What do the words “fresh baked” mean to you? — Memories of soft and crispy sweet buns that your grandma used to bake, mile-high chocolate cake layers in a bakery window or maybe the freshest raspberry pie from your local farmers market. Working with flour, butter and water may seem like a simple task but the success that bakers achieve with it is no easy feat so it is with great gratitude that we give you the this list of just some of the sweet spots where you can get “Baked in the BoQ”. From fresh bread to fancy cupcakes, crispy croissants to gooey butter tarts, this region has it all.
GLAZED + CONFUSED
Don’t be fooled by the name. Glazed donuts – blueberry and maple bacon to name a few – are just the tip of the iceberg at this Belleville bakeshop. Glazed & Confused is a go-to for 40 flavours of cupcakes that also happen to be available in full-cake sizes! Their peppy shop offers comfy seating, hot coffee, gourmet waffles AND an all-day breakfast showcasing their dreamy, house-made pastries!
THE CRUST & CRUMB BAKERY
It may be a little off the beaten track but once you’ve tasted their jumbo squares or mini cheesecakes, The Crust & Crumb Bakery will slide into your regular rotation. Weekly savoury options and seasonal sweets make this a one-stop shop for your next brunch, dinner party or high tea. A selection of artisan breads are made fresh daily and gluten free items are available upon request!
AUBERGE DU FRANCE
Step inside and you’re transported instantly to a bustling Parisian bistro. Try their sky-high brioche and croissants, all baked in-house, on their own or crafted into a beautiful sandwich for an indulgent lunch. The French pastries that line the display are masterpieces – expertly crafted, they look too beautiful to eat but once you try the Triple Chocolate Mousse or Lychee Gateau, you be glad you did!
ROYAL SUGAR BAKING
No special occasion is necessary to eat dessert but if you have one, Royal Sugar’s got you covered. Their seasonal menus reflect what’s fresh at the moment with fruit laden tarts and cakes in the summer and maple sugar pies in the spring. This small, by-order bakery lives on social media and is best contacted by email. Beautifully finished buttercream with expertly placed sprinkles, what more is there to celebrate?
TASTE OF COUNTRY
Your first thought might be their huge selection of frozen foods, when you cross the threshold of this 25 year old establishment, the smell of fresh baked bread pulls you inside and back to the bakery at Taste of Country. A huge selection of cookies and pastries are baked daily, ready to eat on the spot or take away. Perhaps one of their most well known items, Cherry Bread, is turned out like clockwork every morning at 5am.
WHEAT & POPPY
A wise foodie once said, the early bird gets the double chocolate croissant. Wheat & Poppy is boutique bakery that pops up at the Front Street Farmers Market from May to October. Get there early because their pastries sell like hotcakes. Wheat & Poppy also turns out exceptional French macarons, scones and cookies using seasonal fruit – in the cooler months, find them at local, artisan markets or get in touch via Facebook and Instagram to order!
WANNAMAKERS HOME SWEET HOME
Freshly opened in August 2018, Wannamaker’s is as beautiful as it is delicious. Meticulously iced cupcakes and jumbo cookies, baked to the perfect soft crunch, adorn their display case alongside sweet, sprinkled birthday cakes. Fresh donuts, fruit tarts and individual cheesecakes invite you to try a little of everything. Wannamaker’s crown jewel might just be their giant cinnamon bun, begging to be shared, with three of your closest friends (it’s big!).
GRILLS ORCHARD COUNTRY MARKET
While apples may be at the forefront of production at Grill’s Orchard, their bakeshop is no secret to those who’ve come back again and again for homemade pies, cookies, bread and fudge. Smack dab in the middle of their quaint market space is an enticing display that showcases a wide variety of fudge, made by hand, in house. Stirling Butter adds depth to the creamy, rich confection – available exclusively at Grills.
RACHEL’S TARTS
Named one of Canada’s best butter tarts, Rachel’s offers this national treasure in plain, pecan and raisin versions to please every family member. Slip into their retail space for the ultimate in fresh-from-the-oven goodness or at one of a number of local shops in the area. Rachel’s are also available at select grocery chains and if you’re lucky, you might even spot their unicorn – a variety pack featuring a selection of butter, lemon and cherry tarts.
For a behind the scenes view of our Baked in the BoQ photoshoot click here.
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