We’ve been checking our list once or twice in order to share some of the sweetest stops in Northumberland.
Pick one, a dozen, or more stops. Get your own Holiday Baking Trail Map – all in an easy, printable map for you.
2 Queen St, Port Hope
(905) 885-8303
facebook.com/Dreamers-Cafe
Dreamer's Crazy Cookie is the talk of the County – loaded with caramel, nuts and chocolate. Even better at this time of year, Dreamer’s holiday version is topped with white chocolate and cranberries. Message ahead to order. (Daily, 8-8.)
73 Mill St S, Unit 103, Port Hope
(905) 885-5848
frostedflourco.ca
Stop in for Frosted Flour’s delicious and inspired bakery case offerings, with artisan, cream-filled donuts on Saturdays (order ahead). Order online to get your list of specially decorated Christmas treats for Saturday pick up. (Wed-Fri, 11-4; Sat, 11-2.)
135 Peter St, Port Hope
(905) 800-1356
thisishappenstance.com
Warm your hands over a gingerbread latte while watching the team at Happenstance flour-stamp their freshly-baked loaves. Take home some incredible breads and pastries, along with a Mexican hot chocolate for the road. (Open daily; check location hours.)
74 Walton St, Port Hope
(905) 800-1010
sugardustbakery.ca
Gingerbread houses and yule logs are December specialties here, as well as assorted shortbread and individual gingerbreads. Call ahead to order. If you just pop by, there are some wonderful scone choices to make, plus fresh lunches. (Tues-Sat, 10-3.)
7380 County Rd 2, Cobourg
(905) 377-7437
facebook.com/BettysPiesandTarts
Stop into this homey bakery for a taste of why Betty’s won "Best Classic Butter Tart" at the Royal Winter Fair. The Raspberry Delight coconut tarts – and of course, mincemeat – get high marks for the holidays. (Weekdays 8-6; Weekends 9-5.)
4 King St W, Cobourg
(289) 252-1683
blackcatcobourg.ca
Blueberry scones, butter tarts and brown butter "Rice Krispie" squares are big winners here. Whole pies, sweet loaves and pressed paninis also top the menu. Sip a steaming hot chocolate or nicely-elevated London Fog. (Mon-Sat, 8:30-4.)
53 Albert St, Cobourg
(905) 372-0033
millstonebread.ca
Millstone serves up perfect little piece of Europe with its artisanal bread, baked onsite in its wood-fired oven. You’ll want to take away their signature sourdough. Try a traditional Canadian date square – or holiday hermit cookie and creamy hot chocolate. (Wed-Sat, 7-4.)
252 Academy Hill Rd, Grafton
(905) 349-2974
steannes.com/ste-annes-bakery
Just down the road from the spa, stop into this zen, certified gluten-free bakery for breads, scones, cookies and cakes. Pick up some signature Ste. Anne’s Spa granola or honey, ideal as holiday gifts. (Daily, 8-6:30.)
10831 County Rd 2, Grafton
(905) 349-0344
thelassandladle.ca
Make this sustainably-minded kitchen a stop to take home some nice winter soups and sweets. They carry local, classic shortbreads and make breakfast and lunch specials daily. Order ahead here. (Mon-Sun, 8-7.)
8611 County Rd 45, Roseneath
(905) 352-2104
facebook.com/The-Butter-Tart-Empire-Bakery-108811901536643
This delicious and creative bakery gets great reviews for its butter tarts and sandwiches on thick bread.
(Wed & Thurs, 10-5:30; Fri-Sun, 10-4)
16 Bridge St N, Hastings
(705) 696-2920
bridgewatercoffee.pizza
Popular holiday favourites here include the Lock 18 Pecan Tart, and their flaky and perfectly-spiced mincemeat tarts. You’ll also want to try their cinnamon buns, soups and creative pizzas. (Wed-Sun, 8-8.)
61 Bridge St, Campbellford
(705) 653-1460
doohers.com
From light fruitcake to classic buns, you’ll see why this fourth generation business is “The Sweetest Bakery in Canada.” Stop here early for some of Dooher’s 17 mouth-watering varieties of donuts. Order in advance. (Tues-Sat, 9-5:30.)
16 Main St, Warkworth
(705) 924-1212
kokaycafe.ca
Local ingredients, scratch cooking and fair trade organic coffee make up this Ontario success story. Get their Pecan Granola or Raspberry White Chocolate Scones, perfect as gifts. Order ahead or call ahead. (Wed-Sat,10-3, Sun 10-2.)
2 Mill St, Warkworth
(705) 308-2253
www.warkworthbakery.ca
This baking trail find has both savoury and sweet treats, to go. Stop by Pizza by the Bakery for apple, pumpkin, apple crumble pies and seasonal dark fruitcake featuring candied fruit and soaked in dark rum. Call ahead first, to order. (Wed-Sat, 11-7.)
262 Orchard Rd, Colborne
(905) 355-2574
thebigapple.ca
The World’s Biggest Apple, located north of the town of Colborne, has lots of freshly baked apple desserts. Their large bakery, and old-fashioned candy shop are also all open. (Weekdays 10-5, Weekends 9-6.)
40 Prince Edward St, Brighton
(613) 847-2272
facebook.com/justlikegranny
Just as they say, holiday treats are done here the old-fashioned way. Take away some of Granny’s generously-sized date squares, or some tasty raisin or pecan butter tarts. They have plain, too. Try picking out all their yummy varieties to go. (Tues-Sat, 10-4.)
74 Main St, Brighton
(613) 475-0711
lolascafe.ca
Fresh baking is an art-form here. Experience a gigantic cinnamon bun, or original “breakfast muffin”. Enjoy it, enhanced by Lola’s fresh-brewed, organic, fair trade coffee. Lunch items like the hummus wrap with goat cheese will keep you coming back. (Weekdays 8-5, Weekends 9-5.)
Check out some more shopping pages to help check things off your list.