The Butter Tart Empire Bakery
8622 County Rd. 45, Alderville
(905) 352-2104
This sweet bakery, located on Alderville First Nation property in Roseneath, features one of the widest varieties of fresh-baked in house butter tarts. From traditional flavours (with or without raisins, you be the judge), to peanut butter, s'mores, shortbread crumble, Caramilk, Oreo and so many more. These talented pastry chefs are always dreaming up new ideas. Helpful travel tip - there's a seasonal go-kart track just down the street - if you want a little adrenaline on the side.
Just Like Granny's
40 Prince Edward St., Brighton
(613) 847-2272
The oatmeal cookies here are just like the ones made by a favourite nana – chewy with just the right amount of homemade goodness to make them a memorable takeaway. Try a generously-sized date square, or a tasty raisin or pecan butter tart. (They have plain too.) You’ll also find Granny’s at the Codrington Farmers’ Market. (Part of the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour)
Lola’s Café
74 Main St., Brighton
(613) 475-0711
This is the place to experience a perfectly-made, gigantic cinnamon bun. Lola’s adds just the right amount of sugar and spice. Take your time and enjoy it, enhanced by the natural richness of Lola’s freshly brewed, organic, fair trade coffee. Fresh baking is an art form here. Lola’s is also noted for farm-to-table lunch specials.
Dooher’s Bakery
61 Bridge Street East, Campbellford
(705) 653-1460
It’s worth the planning to get here early for a dozen donuts from this landmark bakery. Just over the bridge in Campbellford, Dooher’s has become so popular it now makes more than 5,000 donuts on Saturdays. Try their signature Boston cream, or classic apple fritter, after all it’s fall. (Pre-orders are a good idea.) (Part of the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour)
Arthur’s Pub
930 Burnham St., Cobourg
(905) 372-9940
This friendly, local pub is found inside the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn. The pub’s menu is a real little gem: a terrific, house-made butter tart. There’s a wonderful array of sweets here actually. Say cheers to the sticky toffee pudding or gluten free turtle cheesecake – maybe after you try the English nachos with pulled pork. (Part of the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour)
Betty's Pies & Tart
7380 County Rd. 2., Cobourg
(905) 377-7437
Stop into this bakery (located in a homey bungalow) for a taste of why Betty’s won "Best Classic Butter Tart" at the Royal Winter Fair. Located on Hwy. 2 between Cobourg and Port Hope, it’s a welcome drive to Betty’s with orchards and farm stands on this same road. The raspberry coconut, and peanut butter and jam tarts also get high marks. (Part of the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour)
Millstone Bread
53 Albert St., Cobourg
(905) 372-0033
Millstone serves up perfect little piece of Europe with its artisanal bread, baked onsite in its wood-fired oven. Warm, fresh loaves like buttermilk, pumpkin seed or French sourdough are perfect to pair with soups at home this fall. Millstone has also perfected the paczki (a wonderful, pillowy-soft, Polish-style donut filed with jam, custard or lemon curd). (Part of the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour)
Vintage Café & Gifts
24 King St. E., Colborne
(905) 396-2423
Discover a take-out café offering decadent baking, plus some really tempting antique and mid-century vintage finds. Call ahead and check on special cupcakes like chocolate espresso – or be surprised by the homemade pies and other classic baked goods. The java is superb here. Want something for the road that’s fresh in terms of veggies and greens? Salads and smoothies are both super choices.
The Big Apple
262 Orchard Rd., Colborne
(905) 355-2574
The World’s Biggest Apple, located just off the 401, is an ideal stop with a broad menu and delicious apple pies. The adventurers in your group can climb to the top deck of the giant apple, then head into the restaurant and bakery to pick up a 9” or 6” apple pie, signature apple bread or a cranberry apple crumble. (Part of the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour)
Ste. Anne’s Bakery
252 Academy Hill Rd., Grafton
(905) 349-2974
This is gluten-free like never before. This cozy bakery and café (down the road from the spa) offers certified gluten-free breads, scones, cookies and cakes. Try their winning GF Pecan Butter Tart. Pick up some signature Ste. Anne’s Spa granola, ideal with some fall apples you’ll find at orchards across the County. Pick up some house-made chocolate, honey or preserves. (Part of the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour)
Bridgewater Coffee and Pizza
16 Bridge St. N., Hastings
(705) 696-2920
Bridgewater has both sides of the delicious dough spectrum covered. You’ll find rich, flaky, homemade butter tarts here – or a creative pizza. Try a freshly-baked pizza crust smothered in BBQ chicken, or a garlic lover’s delight, with the secret seasoning baked right into the dough. Craving a fall picnic? Try 6 tarts and a 16” pizza along the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Dreamer's Café
2 Queen St., Port Hope
(905) 885-8303
Over the years, Dreamer’s has become known for its Crazy Cookie, loaded with caramel, nuts and chocolate, then topped with more chocolate and a signature chocolate drizzle. This Port Hope corner bakery is also a great stop downtown for many other sweet treats, breakfast bagels and flavourful hot lunches. Dreamer’s prides itself on starting with locally-sourced items. (Part of the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour)
Happenstance
135 Peter St. Unit A, Port Hope
(905) 800-0685
Coffee, baked goods, sourdough - Happenstance has it all! Pick up a delicious seasonal latte or a bag of fresh, locally roasted coffee beans to take the taste of Northumberland home with you. Don't forget a delicious pretzel (made in-house, of course) or a sweet treat and a loaf of bread to enjoy with breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Queenies Bake Shop
16 Walton St., Port Hope
(905) 396-3330
Among other great bakery treats, this is the place to go for a classic Nanaimo Bar: layered carefully with a superb chocolate graham cracker base, buttery custard then more chocolate. The Hello Dollies made with loads of chocolate chips and coconut are a great way to greet any day. The coffee and sandwiches get rave reviews, as well as the super friendly staff.
The Shop Warkworth
2 Mill St., Warkworth
(705) 308-2253
This is the perfect stop for a pizza made with hand-tossed dough and topped with local ingredients like harvest squash drizzled with roasted garlic oil. Pizza by The Bakery started as The Bakery, but the expert hand tossing done by Jason (and the added ingredients from Jessica) has meant this couple could grow their business to beyond delicious desserts. (Part of the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour)
The Pastry Shop
15 Main St., Warkworth
Charming, delicious and welcoming with beautiful presentation - these are all common keywords used on the Google reviews of this European-style bakery in the village of Warkworth. Stop in for a fresh loaf of bread or melt-in-your mouth croissants to complement breakfast. Pick up some apricot danish, napoleons or cheesecake to end your day with a decadent dessert. Whatever you choose, you will be happy you popped into this sweet bakery.