Tucked along East Fillmore Street in Colorado Springs, Boonzaaijer’s Dutch Bakery looks like a quiet neighborhood spot you might easily drive past. But once you step inside, the smell of fresh pastries and warm espresso tells you something special is happening here.
With a 4.7-star rating from over 2,500 reviews, this mom-and-pop bakery has earned a loyal following that stretches far beyond the city. From legendary éclairs to custom cakes and Dutch specialty treats, there are plenty of reasons to make the trip.
The Éclairs That Started It All
Some pastries are good. These éclairs are the kind you think about on the drive home.
At Boonzaaijer’s Dutch Bakery, the éclairs have built a reputation that keeps customers coming back, again and again, even from out of town.
Reviewers describe them as incredibly fresh, with a light choux shell and a filling that doesn’t feel heavy or overly sweet. One customer noted they were a bit small but made up for it with pure, clean flavor.
That balance is hard to find.
Even a gluten-free version is available, which is a rare and thoughtful touch for a bakery of this size. Whether you grab one to go or enjoy it with a coffee at one of their indoor tables, the éclair here is the kind of treat that earns its own fan club.
Go early — they sell out fast.
Fruit Tarts Worth Every Penny
Ask a regular at Boonzaaijer’s what they always order, and the fruit tart comes up almost every time. The crust has a satisfying sugar coating, and the filling inside is described as refreshing rather than cloying — a balance that keeps it feeling light even when you eat the whole thing.
One customer admitted she would have “pounded the whole thing in one sitting” if she had ordered the full-sized version instead of the mini. That kind of honesty says everything.
Fresh fruit sits on top in a way that looks almost too pretty to eat.
Prices lean a little higher than a grocery store, but the quality justifies it easily. Think of the fruit tart as a once-a-month treat you genuinely look forward to.
Multiple reviewers called it their personal favorite item at the bakery, and it is easy to understand why.
Cinnamon Coffee Cake That Steals the Show
One reviewer put it perfectly: if you are only getting one thing at Boonzaaijer’s, make it the cinnamon coffee cake. The description alone sounds irresistible — mini cinnamon roll layers topped with a classic coffee cake crumble, delivering a small flavor explosion with every bite.
Unlike the cinnamon roll, which some found a bit mild in flavor despite its great texture, the coffee cake brings bold cinnamon warmth from the very first forkful. It has that homemade quality that chain bakeries simply cannot replicate.
Fair warning: it sells out quickly, especially on weekday mornings. Getting there before 9 AM gives you the best shot at snagging a piece.
Locals know this well, which is part of why the line moves steadily even on slower days. A cup of their espresso alongside it makes the whole experience feel like a proper morning well spent.
Custom Cakes That Make People Scream (In the Best Way)
“We actually screamed when it was delivered.” That is a real quote from a real customer who ordered a double-layer anniversary cake from Boonzaaijer’s. When a cake causes that kind of reaction, you know the bakery is doing something right.
The team, including cake artist Vanessa, communicates closely with customers from the tasting stage all the way through design planning. Dietary restrictions, decoration requests, and flavor choices are all taken seriously.
The result is a cake that looks exactly like what was imagined, and tastes even better.
Birthday cakes here have become a family tradition for multiple reviewers. The Boston Cream version, with its firm chocolate topping and cheesecake-like filling, is a standout.
Pricing is described as very reasonable for the level of craftsmanship involved. If you have a special occasion coming up, this is the bakery to call first.
Chocolate Croissants Worth Waking Up Early For
There is a certain kind of morning that calls for a chocolate croissant — buttery, layered, and just indulgent enough to make getting out of bed feel worthwhile. Boonzaaijer’s delivers exactly that.
One online reviewer gave them a flat 10 out of 10 and specifically mentioned they taste even better warmed up in the microwave at home.
The croissants here lean heavily on the pastry side rather than the filling, which is exactly how a proper croissant should be. Ham and cheese versions are also available for those who prefer something more savory in the morning.
Because these sell out fast, ordering online ahead of time is a smart move. The bakery opens at 6:30 AM on weekdays, giving early risers a clear advantage.
Pair one with their espresso and you have a breakfast that feels far more special than it has any right to be at this price point.
Coconut Mousse Cake — Rich, Creamy, Unforgettable
Coconut desserts can go two ways — they either taste like sunscreen or they taste like a dream. Boonzaaijer’s coconut mousse cake falls firmly into dream territory.
One reviewer described it as their absolute favorite among several items tried, praising its dense, creamy texture and rich coconut flavor that lingers in the best possible way.
The mousse has real body to it, not the airy, flavorless kind you sometimes find at chain restaurants. Every bite feels intentional, like someone in the kitchen actually cares about the outcome.
That is what separates a mom-and-pop bakery from everything else.
This cake works beautifully as a standalone dessert or as part of a mixed box if you are sampling several things. It pairs well with their black coffee or a simple tea.
If coconut is your flavor, this is the item you came for — full stop.
Apple Tarts and Pastries — A Flaky Dutch Classic
Dutch baking has a long and proud tradition of working with apples, and Boonzaaijer’s honors that history beautifully. Reviewers who visited multiple times consistently listed apple tarts and apple pastries as their top picks, returning to them on every visit without hesitation.
The pastry itself is flaky and buttery in a way that feels genuinely handmade. The apple filling is warm and spiced without being overpowering — subtle enough to let the fruit speak for itself.
It is the kind of thing your grandmother might have made if your grandmother happened to be Dutch and exceptionally talented.
These tend to move quickly, especially later in the morning when the after-work crowd starts arriving. Showing up closer to opening time gives you the full selection.
Whether you grab one to eat in-store or take a whole tart home for the family, the apple offerings here are a must-try on any visit.
Almond Paste Pastries — A Hidden Gem on the Menu
Not everyone knows to ask for the almond paste pastry, but the people who do tend to become devoted fans. One reviewer specifically bought a supply of them as gifts for friends — a sure sign that something is genuinely special.
Almond paste, or amandelspijs, is a cornerstone of Dutch baking, and Boonzaaijer’s handles it with real skill.
The filling is smooth and mildly sweet, wrapped in a pastry shell that crisps up just enough without becoming dry. It has an old-world quality that feels rare in a city bakery setting.
You are not just eating a pastry — you are tasting a culinary tradition that goes back generations in the Netherlands.
If you are visiting for the first time and want something that feels authentically Dutch rather than broadly European, this is the item to seek out. Ask the staff — they are always happy to point you in the right direction.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie — A Whole One, Please
Whole pies at Boonzaaijer’s are the kind of thing you buy with zero regret. One reviewer listed a full strawberry rhubarb pie among her haul during a single visit, and it is not hard to imagine why.
The combination of tart rhubarb and sweet strawberry, wrapped in a homemade crust, is a classic that very few bakeries still execute properly.
Taking a whole pie home means you get to enjoy it over several days — or in one sitting, no judgment here. The crust is buttery and holds its shape well, which matters when you are cutting slices at home without a professional pastry server in sight.
Seasonal availability may affect whether this pie is on the menu during your visit, so calling ahead or checking the website at dutchpastry.com is a good idea. This is the kind of pie that makes a dinner party feel instantly impressive without much extra effort on your part.
Espresso and Coffee — The Perfect Pastry Companion
A great bakery without great coffee is like a symphony without the brass section — something important is clearly missing. Boonzaaijer’s gets this right.
Their espresso is consistently praised in reviews as good and reasonably priced, which is a combination that is harder to find than it should be.
The coffee menu includes cappuccinos and other espresso-based drinks, making it easy to build a full cafe-style experience even in a casual, mom-and-pop setting. Seating is available inside, so you can slow down and actually enjoy your pastry instead of eating it over a steering wheel.
Earl Grey tea is also on the menu for those who prefer something non-caffeinated. Pairing a hot drink with one of their fruit tarts or cinnamon rolls turns a quick stop into something that feels like a genuine break from the day.
Sometimes that is exactly what you need.
Fresh White Loaf Bread — Simple and Surprisingly Special
Bread does not need to be complicated to be extraordinary. Boonzaaijer’s white loaf, priced at around five dollars, has a fresh wheat aroma that hits you the moment it comes out of the bag.
One reviewer specifically noted there are no additives — just clean, honest ingredients baked the right way.
In a world of preservative-packed grocery store loaves, finding bread that actually smells and tastes like bread feels almost radical. The crust has enough structure to hold up for sandwiches while the inside stays soft and tender.
It is the kind of loaf that disappears fast in a household.
Bread tends to sell out by early afternoon, so timing your visit matters. Getting there in the morning gives you the best selection of both bread and pastries before the daily rush depletes the shelves.
It is a small logistical detail that makes a big difference in what you get to take home.
Friendly Staff Who Make Every Visit Better
The food at Boonzaaijer’s is remarkable, but what keeps people coming back with the same enthusiasm is the staff. Multiple reviewers used words like “enthusiastic,” “professional,” and “way above and beyond” to describe their interactions.
That level of consistent praise across hundreds of reviews is not accidental — it is a reflection of genuine workplace culture.
First-time visitors often arrive with questions, and the team handles them patiently and knowledgeably. On busy days, the line moves efficiently without feeling rushed.
Even during the holiday season rush, customers reported smooth and pleasant service despite the packed conditions.
One loyal customer said she could not think of a single way to improve the experience after five visits. That kind of feedback is rare and meaningful.
When the people behind the counter clearly love what they do, it adds something intangible to every transaction — a warmth that turns a bakery visit into a memory worth repeating.
Practical Tips for Your First Visit to Boonzaaijer’s
Planning your visit a little in advance makes the whole experience smoother. The bakery is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 7 AM to 4 PM.
Sunday is a closed day, so do not show up expecting a weekend brunch situation — Saturday is your best weekend option.
Arriving early is the single most important tip. Popular items like cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, and croissants routinely sell out before the afternoon.
By 2 PM, bread and many pastries are often gone. The earlier you get there, the better your selection will be.
Online ordering is available through dutchpastry.com, which is handy for custom cakes or if you want to guarantee specific items. Parking is available out front and along the side near the adjacent gas station, though it can get tight during peak hours.
Call ahead at 719-264-0177 if you have special requests or custom cake inquiries.