Frequently Asked Questions
What is a babka?
Traditionally, babka is a braided loaf of enriched dough typically filled with a sweet filling, most commonly sugar and cinnamon or chocolate spread, originating with the Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. Think brioche, but slightly different.
In recent times, it has become more popular and comes in a greater variety of shapes and flavors, although chocolate is still the most common.
Where is Saphta located? Where do I pick up my order?
Saphta is located in San Rafael, CA, in the Mont Marin neighborhood. The exact pickup address will be provided when you place your order.
Which ingredients are used in your bakes?
We use the highest quality ingredients available, with no artificial flavors. The products may include gluten (primarily wheat flour), eggs, and dairy (primarily butter) and sometimes nuts, as well.
I have an allergy or sensitivity. Can I request changes to the ingredients?
Unfortunately, no. We cannot accommodate modifications to any product. In addition, our kitchen is not nut or allergen free. We cannot guarantee that our products do not come in contact with nuts or any other known allergens.
What's Halva?
Halva is a traditional Middle Eastern sweet that is typically made with tahini paste and honey or sugar. Tahini is made from sesame seeds to form a paste. The base flavor of halva is sesame, but other flavors can be added, such as chocolate, vanilla and more. Sometimes nuts or seeds are also mixed in for added crunch.
How do I store the babka and reheat it?
Babkas are great when freshly baked, but are just as wonderful when frozen and then reheated properly.
If you do not consume the whole babka on the day you receive it (why not?), you can leave it in its box on the counter overnight, or freeze it, properly wrapped, for up to 3 months. We suggest pre-slicing it before freezing, if you intend to enjoy it in several sittings.
Do not put the babka in the refrigerator, it’ll just dry out.
To reheat a whole babka, pre-heat your oven to 350ºF and bake for several minutes. If you reheat from frozen, bake for 10-15 minutes. If you defrost the babka first (recommended) and bring it to room temperature (or if you left the babka on the counter overnight), bake your babka for 3-5 minutes.
If you only want to refresh one slice, bake it for 1-2 minutes and enjoy!
Reheating times may vary depending on your individual oven.
You can also zap a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you can't wait to have it with your morning coffee :)
How do I place an order?
Navigate to the Shop page and select the babka you wish to order. Add the babka to your cart then continue through the checkout process.
Note that orders have to be made at least 2 days in advance, since enriched dough needs time to properly rise and rest before filling and baking.
If you need to place a last minute order, please contact Saphta to see what we can do.
I’m having trouble ordering via the website. What should I do?
Please contact Saphta via our online form.
You can also email orders@saphta.com or call 415-323-0602, Tuesday - Friday 10am - 6pm for assistance.
Website orders have to be made at least 2 days in advance. If you would like to place a last minute order please contact Saphta and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Can I cancel my order?
Generally, no. Bakbas are made with enriched dough that requires time and patience for the yeast to do its work and bake the best babka you’ve ever had.
If you have a unique situation, please contact Saphta at least 24 hours before your pickup or delivery day and we will do our best to accommodate you.
I forgot to pick up my order, or I was unable to, at the specified time. What happens to my order?
If you did not pick up your order by the end of your pickup day, your babka(s) will be wrapped and frozen whole. You may arrange a new pickup time by contacting Saphta. If you did not contact us within 3 days of your original pickup day to arrange a new pickup, your order will be donated.
When can I pick up my order?
Order pickup is typically on Fridays between 12pm - 6pm. The exact pickup day will be shown when you check put.
Note that orders have to be made at least 2 days in advance, since enriched dough needs time to properly rise and rest before filling and baking.
If you need to place a last minute order, please contact Saphta to see what we can do.
Where do I pick up my order?
Saphta is located in San Rafael, CA, in the Mont Marin neighborhood. The exact address will be provided when you check out your order and select the 'Pickup' option.
Can I have my order delivered?
Yes. When you check out, select the 'Local delivery' option and enter your address to see if we deliver to your area.
Additional delivery fee may apply.
Deliveries are typically made on Tuesdays. The exact delivery day will be shown when you check out.
Note that orders have to be made at least 2 days in advance, since enriched dough needs time to properly rise and rest before filling and baking.
If you need to place a last minute order, please contact Saphta to see what we can do.
Where do you deliver orders?
We deliver primarily around Marin County in California.
When you check out, select the 'Local delivery' option and enter your address to see if we deliver to your area.
Additional delivery fee may apply.
I need to place a large order. What should I do?
Please contact Saphta via our online form, email orders@saphta.com or call 415-323-0602, Tuesday - Friday 10am - 6pm to discuss options.
What payment options are available?
We offer payment via all major credit cards, as well as Shop Pay.
What does Saphta mean?
Saphta means grandmother in Hebrew. The correct pronunciation is Savta (סבתא) but in colloquial Hebrew, when you say it quickly, is sounds like 'safta' or 'saphta'.
In certain Eastern European languages, babka, a diminutive of baba, also means grandma.
The word evokes warmth, love, wonderful childhood memories and delicious comfort food. Both my grandmothers were amazing cooks and my maternal grandmother was also a superb baker. Naming my bakery after Saphta Yaffa is a tribute to her life, her love, and her skill as a baker.