course. If you’re someone who appreciates hands-on, local experiences that go beyond the usual tourist fare, this tour could be just right.

This experience probably suits food lovers eager to understand Neapolitan sweets, travelers who enjoy making things themselves, or those who want a meaningful, tasty souvenir. It’s also perfect if you’re curious about the craft behind Naples’ favorite dessert but don’t want a full-day class. Keep in mind, it’s a small group, so you’ll get personalized attention, which makes for a more relaxed and engaging time.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Focuses on real Neapolitan traditions, not just a generic cooking class.
• Hands-on activity: You’ll actively participate in making the babà from scratch.
• Cultural insight: Learn the secrets that families pass down in Naples.
• Tasting and takeaway: Enjoy your own creation, plus a chance to soak some babà at home.
• Small group setting: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personal attention.
• Convenient location: Close to Piazza Amedeo, easy to reach.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Naples Babà Experience

A Taste of Tradition and Craftsmanship

This tour offers more than just a cooking lesson. It’s a carefully curated experience that blends history, craftsmanship, and a touch of innovation. The team at Pasticceria Anna works as a family, and they’re eager to pass down secrets that aren’t written in books—think of it as learning from a pastry-obsessed family member. Their passion shines through, making this more than just a step-by-step guide; it’s about sharing a piece of Naples’ sweet soul.

Step-by-Step Making of Babà

You’ll begin by creating the preferment, a crucial step that sets the stage for a perfect babà. Watching the master pastry chef handle the dough, knead it with care, and explain each move makes all the difference. We loved the way the chef shared insights while demonstrating, which made the process accessible even if you’re new to baking.

Once the dough is ready, you’ll help butter the molds “the old-fashioned way,” and then see how the professionals do it with modern techniques. Filling the molds with dough and waiting for the second leavening is a quiet moment, but not without anticipation. As the dough rests, you’ll get a break with some traditional Neapolitan coffee—a little local touch that makes the experience even more genuine.

Baking and Soaking: The Heart of the Babà

The aroma of freshly baked babà is irresistible, and watching them come out of the oven is almost as satisfying as tasting them. The soaking part is a highlight—here, everyone gets to try soaking their own babà, making it soft and flavorful. It’s a tactile, messy, delicious process that produces a dessert you can really be proud of.

Take Your Creation Home

The best part? You’ll leave with some of the babà you made, wrapped and ready to soak at home. This means you can relive the experience long after the class ends, as you enjoy your own homemade babà, perhaps with a cup of coffee, just like in Naples.

The Overall Atmosphere

The small group size (limited to 10 people) creates a relaxed environment where questions are encouraged, and everyone can participate. The hosts are friendly and passionate, making the entire two hours feel warm and genuine. Plus, the location near Piazza Amedeo means it’s easy to include this experience as part of a day exploring Naples.

Analyzing the Value

At its core, this experience offers a personalized, hands-on glimpse into Neapolitan pastry tradition. While it doesn’t cover the entire history of babà or the broader pastry scene, it makes up for that with direct involvement and intimate storytelling. The price seems fair given the small group size, the skill level of the pastry chef, and the takeaway—your very own babà.

It’s perfect for those who want to learn a skill, taste authentic flavors, or bring home a handmade souvenir. If you’re traveling solo, it’s a friendly way to meet others, and if you’re with a partner or friends, it’s a cozy, engaging activity.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love culinary experiences that are personal and hands-on, then this class is a solid choice. It’s especially well-suited for foodies wanting to learn a traditional Neapolitan craft in a relaxed, family-run setting. Those seeking a quick, meaningful activity that ends with a delicious gift will find this a worthwhile addition to their Naples itinerary.

However, if you’re after a more comprehensive cooking course or a broad culinary tour, you might find this a bit limited in scope. It’s also worth noting that the experience is relatively short—just two hours—so if you’re looking for a deep dive into Naples’ pastry scene, you may want to combine it with other experiences.

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FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
It’s generally geared toward adults or older teens who can participate actively in the making process, but it’s not explicitly tailored for children. It depends on their interest and ability to handle the activity.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility makes it easier to plan your trip without worry.

Do I need to have baking experience?
Not at all. The class is designed for all levels, from beginners to those with some baking knowledge. The step-by-step guidance makes it accessible.

Will I get to eat the babà I make?
Absolutely. You’ll taste your own creation during the class, and some will be wrapped up for you to soak at home later.

Are there vegan or gluten-free options?
The tour description doesn’t specify special dietary options. If you have specific needs, it’s best to contact the provider directly beforehand.

How physically demanding is the class?
It’s mostly kneading, buttering molds, and soaking—moderately active but not strenuous. Comfort in handling dough is all that’s needed.

What should I wear?
Aprons are provided, so just wear comfortable clothes that can get a bit floury or sticky.

Is the location easy to reach?
Yes, it’s just a short walk from Piazza Amedeo, near the TAM theater, making it easy to incorporate into your day.

How many people usually attend?
Limited to 10 participants, so it’s intimate and allows for plenty of personal attention.

Will I learn about the history of babà?
The focus is more on the craft and techniques, but the hosts do share authentic stories passed down through the family.

All in all, this experience offers a genuine slice of Naples’ pastry traditions, perfect for those who want to get their hands dirty, learn something new, and walk away with a delicious souvenir. It’s a charming, friendly activity that balances learning and enjoying, wrapped in the warmth of a family-run bakery. If you’re after an authentic, manageable, and tasty memory of Naples, this could be just the thing.

You can check availability for your dates here: