Beauty in the bake
Hamilton and Burlington are spoiled for good bakeries and these are just a few offering up sweet and savoury specialties.
Whether you’re searching for a buttery French-style baked good to enjoy on your own, a double-decker themed cake for an anniversary or special occasion, or perhaps, some mini Italian delights for a party with friends, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for in Hamilton and Burlington. Each of the bakeries below has their own specialty, and each do things a bit differently, but boy are they sure all delicious!
Karlik Pastry
762 Barton St. E., Hamilton
karlikpastry.ca
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This unassuming little gem in the Barton Village is sure to knock your socks off, bakery-style. Karlik Pastry is a European style bakery with a specialty in Polish and Ukrainian baked goods. The little shop has been around since the 1950s, and serves up traditional Eastern European treats like melt-in-your-mouth cookies, poppyseed pastries, cake rolls, and more. Be sure to stay tuned to Karlik’s social media, where you can find out about specials such as the famous Paczki – traditional fried donuts filled with jams or creams.
Caniche French Bakery
346 Wilson St. E., Ancaster
canichebakery.com
facebook.com/canichefrenchbakery
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A staple in the Ancaster Village community, Caniche Bakery is a French-inspired bakery serving up delicious drinks (Balzac’s Coffee and Kusmi Teas), and all sorts of delicious French-themed pastries, breads, and sweets; though, this bakery doesn’t let the French theme hold it back from creativity. The spectacular buttery croissants are one of the items that brings people in from the community and beyond. Try the croissants – apple pie, chocolate, and almond – for a sweet little break in the middle of a hectic day.
Chaton
35 York Blvd., Hamilton
chatonhamilton.com
instagram.com/chaton.hamont
New to the Hamilton community, Chaton is another spot where the French pastry reigns supreme. Specializing in croissants, financiers, and madeleines, you can find these buttery baked goods at Chaton’s new spot in the Hamilton Farmers’ Market. Owner Anna is always creating and inventing, while leaning on all the knowledge that Anna has had in the bakery-world. Creativity and experience – that's how inspired baked goods are made at Chaton.
La Bakeri
935 Fennell Ave. E., Hamilton
labakeri.com
instagram.com/labakeri_
Specializing in Sicilian pastries and classic Italian specialty baked goods, La Bakeri has been a staple in the Hamilton community since the 1980s. La Bakeri is best known for its Italian tortes, tiramisu and – above all – its cannolis. Cannolis can be enjoyed in flavours such as traditional, salted caramel, pistachio, nutella, and many more. For something a bit fun, try the mini peach pastries: a mini peach-shaped pastry bun, filled with vanilla custard, dipped in rum and rolled in sugar.
Beyond the Batter Bakery
1791 Stone Church Rd. E., Hamilton
beyondthebatter.com
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The peanut-free factor of Beyond the Batter Bakery means that everyone at your gathering can enjoy a sweet little something. Though offering squares, cheesecakes, cookies and more – this bake shop is best known for cupcakes; which come in a huge variety of flavours. You can pre-order your cupcake offerings and choose from flavours like: bananas Foster, rainbow sorbet, root beer float, French toast and many more.
Castelli Mercato
13 Hatton Dr., Ancaster
instagram.com/castelli.mercato
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Opening last year in the Ancaster community, Castelli Mercato is relatively new to the food scene in the area. Launching from its big brother in Hamilton – Castelli Cucina on James – Castelli Mercato has already made a name of its own within Ancaster and beyond.This small but mighty shop serves up everything from coffee and espresso-based drinks, bombolones, cookies, and cannolis, to fresh baked pizzas, paninis, and pastas to go. Head on over to the little shop off of Fiddlers Green and see what they’re baking up today.
Sam’s Queenston Bakery
341 Queenston Rd., Hamilton
Stepping into Sam's Queenston Bakery is like stepping into a time-machine – to a time where cash was king, desserts were made from scratch with love, and diet was not a word in the vocabulary. Sam's opened in the 1970s in Hamilton and is a true Hamilton-area gem for its imported Italian items and Sicilian baked goods. For something extra special, try the Big Cannoli, reminiscent of a cornucopia of dessert items. Another stand out item is the rum sponge cake.
Cakes, Sweets, and Treats
1600 Kerns Rd. #3, Burlington
instagram.com/cakessweetsandtreats
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You can't talk about bakeries without mentioning a bakery that specializes in cakes! Cakes, Sweets, and Treats really does make cakes for all occasions – from the smaller celebrations at home with family to weddings and large events, they do it all! With flavours like mocha buttercream, confetti, carrot cake, raspberry white chocolate, it's hard to go wrong with any of these cakes. (PS. The name says it all – they have more than cakes, too.)
MySweeTooth
301 Main St. W., Hamilton
mysweetooth.ca
instagram.com/mysweetooth_hamilton
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MySweeTooth on Main Street has definitely brought something to the city of Hamilton that we were missing: cream puffs. These crispy-on-the-outside, and oh-so-creamy-on-the-inside treats come in flavour options such as: ube, Earl Grey, strawberry, jasmine, pistachio and many more. In addition to the ever popular cream puffs, MySweeTooth creates mousse cakes and egg tarts. This bakery also has a unique way of matching sweet and savoury flavours together for some very unique combinations. Try something new with MySweeTooth.
Saving Thyme
450 Appleby Line, Burlington
savingthyme.ca/index.html
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Burlington's Saving Thyme creates not only divine pastries from scratch, but also beautiful dishes and baked goods. This French-style bakery started as a small family-owned establishment in the Burlington area and has since expanded its name Burlington-wide and beyond. Hot tip – try the French-inspired pastry: kouign amann. You can't go wrong!
