東日本ベスト5に入る名店スイーツ好きなら絶対に行くべき軽井沢のホテル＆パティスリーチーズケーキは東日本で1番美味しい : Sweets by Karuizawa Elegance

This time, I purchased over 20 items, and it was definitely worth the long-distance trip just for Sweets by Karuizawa Elegance. The service was also meticulous and top-notch.
**White Peach and Raspberry** 88 points Sweetness Index: 3.1 (relatively sweet) Taste Resolution: 4.4 (high level, comparable to Full HD) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.4 (high level)
The gentle flavor of the white peach mousse combined with the sharp acidity of the raspberry creates a champagne-like, elegant taste overall, with a delicate fruity aroma. The top layer of berry fruit adds a direct, high acidity and aroma that enhances the soft taste of the mousse, playing an important role in elevating the dish.
**Hazelnut Cream Puff** 86 points Sweetness Index: 3.5 (sweet) Taste Resolution: 4.3 (high level, comparable to Full HD) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.3 (high level)
A simple hazelnut cream puff with a well-balanced nutty aroma. While the sweetness is prominent, it slightly overshadows the hazelnut flavor. Nevertheless, it remains a delicious cream puff.
**Strawberry Tart** 88 points Sweetness Index: 3.1 (relatively sweet) Taste Resolution: 4.4 (high level, comparable to Full HD) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.4 (high level)
Continuing from my last visit, this tart features a creamy almond flavor with a hint of liqueur, creating a good balance. The bursting acidity of the strawberries and their juicy flavor create a bright impression. The richness of the cream and the crispness of the tart crust work harmoniously, making it a well-balanced tart. Unlike typical strawberry cakes where the strawberries tend to float, this tart integrates the strawberries beautifully with the cream and crust.
**Shinshu Apple Tart** 89 points Sweetness Index: 3.2 (relatively sweet, balanced) Taste Resolution: 4.5 (very high level, comparable to 4K) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.5 (very high level)
Following up from my last visit, this tart features the fruity sweetness and acidity of apples with a crispy texture, complemented by the richness of the almond cream. The toasted wheat and butter of the tart crust add a delightful accent, making it a delicious tart that encapsulates the apple's flavor.
**Strawberry Shortcake** 90 points Sweetness Index: 3.1 (balanced sweetness) Taste Resolution: 4.6 (very high level, comparable to 4K) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.6 (very high level)
The cream is simply delicious, with no greasiness at all. While there are light and refreshing creams, this one has a remarkable clarity without any oily sensation, showcasing the richness and gentle flavor of the milk at its peak. The aftertaste is refreshingly clean, making it a wonderful shortcake. The strawberries are also well-integrated, enhancing the acidity and flavor, while the sponge cake dissolves beautifully with the cream.
**Fedora** 88 points Sweetness Index: 3.2 (relatively sweet) Taste Resolution: 4.3 (high level, comparable to Full HD) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.3 (high level)
A strong chocolate Fedora, with a roasted bitterness from caramel and a deep chocolate flavor, balanced with sweetness and bitterness. The apple aroma is subtle, making it a chocolate-forward cake compared to the usual Le Fedora.
**Divan** 88 points Sweetness Index: 3.1 (relatively sweet, balanced) Taste Resolution: 4.5 (very high level, comparable to 4K) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.5 (very high level)
The rich aroma of pistachio and the alluring scent of liqueur are captivating, while the bursting acidity of strawberries and raspberries adds a delightful accent, complemented by the pleasant crunch of the crust.
**Gâteau Saint Marc** 89 points Sweetness Index: 3.1 (relatively sweet) Taste Resolution: 4.4 (high level, comparable to Full HD) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.4 (high level)
A simple Gâteau Saint Marc with a strong chocolate flavor, featuring deep chocolate notes and a pleasant contrast of fluffy cream in white and brown. The caramelization adds a subtle crunch as an accent.
**Saint Michel** 88 points Sweetness Index: 3.2 (relatively sweet) Taste Resolution: 4.4 (high level, comparable to Full HD) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.4 (high level)
A cake made of five layers of chocolate, with the white layer featuring a hint of liqueur for a bright impression. As the chocolate darkens, the cocoa flavor and aroma resonate deeply, creating a delicious cake.
**Gâteau Basque** 88 points Sweetness Index: 3.2 (relatively sweet) Taste Resolution: 4.4 (high level, comparable to Full HD) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.4 (high level)
When reheated, the aroma of liqueur becomes more pronounced, creating a smooth impression. The texture is warm and soft with a crispness, while the wheat, butter, and almond flavors are subtly balanced.
**Yuzu and Chocolate** 89 points Sweetness Index: 3.0 (balanced sweetness) Taste Resolution: 4.4 (high level, comparable to Full HD) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.4 (high level)
The fluffy yuzu mousse has a high aroma, complemented by the rich chocolate flavor that resonates with cocoa. The fresh brightness of yuzu contrasts beautifully with the dark undertones of chocolate.
**New York Cheesecake** 92 points Sweetness Index: 3.3 (relatively sweet) Taste Resolution: 4.6 (very high level, comparable to 4K) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.6 (very high level)
The best cheesecake in Eastern Japan. Unlike Il Puru or Shigeoemon, which do not have a permanent New York cheesecake, I believe this is the best cake. It is a concentrated block of rich milk flavor, with wonderful acidity and aroma from the cheese that creates a mind-blowing deliciousness, unmatched by any other cheesecake.
**Four Cheese Crustade** 85 points Taste Resolution: 4.3 (high level, comparable to Full HD) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.3 (high level)
A crustade made with four types of cheese: Comté, Tomme de Savoie, Beaufort, and Edam. The rich aroma and acidity of the cheese blend beautifully with the egg and dough, creating a melting deliciousness.
**Mont Blanc** 89 points Sweetness Index: 3.4 (relatively sweet) Taste Resolution: 4.5 (very high level, comparable to 4K) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.5 (very high level)
The rich flavor of chestnut cream combined with the sweet, fluffy chestnuts, and the accent of liqueur in the cream creates a delightful aroma, enhanced by the caramelized nuts, making it a fragrant and flavorful Mont Blanc.
**Scone** 88 points Sweetness Index: 3.0 (relatively sweet, balanced) Taste Resolution: 4.5 (very high level, comparable to 4K) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.5 (very high level)
The chocolate flavor and nutty aroma enhance the deliciousness of the wheat and dairy in the dough. When reheated, the toasted wheat aroma and crispy texture, along with the melting sweetness and aroma of chocolate, create an exquisite taste.
**Fondant au Chocolat** 84 points Sweetness Index: 3.7 (sweet) Taste Resolution: 4.3 (high level, comparable to Full HD) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.3 (high level)
A simple fondant au chocolat, which has a good melting texture when warmed, but the sweetness is quite pronounced, giving a rather open impression. It tastes better when cold, as it allows the cocoa's refined flavor and bitterness to shine.
**Pistachio Macaron** 86 points Sweetness Index: 3.5 (sweet) Taste Resolution: 4.3 (high level, comparable to Full HD) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.3 (high level)
The tight green aroma expands into a rich pistachio scent, with sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the aromas of almond and pistachio.
**Cinnamon Pie** 83 points Sweetness Index: 2.9 (relatively less sweet) Taste Resolution: 4.2 (high level, comparable to Full HD) Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.2 (high level)
A pie with a strong cinnamon aroma. This time, I compared it with the cinnamon pie from Kitami Prédou Relivière, which is also from Il Puru. This one is slightly less sweet, allowing the flavors of wheat and butter to shine.

Review of 17 Dishes
If the current Il Pru is robust, then Elegance is soft. The flavors here are distinctly gentle and soft, with a texture that offers a delightful contrast of fluffy, crunchy, and crispy elements. Compared to Il Pru, Elegance seems to emphasize fruits beautifully, likely influenced by its location in Karuizawa.

This cafe has a chic interior with intriguing books, including a cookbook by French pastry chef Frédéric Cassel, making it a relaxing space.

Crème Brûlée: 85 points
Sweetness Index: 3.5 (on the sweeter side)
Flavor Resolution: 4.3 (high level, comparable to Full HD)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.3 (high level)

The simple crème brûlée is caramelized on the spot, offering a crunchy texture and a delightful caramel sweetness. The richness of the dairy combined with the sweetness of the egg creates a simple yet rich umami flavor, with the caramelization providing a nice accent.

Soft Serve: Amaou Strawberry Milk × Rich Milk: 86 points
Sweetness Index: 3.2 (relatively sweet)
Flavor Resolution: 4.3 (high level, comparable to Full HD)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.3 (high level)

This simple mixed soft serve spreads a vibrant strawberry flavor and refreshing sweetness instantly, with the richness and umami of the milk piercing through. Unlike typical soft serves that tend to feel heavy, this one has a refreshing finish with a delightful aftertaste.

Mandarin and Banana: 90 points
Sweetness Index: 3.1 (balanced sweetness)
Flavor Resolution: 4.5 (very high level, comparable to 4K)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.5 (very high level)

The acidity of the mandarin provides a mellow umami flavor reminiscent of cheese, while the exquisite acidity of the mandarin is pleasantly delicious. The sautéed banana offers a refreshing flavor without being cloying, and the roasted aroma of the banana adds a fresh, popping accent. The contrast between the dark aroma of the raisins and the brightness of the mandarin creates a beautifully defined flavor profile. The chocolate base, made without wheat flour, highlights the direct flavor of the cacao, bringing the tastes of mandarin, banana, and raisins into sharp focus.

Eugénie: 90 points
Sweetness Index: 3.1 (relatively sweet, balanced)
Flavor Resolution: 4.5 (very high level, comparable to 4K)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.5 (very high level)

The fluffy yet firm texture of the biscuit is complemented by pleasant nutty aromas. The cinnamon bavarois has a mellow fragrance, and while cinnamon can often be overpowering, here it is in perfect balance, inviting and pleasant. The maple aroma is also enticing, enhancing the cinnamon. The yellow peach contributes juicy sweetness and acidity, creating a superb combination with the cinnamon and maple. The bursting texture of the blueberries adds freshness, resulting in a perfectly balanced masterpiece.

Fédora: 87 points
Sweetness Index: 3.3 (relatively sweet)
Flavor Resolution: 4.3 (high level, comparable to Full HD)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.3 (high level)

With a foundation of chocolate sweetness, the caramel bavarois adds a toasty aroma, while the apple and caramel jelly offers a subtle acidic accent. Compared to Fédora from Il Pru or Moueimon, this version has a stronger chocolate impression.

Shinshu Apple Tart: 89 points
Sweetness Index: 3.2 (relatively sweet, balanced)
Flavor Resolution: 4.5 (very high level, comparable to 4K)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.5 (very high level)

The tart crust has an otherworldly crunch, with the enticing aroma of butter and wheat. The meticulous attention to detail, including placing a desiccant at the bottom, achieves this crunch. The fresh, crunchy texture of the apple, combined with its toasty acidity and sweetness, is accented by the mellow aroma of almond cream, linking the tart's toasty flavor with the fresh fruitiness of the apple.

Divan: 89 points
Sweetness Index: 3.1 (relatively sweet, balanced)
Flavor Resolution: 4.5 (very high level, comparable to 4K)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.5 (very high level)

The fluffy pistachio mousse has a captivating herbal aroma from the liquor, while the sweet and sour berries contrast beautifully, enhancing the flavor profile. The airy texture of the cake complements the fluffy pistachio mousse, creating an interesting contrast between the textures and flavors of the pistachio and berries.

Quiche Lorraine: 85 points
Flavor Resolution: 4.2 (high level, comparable to Full HD)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.2 (high level)

A simple quiche with cheese and bacon, featuring a rich cheese flavor with umami, the acidity enhances the bacon's savory goodness, resulting in a delightfully simple dish.

Mascarpone Cheese and Raspberry Cream Puff: 87 points
Sweetness Index: 3.2 (relatively sweet)
Flavor Resolution: 4.3 (high level, comparable to Full HD)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.3 (high level)

The fresh flavor of raspberry and its crisp acidity are impressive, while the richness of the mascarpone contrasts beautifully with the sweetness and dryness of the dough, enhancing the juicy acidity of the raspberry.

Gâteau Saint Marc: 88 points
Sweetness Index: 3.1 (relatively sweet)
Flavor Resolution: 4.4 (high level, comparable to Full HD)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.4 (high level)

A familiar simple Gâteau Saint Marc, this version has a stronger cacao chocolate flavor compared to the current Il Pru, with a lighter caramelization and a refreshing cream that elevates the chocolate flavor, leaving a lingering cacao aftertaste.

Strawberry Tart: 88 points
Sweetness Index: 3.2 (relatively sweet)
Flavor Resolution: 4.4 (high level, comparable to Full HD)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.4 (high level)

The fresh strawberries and crunchy jelly create a delightful texture and acidity, while the mellow aroma of the pistachio almond cream beautifully ties together the strawberries and the tart crust, showcasing the tart's crispy, fragrant base and the strawberries' vibrant freshness.

Apple Pie: 87 points
Sweetness Index: 2.9 (relatively less sweet, balanced)
Flavor Resolution: 4.3 (high level, comparable to Full HD)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.3 (high level)

The rich aroma of wheat and butter in the crust creates a luxurious and satisfying experience. The fruity sweetness and acidity of the apple, along with the flavors of raisins and nuts, enhance the deliciousness of the crust, which takes center stage in this apple pie.

Strawberry Shortcake: 90 points
Sweetness Index: 3.1 (balanced sweetness)
Flavor Resolution: 4.6 (very high level, comparable to 4K)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.6 (very high level)

The simplicity of this shortcake highlights its extraordinary quality. The cream has a completely different flavor, with a rich milkiness that fills the mouth. While cream often has a heavier feel, here the milkiness is so pronounced that it overshadows the fat. The cream feels like concentrated milk, combining wonderfully with the fluffy sponge, while the strawberries add a refreshing acidity that enhances this top-tier dessert.

Yuzu and Chocolate: 89 points
Sweetness Index: 3.0 (balanced sweetness)
Flavor Resolution: 4.4 (high level, comparable to Full HD)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.4 (high level)

The fluffy yuzu mousse spreads a fragrant, fresh acidity, while the chocolate flavor resonates gently with the fluffy cake. The high acidity and aroma of the yuzu harmonize beautifully with the deep flavors from the chocolate base.

Saint Michel: 87 points
Sweetness Index: 3.2 (relatively sweet)
Flavor Resolution: 4.3 (high level, comparable to Full HD)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.3 (high level)

This familiar chocolate-laden cake has a stronger liquor presence compared to the current Il Pru, delivering a rich aroma that doesn't overpower the chocolate. The bitter base is complemented by the richness of the milk, while the bright sweetness of the white chocolate shines through.

Gâteau Basque: 88 points
Sweetness Index: 3.2 (relatively sweet)
Flavor Resolution: 4.4 (high level, comparable to Full HD)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.4 (high level)

A simple Gâteau Basque, the aroma of liquor is gently present, with the almond scent heightening the flavor of the custard. The crunchy texture feels delightful with each bite, as the aromas and flavors of wheat and butter blend with the almond and custard, creating a beautiful lingering aftertaste, reminiscent of Mont Blanc.

Mont Blanc: 89 points
Sweetness Index: 3.4 (relatively sweet)
Flavor Resolution: 4.5 (very high level, comparable to 4K)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.5 (very high level)

The rich aroma of the chestnut cream, combined with the nuttiness and caramelized notes, is fascinating. The cream has a fluffy texture, with rum complementing the chestnut and nuts, creating a delicate, concentrated flavor experience.

New York Cheesecake: 92 points
Sweetness Index: 3.3 (relatively sweet)
Flavor Resolution: 4.6 (very high level, comparable to 4K)
Aroma and Flavor Level: 4.6 (very high level)

The richness of the cheese is remarkable, with a milky flavor that feels like it has been concentrated. The cheesecake has none of the unpleasant aspects typically associated with cheese; instead, it captures only the delightful acidity and aroma, with a smooth saltiness that enhances the overall experience. This cheesecake brilliantly showcases the flavor of the milk.