‘m a sucker for a great bakery, particularly one where the bread is just as much of a draw as the pastries. And in East Burke, Vermont, there’s a little bakery at the base of Burke Mountain that has developed quite a following for its sourdough breads, generously filled sandwiches and homemade baked goods.
Meet Auntie Dee Dee’s.
Located on Mountain Road, just outside East Burke Village, this small bakery has become a favorite among locals, mountain bikers, skiers and anyone who knows that a really good sandwich starts with really good bread.
And when I say sourdough, I’m talking about beautiful, crusty loaves with plenty of character. The sort of bread I’d happily tear into before even getting it home.
Auntie Dee Dee’s is primarily a takeout bakery, so don’t expect a sprawling café with plenty of seating. Instead, you’ll find a small shop packed with fresh bread, pastries, sandwiches and locally sourced provisions.
If you’re exploring Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, I’d make a stop here part of your plans.
Meet Auntie Dee Dee: The Baker Behind the Bread
Auntie Dee Dee’s is the creation of Danielle Ekasala, a baker with decades of professional experience who has built a loyal following in East Burke.
And yes, there’s a story behind the name.
Danielle’s nephew, Zack, couldn’t pronounce her name when he was little, and Auntie Dee Dee stuck. I love that the bakery’s name comes from a family nickname rather than something dreamed up by a marketing agency.
The business operates out of a converted garage along the road leading to Burke Mountain. It’s a small operation, but there’s a lot happening inside.
Danielle makes naturally leavened breads, laminated pastries, sandwiches and seasonal prepared foods, incorporating ingredients from Vermont farms and producers whenever possible.
Over the years, the bakery has also become a gathering spot for the East Burke community. It’s not unusual for people to line up outside before opening, particularly on weekends when the mountain and Kingdom Trails are busy.
The Sourdough Bread Is the Main Attraction
If you’re visiting Auntie Dee Dee’s, I’d start with the bread.
The bakery specializes in naturally leavened sourdough, including rustic round loaves, baguettes and specialty breads made with ingredients like walnuts and seeds.
There’s a lot of skill involved in making good sourdough. The fermentation process takes time, and the result should have a crisp crust, a chewy interior and enough flavor to make even a simple slice with butter something to look forward to.
Auntie Dee Dee’s has earned a reputation for exactly that.
The walnut and sunflower breads have been longtime favorites among customers, along with the traditional sourdough rounds.
I’d pick up a loaf for the weekend, particularly if you’re staying at a nearby cabin or vacation rental. Add some Vermont butter or a wedge of Jasper Hill Farm cheese, and you’ve got yourself a pretty great afternoon snack.
And if you happen to be visiting when the baguettes are fresh from the oven, I’d grab one of those, too.
Don’t Overlook the Sandwiches
As much attention as the bread receives, the sandwiches are another reason people return to Auntie Dee Dee’s.
The bakery makes specialty sandwiches using its own freshly baked breads, with fillings that go beyond your typical deli offerings.
Past sandwiches have included prosciutto with goat cheese, arugula and roasted peppers on walnut sourdough, along with turkey sandwiches, BLTs and Reubens.
I’m always drawn to sandwiches that make good use of the bread rather than treating it as an afterthought.
A fresh baguette with quality cheese, vegetables and cured meat doesn’t need much else to be fantastic.
The bakery also offers soups, salads and other savory dishes, with selections changing according to the season.
If you’re spending the day mountain biking at Kingdom Trails or skiing at Burke Mountain, picking up lunch here is an easy decision.
And if you’re heading out on the trails, I’d consider grabbing a sandwich to enjoy later. Just be sure to pack it properly and carry out everything you bring with you.
Croissants, Cinnamon Rolls & Other Bakery Favorites
Of course, I wouldn’t visit a bakery without checking out the pastry case.
Auntie Dee Dee’s is known for its hand-laminated croissants, including traditional butter croissants and chocolate-filled versions.
You’ll also find pastries like cinnamon rolls, Swedish buns, fruit Danishes, scones and other rotating treats.
The cinnamon rolls have developed a particularly enthusiastic following, and the croissants are another customer favorite.
I love a bakery where you can pick up lunch and still have a difficult time resisting something sweet for later.
And since the bakery makes its pastries in small batches, I’d recommend arriving early if there’s something specific you’re hoping to try.
Vermont Products & Prepared Foods to Bring Home
Auntie Dee Dee’s also carries a selection of Vermont-made products that pair nicely with its bread.
Depending on the season, you may find local cheeses, dairy products, cured meats, honey and other provisions from regional farms.
The bakery has worked with producers such as Jasper Hill Farm, Strafford Creamery and Babette’s Table, incorporating local ingredients into its offerings.
Prepared meals have also been part of the business, including soups, chicken potpie, lasagna and other comfort foods.
I love the idea of stopping for lunch and leaving with dinner already taken care of.
If you’re renting a cabin in Burke for the weekend, pick up a loaf of sourdough, some Vermont cheese and a few prepared foods to enjoy back at your accommodations.
Make Auntie Dee Dee’s Part of a Burke Weekend
East Burke has become one of Vermont’s most popular destinations for outdoor recreation, thanks largely to Kingdom Trails Local favorite: Kingdom Trails and Burke Mountain Local favorite: Burke Mountain.
In the warmer months, mountain bikers come from across the country to ride the Kingdom Trails network. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding at Burke Mountain, along with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
Auntie Dee Dee’s location on the mountain access road makes it convenient for breakfast before heading outdoors or lunch after a morning of exploring.
I’d also spend a little time in East Burke Village, where you’ll find local shops, cafés and restaurants.
And if you’re traveling through the Northeast Kingdom, consider continuing toward Lake Willoughby, one of my favorite lakes in Vermont, or spending an afternoon exploring nearby St. Johnsbury.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location
- Auntie Dee Dee’s is located at 185 Mountain Road in East Burke, Vermont, along the road leading to Burke Mountain.
- Hours
- Currently listed as Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Hours can change seasonally, so confirm before making the trip.
- What to Order
- Naturally leavened sourdough bread, baguettes, specialty sandwiches, hand-laminated croissants and cinnamon rolls.
- Sandwiches
- The menu changes regularly, with seasonal fillings and breads baked on-site.
- Coffee
- Locally roasted coffee and tea are available.
- Seating
- Primarily a takeout bakery, with limited space. Plan to take your food with you.
- Parking
- Off-street parking is available at the bakery.
- Best Time to Visit
- I’d arrive in the morning for the best bread and pastry selection, particularly on busy ski and mountain biking weekends.
- Nearby Attractions
- Burke Mountain, Kingdom Trails, East Burke Village and Lake Willoughby.
- Phone
- 802-535-1206
Auntie Dee Dee’s is a good reminder that some of Vermont’s most memorable food experiences come from small, independently owned businesses putting serious care into what they make.
And when the bread is this good, you don’t need much more than a sandwich and a little time to enjoy it.
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