This Winter Park Bakery Makes Croissants So Flaky They Practically Shatter

Walking into Buttermilk Bakery on North Orange Avenue feels like discovering a secret that Winter Park locals have been keeping to themselves. The line snaking out the door isn’t just for show, it’s proof that this family-owned bakeshop is doing something seriously right with butter, flour, and a whole lot of pastry magic. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect almond croissant or curious about their famous savory creations, this cozy spot delivers layers upon layers of flaky, buttery goodness that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your first bite.

1. Croissants That Define Perfection

Reddit sent someone on a dough pilgrimage from Jacksonville, and Buttermilk Bakery was the promised land. That’s the kind of reputation these croissants carry. Each one emerges from the oven with a crackling exterior that shatters at the slightest touch, revealing dozens of paper-thin layers inside.

The magic happens in the lamination process, where butter gets folded into dough over and over until you’ve got a pastry that’s more architecture than breakfast. Customers rave about the balance, never too greasy, always perfectly golden, with a flavor that makes you understand why people line up before the doors open. The bakery offers both classic butter croissants and creative filled versions that rotate seasonally.

Savory options like the bacon turkey Brie or mortadella hot honey have earned their own cult followings. One reviewer mentioned the silence that fell over their friend group while eating, the ultimate compliment for any bakery. Another drove all the way from Melbourne just to get their hands on these flaky wonders.

Pro tip: arrive early because the popular flavors sell out fast, often before noon. The disappointment of finding your favorite gone is real, according to multiple reviews. These aren’t just croissants, they’re edible proof that simple ingredients, when handled with care and expertise, can create something absolutely magical.

2. Pop Tarts That Aren’t Your Childhood Version

Forget everything you thought you knew about pop tarts. Buttermilk Bakery takes this nostalgic treat and elevates it into something your childhood self could only dream about. The guava cheese version gets special attention from regulars, offering a balanced sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm your palate with sugar.

These aren’t mass-produced rectangles from a foil package. Each pop tart features the same flaky, buttery pastry that makes the croissants famous, wrapped around creative fillings that change with the seasons. The pastry-to-filling ratio hits just right, giving you flavor in every bite without turning into a messy explosion.

Reviews mention these treats appearing in the display case alongside other pastries, often selling out quickly during weekend rushes. The bakery’s approach keeps sweetness restrained, letting the quality of ingredients shine through rather than masking everything with sugar. One customer mentioned getting multiple items for fifteen dollars and having snacks that lasted from lunch through dinner.

The pop tarts represent Buttermilk’s philosophy perfectly: take a familiar concept and execute it with such care and quality ingredients that it becomes something entirely new. They’re substantial enough to satisfy but light enough that you won’t feel weighed down. Multiple reviewers specifically called out pop tarts as must-try items, which says plenty about how these reimagined classics have won over the Winter Park crowd.

3. Almond Croissants Worth the Hype

Some pastries whisper their arrival. Almond croissants from Buttermilk Bakery announce themselves with a fragrance that could make you spend your whole paycheck, according to one enthusiastic reviewer. These beauties take the classic croissant base and transform it into something even more indulgent.

Almond paste gets tucked inside the buttery layers, then the whole thing gets topped with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar before hitting the oven. The result delivers crunch, cream, and that signature flakiness all in one bite. Multiple customers specifically mentioned the almond croissant as their personal favorite among all the offerings.

What sets these apart from mediocre versions found elsewhere comes down to restraint. The almond filling complements rather than drowns the pastry, letting you still taste that beautiful laminated dough underneath. The exterior gets toasted to golden perfection, creating textural contrast that keeps each bite interesting.

One reviewer noted how nothing at Buttermilk tastes overly sweet, and the almond croissants exemplify this approach. You get richness and flavor without the sugar crash that follows lesser pastries. The bakery clearly understands that quality ingredients don’t need to hide behind excessive sweetness.

These croissants have converted non-pastry eaters into devoted fans, proving that when something’s done right, it transcends personal preferences and becomes universally crave-worthy.

4. Savory Pastries That Steal the Show

Sweet pastries get plenty of love, but Buttermilk Bakery’s savory creations deserve equal billing. The khachapuri pastry has earned repeat customer status for multiple reviewers, delivering Georgian cheese bread excellence that never disappoints. These aren’t afterthoughts for people who don’t like sweets, they’re standalone stars.

Savory croissants come filled with combinations like turkey Brie with caramelized onions, tomato and cheese, or the fan-favorite mortadella with hot honey. Each one arrives generously stuffed, though one reviewer wished the fig spread more evenly rather than clustering in the middle. The fillings showcase thoughtful flavor pairings that go beyond basic ham and cheese.

Reviews consistently praise how these savory options maintain that crucial flakiness while standing up to moisture from fillings. The pastry doesn’t get soggy, and the seasoning hits just right without oversalting. One customer suggested they’d pair nicely with dipping sauces for those who like extra flavor.

The quiche also gets regular mentions, fitting perfectly into the savory category with fresh ingredients and proper execution. For people who prefer salt over sugar, Buttermilk offers plenty of options that showcase the same technical skill and ingredient quality. The everything bagel croissant earned specific praise for being super flaky and flavorful, proving that savory pastry lovers have just as much reason to line up outside this Winter Park gem.

5. Brioche Donuts That Defy Expectations

Donuts get a bad reputation for being heavy, greasy gut bombs. Buttermilk Bakery’s brioche donuts flip that script entirely, earning praise for being remarkably light despite the rich dough. One converted customer couldn’t believe a donut could feel this airy, calling it pure deliciousness.

Brioche dough brings butter and eggs into the mix, creating a richer base than standard yeasted donuts. When executed properly, like Buttermilk does, you get tender crumb with a delicate structure that practically melts on your tongue. The lightness comes from proper fermentation and careful handling, not cutting corners with shortcuts.

These donuts don’t rely on excessive sweetness to make an impression. Following the bakery’s overall philosophy, they let quality ingredients speak for themselves. The glaze or toppings enhance rather than overwhelm, creating balance that makes you want another bite instead of feeling sugar-shocked after one.

Reviews mention the brioche donuts alongside other standout items, often in lists of multiple purchases that all delivered. The fact that someone who isn’t normally a pastry eater got converted specifically by Buttermilk’s offerings, including these donuts, speaks volumes. They’re not trying to compete with chain donut shops, they’re offering something entirely different.

Light, flavorful, and made with the same care that goes into every croissant, these brioche donuts prove that even familiar treats can surprise you when crafted by people who genuinely care.

6. Monkey Bread That Brings You Back

Monkey bread occupies a special place in American baking, that pull-apart sweet treat that turns breakfast into a shared experience. Buttermilk Bakery’s version earned enthusiastic love from multiple reviewers, with one exclaiming their devotion in all caps. This isn’t subtle pastry, it’s sticky, sweet, shareable joy.

Traditional monkey bread involves dough balls coated in cinnamon sugar, piled into a pan, and baked until they fuse together in caramelized glory. Each piece pulls away easily, bringing strings of sweet glaze with it. The bakery’s interpretation stays true to the spirit while adding their signature touch of quality ingredients and proper technique.

What makes this version stand out comes down to texture. The dough needs to be tender but substantial enough to hold the coating and survive the baking process without turning gummy. Reviews mention it specifically among must-order items, suggesting Buttermilk nails this balance consistently.

The monkey bread represents the sweeter, more indulgent side of the menu, perfect for sharing or treating yourself on a weekend morning. It pairs beautifully with their coffee offerings, providing that comforting combination of caffeine and sugar that makes mornings bearable. While some items at Buttermilk lean toward refined elegance, the monkey bread embraces pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

It’s the kind of treat that makes you understand why people drive from neighboring cities just to visit this bakery.

7. Kouign Amann’s Caramelized Magic

Pronouncing kouign amann might trip you up (it’s roughly queen ah-MAHN), but tasting one from Buttermilk Bakery requires zero linguistic skills. This Breton pastry takes croissant dough and adds sugar to the lamination process, creating layers that caramelize during baking into crispy, buttery, sweet perfection.

The exterior develops a crackling sugar crust that shatters when you bite down, giving way to tender, buttery layers inside. It’s simultaneously crispy and soft, sweet and rich, simple and complex. The kouign amann represents serious pastry technique, requiring precise timing and temperature control to achieve that signature caramelization without burning.

Eight mentions in the review data suggest this French classic has found fans among Winter Park locals. It’s not as immediately recognizable as a croissant or donut, which makes it perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something new. The kouign amann showcases Buttermilk’s commitment to authentic French techniques alongside American favorites.

These pastries work beautifully with coffee, the slight bitterness cutting through the rich sweetness. They’re best eaten fresh when that caramelized exterior still crackles, though honestly they’re delicious at any temperature. The kouign amann might not grab headlines like the croissants, but it represents the kind of technical skill and attention to detail that separates good bakeries from great ones.

For pastry enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship, this Breton treasure belongs on your must-try list.

8. Morning Buns That Start Days Right

Morning buns bring California bakery culture to Winter Park, offering a flaky alternative to traditional cinnamon rolls. Buttermilk’s version earned specific praise for being light and flaky with a dusting that tastes like apple cinnamon sugar, creating the perfect balance between pastry and sweet roll.

Unlike dense cinnamon rolls made from enriched dough, morning buns use laminated pastry similar to croissants. The dough gets rolled with cinnamon sugar, shaped into spirals, and baked until the exterior crisps while the interior stays tender. Orange zest often joins the filling, adding brightness that cuts through the richness.

Multiple reviews mentioned morning buns as hits, suggesting consistent quality that keeps customers coming back. They’re substantial enough for breakfast but not so heavy that you’ll need a nap afterward. The flaky layers provide textural interest that standard cinnamon rolls can’t match, making each bite more complex and satisfying.

These buns represent the sweet spot between indulgence and restraint that defines Buttermilk’s approach. You get sweetness and spice without overwhelming sugar, flakiness without greasiness, satisfaction without regret. They pair perfectly with the bakery’s coffee offerings, creating a complete breakfast experience.

The morning bun might not be as flashy as some menu items, but it’s become a quiet favorite among regulars who appreciate its understated excellence and the way it makes ordinary mornings feel a little more special.