Sitting along the Front Range of the Rockies, Boulder, Colorado has some of the nation’s cutest cafes and one-of-a-kind eateries. Some are tucked into historic Pearl Street while others offer epic views of the mountain formation known as the Flatirons.
This small town of just over 100,000 people is also home to a wide variety of incredible bakeries – each with its own unique history and must-try specialty baked goods. Here are a few of our favorite Boulder bakeries, perfect for any passionate pastry artist or Escoffier Boulder student.
Moxie Bread Co.
If you’re looking for the freshest bread in Boulder, look no further than Moxie Bread Co., started by expert baker and entrepreneur, Andy Clark. Moxie’s mission is to nourish its neighbors and foster community. They use organic, unprocessed grains and a long, slow fermentation process to achieve this goal.
Moxie is big on local collaboration and features products from other independent, artisanal Colorado businesses. Plus, their Mill Site – a non-profit 501(c)3 wholesale stone mill – allows Front Range chefs, restaurants, and bakeries to purchase grain at a significantly lower markup.
“If any local restaurant or cafe wants to buy flour and 50-pound bags, we’ve got really favorable pricing for that and we can also accept grant money and donations. It’s been very effective. We’ve got a wonderful roster of some of our favorite local food makers from all over the state and outside the state that are on board.”
Andy Clark, Owner of Moxie Bread Co.*
“If any local restaurant or cafe wants to buy flour and 50-pound bags, we’ve got really favorable pricing for that and we can also accept grant money and donations. It’s been very effective. We’ve got a wonderful roster of some of our favorite local food makers from all over the state and outside the state that are on board.”Boulder Baked
Perhaps one of the most renowned bakeries in town, Boulder Baked is particularly popular among the younger crowd due to its delivery options and 10 pm close time. But pastry lovers of any age will enjoy the convenient Pearl Street location of this bakeshop.
Boulder Baked uses local and organic ingredients as well as sustainable energy sources to run its stores. Their cakes, pies, and ice cream are beloved among the Boulder community, and they offer gluten-free and vegan options. And if you’re interested in a warm, gooey cookie, Boulder Baked runs on a made-to-order system so your cookies are freshly pulled from the oven.
Wonder
When it comes to picturesque coffee shops with the trendiest ingredients, Wonder tops the list. Originally a juice bar (and still offering myriad fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and tonics) Wonder has evolved into a whimsical local hangout with gorgeous decor and a host of coffees, teas, and baked goods.
Their bakery menu boasts “absolutely no refined sugar, GMOs, preservatives, artificial ingredients, canola or soybean oil, PET plastic packaging, HPP juice processing.” Whether you’re looking for avocado and ashwagandha toast, a reishi cacao latte, or a chicory and cardamom cookie, you’re sure to find it at Wonder.
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Crumbl Cookies
Cookie lovers, rejoice! Crumbl Cookies can satisfy your cravings with dine-in, delivery, catering, and curbside pickup, until 10 pm each day and midnight on weekends.
Crumbl serves its cookies either chilled or warmed and swaps out its menu on a weekly basis. They’ve got all the classics, like warm milk chocolate chip, but offer fun and unique recipes like mint chip ice cream or orange cream cheese. Turtle cookies? Check. Churro cookies? Check. Head to Crumbl to see crafty cookie-making at its finest.
Kim and Jake’s Gluten-Free
One defining characteristic of Boulder is its offering of options for alternative diets and lifestyles. Many Boulder food establishments – even the fast casual chains – offer gluten-free options. But some places are solely dedicated to gluten-free foods.
One such bakery is Kim and Jake’s Gluten-Free. Run by a family and treating customers like family, this spot wins over many gluten-free folks due to its warm and friendly atmosphere. Kim and Jake have an entirely gluten-free menu that’s also GMO-free and soy-free. They specialize in cakes, but also have gluten-free cookies, cupcakes, and breads.
Piece, Love and Chocolate
For a special occasion that demands a novelty cake or high-quality chocolate truffles, you’ll want to check out Piece, Love and Chocolate on Pearl Street.
This team of chocolatiers can curate custom gift baskets with goodies from all over the world or serve up handmade ganaches, bars, and bon bons. “Decadent” is a word used to describe this spot, and their display cases alone make a visit well worth it.
Watch encouragements from commencement speakers at the Escoffier Boulder Campus Graduation Ceremony.
Le French Cafe
Of course, we’d be remiss not to mention a French bakeshop in this mix! Le French Cafe is operated by founders Agnes and Quentin Garrigou, hailing from France.
They’re open for breakfast and lunch, serving a variety of sweet crepes, savory croissant sandwiches, plus quiches and croques. Meals are made with delectable ingredients like pâtés, prosciutto, various tapenades, and of course, plenty of cheeses. In addition, they have homemade breads and pastries, like fresh baguettes and their special selection of colorful macarons.
Boulder: Your Destination for the Pastry Arts
With high values placed on outdoor rec and healthy eating, there also seems to be something for every culinary or pastry aficionado in Boulder. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts has a robust baking & pastry arts program with on-campus and online baking classes, cake decorating courses, and more.
“My experience in the Pastry Arts program made all the difference for me. I went into the program as a good baker; I came out a professional baker.”Stacy Walker, Co-Owner, Happy Bakeshop, Boulder Pastry Arts Graduate*
Students can obtain their pastry arts education on-campus in Boulder, exploring topics like patisserie, confiserie, and artisan baking, foodservice math and accounting, global and contemporary cuisines. While earning a degree or diploma at Escoffier Boulder, students can also enjoy all the town has to offer – particularly the bustling bakery scene!
Find out more about what it’s like to attend school in Boulder with these articles:
- Why Attend Culinary School In Boulder?
- Culinary School Social Life: What Culinary Students Do For Fun In Boulder
- What Are the Career Opportunities in Baking & Pastry?
*Information may not reflect every student’s experience. Results and outcomes may be based on several factors, such as geographical region or previous experience.
