Imagine a place where the aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the salty sea air, and every bite is a journey through flavor country.
Welcome to Beach Pea Baking Co. in Kittery, Maine – a hidden gem that’s about to rock your taste buds.
Nestled in the charming coastal town of Kittery, Beach Pea Baking Co. is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’ve stumbled into a fairy tale.
Picture this: a quaint yellow house with a sign that proudly proclaims “ALL NATURAL BAKERY-CAFE,” surrounded by a garden bursting with colorful flowers.
It’s like someone took your grandmother’s dream kitchen and plopped it right in the middle of a postcard-perfect New England scene.
As you approach the bakery, you can’t help but notice the inviting picnic tables scattered around the property.
It’s as if they’re saying, “Hey there, hungry traveler! Why not stay a while and stuff your face with deliciousness?”
And let me tell you, that’s an invitation you don’t want to refuse.
Step inside, and you’re immediately enveloped in a warm, yeasty hug.
The air is thick with the scent of butter, sugar, and all things heavenly.
It’s like walking into a cloud made of carbs – if that cloud also happened to be run by baking wizards with a penchant for creating edible magic.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the baked goods.
Oh boy, where do I even begin?
The display case is a veritable wonderland of treats that would make Willy Wonka himself green with envy.
Cakes, pies, cookies, pastries – it’s like someone took all your childhood dessert dreams and turned them into reality.
First up, we’ve got the bread.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, store-bought loaves that taste like cardboard’s slightly more edible cousin.
No, sir.
We’re talking about artisanal creations that could make a French baker weep with joy.
The ciabatta?
It’s got more holes than a golf course, perfect for soaking up olive oil or housing your favorite sandwich fillings.
The baguettes are so crusty, they could probably double as a weapon in a pinch – though I’d advise against it because wasting good bread is a crime against humanity.
But wait, there’s more!
The specialty breads are where Beach Pea really flexes its baking muscles.
Tomato and basil sourdough?
It’s like summer decided to take a vacation in your mouth.
Roasted garlic sourdough?
Vampires beware because this bread is so garlicky, it could probably ward off an entire coven.
And don’t even get me started on the focaccia – it’s so fluffy and olive oil-infused, it’s practically begging to be the star of your next charcuterie board.
Now, let’s move on to the sweet stuff because that’s where things get really interesting.
The cakes at Beach Pea are not just desserts; they’re edible works of art.
The lemon blueberry cake is so bright and cheerful, it could probably cure seasonal affective disorder.
The triple chocolate cake?
It’s so rich, it probably has its own offshore bank account.
And we’re just getting started on this sugar-coated journey.
The display case at Beach Pea is like a museum of confectionery delights, each treat vying for your attention and taste buds.
There’s a coconut cake that looks like it’s wearing a fluffy white tuxedo, ready for a black-tie event in your mouth.
The carrot cake?
It’s got more layers than a soap opera plot, each one telling a delicious story of spices, nuts, and cream cheese frosting.
And don’t even get me started on the seasonal specials.
When autumn rolls around, their pumpkin cheesecake makes you want to hug a gourd and thank it for its service to dessert-kind.
But the real showstopper is the Chocolate Encore Cake.
Four layers of chocolate cake, separated by layers of white chocolate cream cheese and ganache, finished with white chocolate cream cheese frosting and chocolate shavings.
It’s like the bakery decided to throw a party and invited every form of chocolate known to mankind.
If you died and went to chocolate heaven, this is what they’d serve at the pearly gates.
Let’s not forget about the cookies, because that would be a travesty of epic proportions.
The chocolate chip cookies are the size of small planets and packed with more chips than a poker tournament.
The cowgirl cookies?
They’re like a rodeo in your mouth, with oats, chocolate chips, and pecans all vying for the title of tastiest ingredient.
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But the real dark horse in the cookie race is the applesauce oatie.
Don’t let the healthy-sounding name fool you – this cookie is a flavor bomb disguised as a virtuous snack.
It’s chewy, it’s spicy, it’s sweet, and it’s probably the closest you’ll ever get to eating fall in cookie form.
Now, I know what you’re thinking.
“But what about the croissants?”
Oh, my sweet summer child, buckle up because we’re about to enter the flaky zone.
These croissants are so buttery, they should come with a warning label for your arteries.
The plain ones are a masterclass in French pastry technique, but the real star is the spinach and cheese croissant.
It’s like someone took your favorite quiche, gave it a makeover, and dressed it up in a fancy pastry outfit.
And don’t even get me started on the chocolate croissants.
These babies are like the James Bond of pastries – smooth, sophisticated, and dangerously addictive.
One bite and you’ll be transported to a Parisian café, minus the jet lag and the snooty waiter.
The almond croissants?
They’re the unsung heroes of the bunch.
Crispy on the outside and soft and nutty on the inside, they’re like a warm hug for your taste buds.
And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try the ham and cheese croissant.
It’s breakfast, lunch, and a religious experience all rolled into one flaky package.
Trust me, your stomach will thank you, even if your waistline doesn’t.
But Beach Pea isn’t just about the sweets and breads.
They’ve also got a cafe menu that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Sandwiches made with their freshly baked bread?
Check.
Salads that actually make you want to eat your greens?
Double-check.
Soups that’ll warm you up faster than a bear hug from a friendly Mainer?
Triple-check.
One of the things that makes Beach Pea so special is their commitment to using all-natural ingredients.
No weird preservatives or unpronounceable additives here – just good old-fashioned butter, flour, and a whole lot of love.
It’s like they took a time machine back to when food was, you know, actually food.
The atmosphere at Beach Pea is as warm and inviting as their ovens.
The staff is friendlier than a golden retriever at a dog park, and they’re always happy to help you navigate the sea of deliciousness before you.
It’s the kind of place where you walk in as a customer and leave feeling like you’ve just been adopted into a big, carb-loving family.
And let’s talk about the outdoor seating for a moment, because it’s a game-changer.
Those picnic tables aren’t just for show – they’re your ticket to a perfect Maine afternoon.
Imagine this: you’ve got a warm croissant in one hand, a steaming cup of coffee in the other, and you’re surrounded by a garden that looks like it was designed by Mother Nature herself on a particularly good hair day.
It’s enough to make you want to quit your job, move to Kittery, and become a professional bakery-goer.
(Is that a thing? If not, it should be.)
Now, I know what some of you health-conscious folks might be thinking.
“But what about my diet?”
To which I say: life is short, eat the cake.
Besides, with all the walking you’ll do exploring Kittery (or running back to Beach Pea for seconds), you’ll probably break even on the calorie front.
And even if you don’t, some things are worth the extra gym time.
Trust me, one bite of their strawberry lemon cake, and you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve even swallowed.
But Beach Pea isn’t just a treat for your taste buds – it’s a feast for your eyes, too.
The bakery itself is housed in a charming yellow building that looks like it jumped straight out of a storybook.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to grab a rocking chair, sit on the porch, and watch the world go by (preferably with a cookie in hand).
And let’s not forget about the community aspect.
Beach Pea isn’t just a bakery – it’s a local institution.
It’s the kind of place where neighbors bump into each other and catch up over coffee, where families gather for weekend treats, and where tourists stumble upon a slice of authentic Maine life (along with a slice of pie, of course).
In a world of chain cafes and cookie-cutter bakeries, Beach Pea stands out like a perfectly risen soufflé in a sea of microwave muffins.
It’s a reminder of what food can be when it’s made with passion, skill, and a hefty dose of butter.
It’s the kind of place that makes you believe in the magic of baking, the power of community, and the undeniable fact that calories don’t count when you’re on vacation (or at least, that’s what I tell myself).
So, the next time you find yourself in Kittery, Maine, do yourself a favor and make a beeline for Beach Pea Baking Co.
Just remember to bring your appetite, your sense of adventure, and maybe a pair of stretchy pants.
Because once you start, you might find it hard to stop.
And really, with food this good, why would you want to?
For more information about this delightful bakery, visit Beach Pea Baking Co.’s website or Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your own carb-laden adventure, use this map to guide you to pastry paradise.
Where: 53 State Rd Ste A, Kittery, ME 03904
Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram feed will thank you, and you’ll probably end up thanking yourself for discovering this little slice of pastry paradise.