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This French-Style Bakery In Winter Park Serves The Best Laminated Croissants In Central Florida

Published: June 23, 2025

Mornings at Buttermilk Bakery begin in the darkest hours when most of Winter Park still slumbers.

By 4 AM, ovens are already firing up and the day’s first batch of croissants begins its careful transformation from humble dough to buttery, flaky perfection.

This small-batch bakery has become a phenomenon since opening in August 2016, drawing lines of devoted fans who understand that the best pastries require both patience and an early alarm clock.

The Rebroff family – Brazilian matriarch Lana alongside her children Phillip, Taissa, and Alex – created this love letter to European baking traditions in a charming standalone building on Orange Avenue.

What started as a family passion for exceptional food has evolved into Winter Park’s most coveted breakfast destination, where everything truly looks like it belongs in a French cafe and the quality matches the visual appeal.

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Pastry Perfection Worth The Wait

Laminated Croissants: The crown jewels of Buttermilk’s offerings showcase masterful technique in every golden layer.

The laminated doughs are buttery, flaky, light with a great feel in your mouth, whether you choose classic butter, ham and Gruyère, or inventive seasonal fillings like spinach and feta.

The almond croissants get “double baked” with almond or hazelnut cream, creating a warm, custardy center that contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior.

Artisanal Pop Tarts: Forget everything you thought you knew about pop tarts. These housemade versions change seasonally, featuring local raspberry jam, malted chocolate, or sweet potato and marshmallow fillings encased in buttery pastry.

The lemon/lavender pop tart offers an sophisticated floral note that elevates this childhood favorite to gourmet status.

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Kouign Amann: This Breton specialty represents the ultimate test of a baker’s skill, and Buttermilk passes with flying colors. Visitors consistently mention the Kouign Amann as a standout, with its caramelized sugar exterior giving way to tender, buttery layers within.

Morning Buns: Made from croissant dough laced with cardamom, orange zest and brown sugar, these spiral treats offer warm spice notes that make them irresistible alongside morning coffee. The combination of familiar cinnamon roll comfort with sophisticated French technique creates something truly special.

Savory Quiches: The quiches here are exceptionally fluffy and light, defying the dense reputation this dish often carries. Options like Brie and spinach showcase quality ingredients in perfectly balanced combinations that satisfy without overwhelming.

Cozy European Café Atmosphere

Intimate Indoor Space: While they do not have indoor seating available, the small interior creates an authentic European bakery feel where you’ll select your treats from beautiful glass displays. You can’t really make your decision about what to get until you’re right up to the glass – and that’s part of the charm.

Charming Side Patio: The little patio on the side provides additional seating where you can enjoy your pastries outdoors. About 10 tables offer a pleasant dining area, though it does get warm in the summer so dress appropriately.

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Authentic European Vibe: The pastries remind visitors of European bakeries, creating an atmosphere that transports you beyond Winter Park’s borders. The family’s minimalist approach with mismatched aprons and eager attitudes adds to the genuine, unpretentious charm.

Other Considerations

Timing Is Everything: Go early as there may be a line or your favorite baked treat may be gone. The tiny retail counter depletes early, so don’t expect afternoon availability for popular items. Weekend lines form quickly, especially for the sourdough pancakes with housemade dulce de leche cooked for 24 hours.

Reasonable Pricing: While specific prices weren’t detailed in reviews, visitors consistently describe the pricing as fair for the quality received. Most items freeze well for a treat during the week, making them worthwhile investments for multiple enjoyment occasions.

Parking Logistics: Lots of parking in the back of the building makes access easier than many Winter Park destinations. Some visitors park by nearby Foxtail coffee, just a block away, especially when combining visits to multiple local businesses.

Small Batch Philosophy: As a small-batch bakery, they run out of stuff – but this limitation ensures everything you receive was made fresh that morning.

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Operating Wednesday through Friday 8am-2pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-2pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays keeps production manageable while maintaining quality.

Family-Friendly: The outdoor seating and approachable menu make this suitable for families, though the limited weekend availability means planning ahead becomes essential for busy parents.


Buttermilk Bakery
📍 1198 N Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Writer: Jamie Benson
Contributor

Jamie grew up just outside of Springfield, Illinois, and has spent most of his life exploring the state’s mix of small-town charm and big-city energy. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he stuck around to cover local events, hidden gems, and the quirks that make Illinois unique. When not writing, Jamie can usually be found digging through vinyl at record shops in Chicago, hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park, or tracking down the best deep-dish pizza outside the city.