With the fall season upon us, festive pastries inspired by Halloween and Day of the Dead are rising in popularity, delighting the senses. Halloween treats often feature spooky designs, like ghostly meringues, pumpkin-shaped cookies, and rich chocolate cupcakes topped with eerie fondant decorations. In contrast, Day of the Dead pastries celebrate life and remembrance, showcasing vibrant sugar skulls, pan de muerto (a sweet bread adorned with bone-like decorations), and colorful marigold-infused treats. Both themes bring warmth and creativity to the season, inviting friends and families to gather and indulge in these delectable delights, merging tradition with the joy of celebrating life and the spirit of the season.

San Antonio area businesses are offering specialized themed treats and specials/events. More details on each below. (Bakery Lorraine, Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Twang, La Panadería, 2024)

Bakery Lorraine – October 26 to 31
From October 26 to 31, Bakery Lorraine will feature a selection of Halloween-themed pastries, including the Ghost Tart (salted caramel and dark chocolate ganache with a white chocolate ghost), Mummy Tart (buttery lemon curd in a crisp shell with torched meringue), Voodoo Doll (gingerbread cookie dipped in dark chocolate), Candy Corn Macaron (orange and yellow macaron filled with vanilla honey buttercream), and Black Cat Tart (dark chocolate mousse with strawberry gelee, available only on October 30 & 31).

Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa – October 1 – October 31
Enjoy a variety of Spooky October treats at Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, including a Spa Face Mask Special available from October 1 to October 31. Guests can add a Specialized Treatment Mask to any service and receive an additional mask to take home for free. The add-on is only $40 and automatically applies when booking online.

Halloween-Themed Yoga Session – Sunday October 27
Celebrate the Fall spirit with a Halloween-themed yoga session on Sunday, October 27, at 11a.m. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in costume for a chance to win a complimentary Slow Beauty Pedicure. Participants will receive all-day access to the pool and fitness center, along with a guaranteed reservation at Corinne San Antonio. Admission is free, but RSVP is required via Eventbrite.

Twang
Celebrate Halloween with a Tex-Mex twist by enjoying Twang’s themed cocktail, the Bruja’s Brew, made with Twang’s Chile Lime Rimming Salt. The single serving of this drink includes 2 oz cinnamon liqueur, 3/4 oz pomegranate syrup, 3 oz apple cider, and is topped with champagne. For a group, try the punch recipe, which serves 16 oz cinnamon liqueur, 6 oz pomegranate syrup, 24 oz apple cider, plus one 750ml bottle of champagne. To finish it off right, rim each guest’s drink in Twang’s Chile Lime Rimming Salt for the ultimate touch to this spooky special. Recipe by Aaron Peña, Owner of Amor Eterno in San Antonio.

La Panadería
James Beard Nominated bakery and café, La Panadería, hailed for its authentic pan dulce, tortas and more, is thrilled to announce that the pre-orders for Pan de Muerto at all locations are now available online. Guests can honor the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos with La Panadería’s handcrafted Pan de Muerto, available to pick up between October 31 to November 3.

This year, there is a new pink rendition of the bread available in both family sized and mini options. Baby sized versions of both pink and regular Pan de Muerto will be available in-store at all locations – pre-ordering is not required.

Pan de Muerto Pre-order Details:
• Items/Cost:
Family size Regular Pan de Muerto – $25.00
Family size Pink Pan de Muerto – $27.50
Mini 6-pack Regular Pan de Muerto – $24.00
Mini 6-pack Pink Pan de Muerto – $26.00

• Pick-up Date(s):
Thursday, October 31
Friday, November 1
Saturday, November 2
Sunday, November 3

This beloved Mexican pastry symbolizes the connection between the living and the deceased, making it a meaningful addition to upcoming celebrations. Guests can also purchase the Pan de Muerto at San Antonio’s upcoming Muertos Fest at the end of the month (October 26 & 27).