From the oven, from the heart

Articles & Stories

Butter tart wisdom, cake-ordering tips, and the little traditions that make an Italian bakery feel like home.

Apple crumble caramel butter tarts lined up on a tray

A field guide to Bruno’s butter tarts

Thirty-plus varieties rotate through the case. Here’s how to find your favourite, from classic raisin to Biscoff.

Butter tarts are what Bruno’s is known for, and we take that seriously. Award-winning recipes, flaky pastry, and a rotating lineup of more than thirty varieties means there is always something new to try next visit.

A few regulars to look for: apple crumble caramel with its crunchy streusel top, peanut butter Reese’s for chocolate-and-peanut-butter fans, Oh Henry for the nostalgic, Biscoff with its spiced cookie spread, and tarts drizzled with caramel or Nutella. Fruit-studded raisin classics stay on the roster too.

Varieties change with the seasons and the day’s bake, so the best strategy is simple: ask what came out of the oven this morning, and grab the one that calls your name before someone else does.

White custom cake finished with pink piped roses and a cross

Ordering a custom cake

Birthdays, weddings, showers, communions. What to know before you call, and how early to call us.

Custom cakes are one of our favourite parts of the week. We have made themed birthday cakes, wedding cakes, anniversary tiers, and spring communion and confirmation cakes with piped roses and crosses, each matched to the colours and size you need.

Call or email us with your date, the number of guests, and any theme or colours. The earlier you reach out, the more we can do; weekends and spring communion season book up first. We will quote the design before anything goes in the oven, so there are no surprises.

Not sure what size? Tell us how many people you are feeding and we will suggest a size and flavour that works, whether that is a full custom cake or a sheet cake alongside a dessert table.

Panettone loaves wrapped in gold paper and tied with ribbons

Gift Italian style

Gift-wrapped panettone, tins of cookies, and butter tart boxes that arrive looking as good as they taste.

A Bruno’s gift says more than a card ever could. Around the holidays we wrap panettone in gold paper and ribbons, ready for hosts, teachers, and neighbours, alongside loaves studded with fruit baked in-house.

Tins of decorated cookies, from snowmen to hearts, cover the seasonal circuit, and a box of butter tarts solves just about any thank-you. Call ahead for larger gift orders so we can set aside what you need.

Gifting season is not just December. Valentine’s hearts in February and Easter treats in spring mean there is usually something wrapped and waiting in the case.

Stack of fudgy gluten-free chocolate brownies

Gluten-free, still Bruno’s

GF brownies and date squares make regular appearances in the case. What gluten-free guests should know.

Going gluten-free should not mean skipping dessert. GF chocolate brownies and GF date squares rotate through our case, and they are just as rich and fudgy as everything else we bake.

Because varieties change day to day, the smart move is to call ahead at +1 705-315-1661 and ask what gluten-free options are in the case this week. We can often point you to what is coming out of the oven next.

One honest note: our kitchen works with wheat flour every day, so if you have a serious allergy, let us know when you order and we will walk you through what is possible.

Hungry yet?

Everything you just read about is a short drive away. Most menu items are CA$10–20, and the coffee is always on.

See what’s baking Call the bakery