Must Try Bakeries and Pastries on the OBX

MUST TRY BAKERIES AND PASTRIES ON THE OBX

Pastries are enjoyed by people all over the world—so much so that , December 9, is National Pastry Day! Pastries can be simple or extravagant and savory or sweet. In fact, the word “pastry” loosely means a baked good made with a dough base which covers a pretty wide range of options. If you’re visiting the Outer Banks and you're a big pastry fan, you’re in luck! And you don't have to wait until December to enjoy them!

We’ve highlighted 3 must-try pastries on the Outer Banks, as well as provided recommendations for OBX bakeries to visit during your vacation. From muffins to elaborate cupcakes, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for on the Outer Banks.

Best Pastries on the OBX

Apple Uglies from Orange Blossom Bakery

Whether you’re staying on Hatteras Island or just passing through on a day trip, be sure to schedule a stop by Orange Blossom Bakery. As a local favorite with roots on the island dating back to the 1950s, Orange Blossom Bakery serves up delicious pastries of all sorts—donuts, turnovers, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and cheese danishes. They even serve a variety of savory breakfast sandwiches and make specialty cakes! But the most well-known and highly sought-after item at this quaint little bakery is their signature pastry: the apply ugly. Apple uglies are essentially apple fritters fried in dough that derive their name from their uneven and non-uniform shape. While it’s true that the unique name is certainly quick to draw people in, it is the taste of these delicacies that keeps guests coming back year after year. (They even offered a baked version and a chocolate-covered version!)

Orange Blossom Bakery
47206 NC Highway 12
Buxton, NC 27920

Donuts from Duck Donuts

Even if you’re relatively new to the Outer Banks, Duck Donuts may be a name you’ve heard before. Specializing in made-to-order donuts, Duck Donuts is the perfect place to go if you’re craving a warm, fresh treat. After the first bakery opened in Duck, NC in 2007, the Duck Donuts franchise quickly branched out to other areas of the Outer Banks and North Carolina. Today, there are over 220 stores located all across the United States—even on the west coast! If you’re a first-time visitor, you may be overwhelmed at all of the options but ordering is actually quite simple. All orders start with a delicious vanilla cake donut and then you get to choose the coating/glaze on top, topping/crumbles, and final drizzle of extra flavor. They have several signature donuts to choose from if you’re unsure about your preferred flavor combination and you can also get a sampler variety box. (Don’t forget to check out their limited specialty flavors during the holidays!)

Duck Donuts
1190 Duck Rd.
Duck, NC 27949
OBX Locations also in Corolla, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head and Avon

Cinnamon Buns From Tullio’s Bakery

Featured on the Food Network and named Best of the Beach, Tullio’s Bakery has been an Outer Banks favorite for 20 years! This Italian bakery sells a little bit of everything from breakfast sandwiches, pastas and breads to cookies, pies and specialty cakes with beautiful decorations. Their menu also includes a wide variety of pastries like croissants, muffins, donuts, scones and danishes. However, a trip to Tullio’s isn’t complete without trying one of their famous Cinnamon Buns! These delicious iced cinnamon treats are enjoyable any time of day or make a great dessert addition to any meal.

Tullio’s Bakery
1187 Duck Rd.
Duck, NC 27949

Must Visit Bakeries on the OBX  

After you’ve checked out the sweet treats above, be sure to plan a visit to these other bakeries on the OBX!

Ocracoke Coffee Company

Ocracoke Coffee Company is the perfect place to relax on this secluded, quiet island with an amazing cup of coffee or delicious breakfast. Soak in the scent of the jasmine nearby and live your life on island time with this Ocracoke classic. They offer a daily variety of scones, muffins, pastries, and more, as well as gluten-free fare, bagels with toppings, and granola parfaits for breakfast on the go. 

Ocracoke Coffee Company
226 Back Rd.
Ocracoke, NC 27960

Northern Lights Bakery

Located in the Corolla Light Town Center, Northern Lights Bakery is the premiere place to enjoy a delicious bakery treat and a cup of coffee on this part of the island. Try their Giant Cinnamon Roll, Coffee Cake, or their Apple Smashley for a sweet breakfast treat. And if you're looking for something sweet later in the day, they also have Lemon Bars and Magic Bars, Baklava, Tiramisu, and cookies to enjoy with traditional espresso or cold brew coffee.

Nothern Lights Bakery and Coffee
Corolla Light Town Center
1159 Austin St. #109A
Corolla, NC 27927

Scratchmade Snackery

Open Thursday through Sunday, this bakery is run by a long-time Hatteras native and offers a wide variety of homemade pastries, cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, sourdough breads, and more. During the summer, they have over 60 items for a large selection of specialty treats. Stop by daily for specials and a rotating menu that ensures something scrumptious no matter which day you make it in.

Scratchmade Snackery
57544 NC Hwy. 12
Hatteras, NC 27943

Muffins and Scones

If you're looking for delectable delights in Avon, Island Time Muffins and Scones is the place for you. Enjoy more than 15 varieties of freshly-made New York-style bagels, pastries, desserts, and coffee drinks. With a bright, delightful atmosphere, friendly staff, and amazing selection, every day of your vacation will be spectacular when you start it off at Muffins and Scones.

Muffins and Scones
40126 NC Hwy. 12
Avon, NC 27915

Proof Bakery

If you've ever been lucky enough to make it down for the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, you may already be familiar with Proof Bakery and their unbelievable crab-stuffed pretzels that are a festival exclusive and are honestly one of the best things you'll ever eat. The rest of the year, they offer a wide selection of breads, pastries, and stuffed pretzels that are definitely worth a stop in. If you're looking for something a little heartier, they also have delicious hot breakfast and lunch sandwiches on their homemade rolls. 

Proof Bakery
402 S. Croatan Hwy.
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Almost Heaven Bakery 

If you're searching for a more traditional-style bakery for your next big event, wedding, or birthday celebration, Almost Heaven has just what you need. They specialize in cakes, cupcakes, and upscale desserts. With specialty cake flavors like Banana Pudding and Coconut Creme and a wide variety of fillings, you can't go wrong.

Almost Heaven Bakery
7521 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Unit 2A
Nags Head, NC 27959