Boxcar Bakery in Essex, Vermont: A Favorite for Cupcakes, Creme Pies and Cronuts

One of my favorite parts of being a Vermont Realtor is celebrating closing day with my clients. And while handing over the keys to a new home is exciting enough, I usually like to show up with something sweet to make the occasion even better.

More often than not, that means cupcakes.

I’ve ordered cupcakes from bakeries all over Vermont over the years, and Boxcar Bakery Local favorite: Boxcar Bakery in Essex has become one of my favorites. Their cupcakes are consistently a hit with my clients, and I’ve found plenty of other reasons to keep returning, even when I don’t have a closing to celebrate.

The snickerdoodle cookies. The savory pastries. The cronuts. And those oatmeal cream pies!

Boxcar is a wonderful addition to the Essex food scene, with an inviting atmosphere, a tempting pastry case and some pretty creative coffee drinks. I also love the energy here. The staff is friendly, the space is lively, and I rarely leave without adding something to my order that I hadn’t originally planned to buy.

Cupcakes That Make Closing Day Sweeter

I’ve always enjoyed celebrating milestones, particularly when it comes to helping someone purchase or sell a home. A closing represents months of planning, paperwork, negotiations and anticipation, and I think it deserves a little celebration.

Cupcakes have become one of my favorite closing-day traditions because they’re easy to share and feel festive without being overly elaborate.

And Boxcar Bakery makes some excellent ones.

The cupcakes are beautifully decorated, with generous frosting and a variety of flavors that make choosing difficult. I’ve brought them to clients on several occasions, and they’ve become fan favorites.

I love supporting local bakeries when putting together closing gifts, particularly when I know the quality will be excellent and the presentation will make someone smile.

If you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering or simply looking for an excuse to bring home a box of cupcakes, Boxcar is a great place to start.

The Snickerdoodle Cookies Are a Favorite

As much as I love the cupcakes, the snickerdoodle cookies deserve their own mention.

I’m a sucker for a good snickerdoodle, particularly when it’s soft in the center with a little cinnamon-sugar crunch around the edges.

Boxcar’s version has become one of my favorite treats to pick up when I’m stopping in for coffee. It’s a classic cookie, but when it’s made well, there’s really no need to reinvent it.

And if you’re buying treats for a group, I’d recommend grabbing a few different cookies to share. Like Mexican Cocoa one is always a hit!

Don’t Overlook the Savory Pastries

One of the things I enjoy about Boxcar is that it’s not exclusively a destination for sweets.

The bakery also offers savory pastries, making it a great stop for breakfast or a quick bite during the day.

I love a good savory pastry, particularly when the dough is flaky and buttery and the filling has plenty of flavor.

They’re a nice alternative to ordering another breakfast sandwich, and they pair beautifully with a latte.

The selection changes, so I’d recommend looking through the pastry case before deciding what to order.

Cronuts & Oatmeal Cream Pies

Two more reasons to visit Boxcar? The cronuts and oatmeal cream pies.

If you’ve never had a cronut, it’s a cross between a croissant and a doughnut, combining laminated, buttery layers with the sweetness of a fried pastry.

Boxcar’s version is a particularly indulgent treat, and I’d recommend grabbing one when they’re available.

The oatmeal cream pies are another favorite of mine. Think soft oatmeal cookies sandwiching a generous layer of sweet cream filling, but considerably better than the packaged versions many of us grew up eating.

I love bakeries that take familiar childhood treats and make them from scratch with good ingredients.

And Boxcar does that particularly well.

Coffee Drinks Worth Trying

Boxcar isn’t simply a bakery. It’s also a fun place to stop for coffee, with an espresso menu that includes traditional favorites and seasonal specialty drinks.

During summer, the raspberry white chocolate latte was an absolute must for me.

I love the combination of tart raspberry and sweet white chocolate, particularly when served iced on a warm Vermont morning.

It’s a little more indulgent than my usual coffee order, but that’s part of the appeal.

The seasonal menu changes throughout the year, so I’d recommend checking the specials board for whatever the baristas are making.

And if you’re stopping in with someone who isn’t interested in coffee, there are other beverage options available.

Bring Home a Loaf of Bread

Don’t leave without checking the bread selection.

Boxcar offers freshly baked breads to bring home, which are wonderful for sandwiches, toast or simply enjoying with a little Vermont butter.

I love picking up a loaf from a local bakery rather than buying another bag of grocery store bread, particularly when I know I’ll be making a good breakfast at home the following morning.

The bread selection can vary, so if you have your heart set on a particular loaf, I’d recommend calling ahead.

What to Know Before You Go

Location

Boxcar Bakery is located in Essex, Vermont. Check the bakery’s current address before visiting.

What to Order

Cupcakes, snickerdoodle cookies, savory pastries, cronuts, oatmeal cream pies and fresh bread.

Coffee

Espresso drinks, traditional coffee beverages and rotating seasonal lattes. Look for the raspberry white chocolate latte if it returns during summer.

Special Orders

If you’re purchasing cupcakes for a closing, birthday or other celebration, contact the bakery ahead of time to discuss quantities and availability.

Bread

Freshly baked bread is available to purchase, with selections varying by day.

Atmosphere

Casual, friendly and lively, with a welcoming neighborhood bakery feel.

Hours

Check the bakery’s current schedule before visiting, particularly for holidays and special orders.

Boxcar has become one of my regular Essex stops, and not just because I have clients to celebrate.

I love the pastry selection, the inventive coffee drinks and the cheerful atmosphere that makes stopping in such a pleasure. And while I might arrive intending to pick up a box of cupcakes for a closing, there’s a pretty good chance I’ll leave with a snickerdoodle or oatmeal cream pie for myself. Some traditions are worth keeping.