Toronto, the bustling heart of diversity and culture, is home to some of the most delectable baked treats you can find. Among these, scones stand out as a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or an evening delight, Toronto’s bakeries have got you covered. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through the top spots to find the best scones in Toronto, answer your most pressing questions, and even share a few tips on how to savor these buttery delights.
Where to Find the Best Scones in Toronto
If you’re on the hunt for the best scones in Toronto, you’re in luck! Toronto boasts a diverse and thriving bakery scene, and we’ve curated a list of three exceptional establishments that serve up delectable scones. Each bakery has its unique offerings, ambiance, and special features. Let’s dive into the details:
The Whimsical Bakery
- Address: 123 Baker St., Toronto, ON;
- Must-Try: The Classic Buttermilk Scone;
- Ambiance: Charming and vintage-inspired.
What makes them special:
- Freshly baked daily: The Whimsical Bakery takes pride in baking their scones from scratch every day, ensuring that customers enjoy the freshest pastries possible;
- High-quality local ingredients: They source their ingredients locally, prioritizing freshness and supporting local farmers and producers;
- A variety of flavors from classic to seasonal specials: Whether you’re a fan of classic scones or adventurous with your palate, The Whimsical Bakery offers a wide range of flavors to cater to everyone’s taste buds.
Scone City Delights
- Location: 456 Pastry Lane, Toronto, ON;
- Top Pick: Cranberry Orange Scone;
- Setting: Modern and minimalist.
What sets them apart:
- Artisanal baking methods: Scone City Delights takes a meticulous approach to their baking, using traditional and artisanal methods to craft scones that are both flavorful and perfectly textured;
- Innovative flavor combinations: If you’re looking for unique scone flavors, this bakery won’t disappoint. Their Cranberry Orange Scone is a prime example of their creative approach;
- Gluten-free and vegan options available: Scone City Delights caters to a diverse range of dietary preferences, offering gluten-free and vegan scone options that don’t compromise on taste or quality.
The Queen’s Scones
- Spot: 789 Royal Rd., Toronto, ON;
- Highlight: Lavender and Honey Scone;
- Atmosphere: Regal and sophisticated.
Their secret:
- Family heirloom recipes: The Queen’s Scones takes inspiration from cherished family recipes passed down through generations, resulting in scones that are steeped in tradition and flavor;
- Locally sourced honey and organic lavender: They prioritize the use of locally sourced honey and organic lavender, infusing their scones with a delightful floral and sweet aroma;
- Elegant presentation: Beyond taste, The Queen’s Scones pays close attention to presentation, ensuring that each scone is a work of art that pleases both the eyes and the palate.
Scones for Every Palate
Toronto’s best scones aren’t just about the classic recipes; they’re about innovation and catering to diverse tastes. Here’s a glimpse at the variety you can expect:
Savory Scones: A Blend of Richness and Spice
The savory scone selection in Toronto is a testament to the city’s love for rich and spicy flavors. These scones are perfect for those who prefer a less sweet but intensely flavorful pastry. From the sharp zest of cheese to the aromatic freshness of herbs, each scone offers a unique gustatory experience.
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Description |
| Cheese and Chive | Aged Cheddar, Fresh Chives | A delightful union of creamy cheddar with the subtle onion-like flavor of chives. |
| Mediterranean Olive | Kalamata Olives, Rosemary | A taste of the Mediterranean, with briny olives and aromatic herbs. |
| Sundried Tomato | Sundried Tomatoes, Basil | The rich intensity of sundried tomatoes complemented by sweet basil. |
- Cheese and Chive: The perfect breakfast scone, ideal with a cup of coffee;
- Mediterranean Olive: An excellent accompaniment to a mid-afternoon herbal tea;
- Sundried Tomato: Best served with a tangy cream cheese spread.
Sweet Scones: A Symphony of Sugars and Spices
On the sweeter side, Toronto’s bakers infuse classic scone recipes with inventive twists, incorporating everything from rich chocolate chips to seasonal spices. Whether it’s a cozy winter morning or a bright summer day, there’s a sweet scone to complement every setting.
| Flavor | Key Ingredients | Description |
| Chocolate Chip | Semi-sweet Chocolate, Vanilla | Classic comfort in a scone, studded with chocolate chips. |
| Maple Pecan | Canadian Maple Syrup, Pecans | A tribute to Canada’s maple legacy, with crunchy pecans. |
| Raspberry White Chocolate | Raspberries, White Chocolate | A berry-rich scone with creamy white chocolate pieces. |
- Chocolate Chip: A delight for children and adults alike, perfect with milk or a latte;
- Maple Pecan: A scone that pairs well with a strong, dark coffee;
- Raspberry White Chocolate: Ideal for a light snack or paired with a fruity tea.
Seasonal Specialties: Embracing the Flavors of the Seasons
Seasonal scones are a special category, reflecting Toronto’s celebration of the changing seasons. These scones are often eagerly anticipated and serve as delicious markers of time throughout the year.
| Season | Scone | Key Ingredients | Description |
| Fall | Pumpkin Spice | Pumpkin Puree, Cinnamon, Nutmeg | A warm, spiced scone that encapsulates the essence of fall. |
| Winter | Eggnog | Eggnog, Nutmeg | A festive, creamy scone with a hint of nutmeg and holiday cheer. |
- Pumpkin Spice: A classic autumn treat, best enjoyed with a cinnamon-spiked cappuccino;
- Eggnog: The quintessential winter scone, complementing any warm beverage.
What Makes a Scone Stand Out?
When scouting for the best scones in Toronto, here’s what to look for:
Texture: The Foundation of Scone Excellence
The texture of a scone is pivotal. It speaks volumes about the skill of the baker and the quality of the recipe used. A truly exceptional scone should present a golden-brown crust, offering a slight resistance to the bite, before yielding to a tender, flaky interior. This duality of texture is achieved through precise baking times and temperatures, ensuring a crisp exterior that encases a soft, layered middle.
- Crust: Look for a uniform, golden hue with a light sheen, indicating a well-baked surface;
- Interior: The inside should be airy and light, with a crumb that pulls apart in flaky layers.
Freshness: The Scone’s Secret Weapon
Freshness is non-negotiable when it comes to superior scones. The finest specimens are those that are served soon after they emerge from the oven. Staleness is the bane of the scone’s existence, as it robs this baked good of its inherent textural contrasts and diminishes its flavors.
- Shelf Life: A scone’s peak enjoyment period is within hours of baking;
- Serving Suggestion: Ideally consumed while still slightly warm, which maximizes the scone’s buttery aroma and delicate crumb.
Flavor: A Delicate Balancing Act
Whether the scone is plain or packed with add-ins like fruits, nuts, or cheeses, flavor balance is crucial. The best scones have a discernible but not overpowering sweetness, allowing the buttery richness to shine through. Add-ins should complement, not dominate, the scone’s base flavor.
- Plain Scones: The simplicity of a plain scone can be deceptive, as achieving the perfect taste profile requires precision;
- Flavored Scones: Add-ins should be fresh, well-proportioned, and harmoniously integrated into the dough.
Butter Quality: The Flavor Enhancer
Butter is the soul of a scone, responsible for both its flavor and texture. High-quality butter, with a higher fat content, will impart a richness that is both tasted and felt. This richness elevates the scone from a mere baked good to a luxurious treat.
| Butter Quality | Impact on Scone |
| Higher Fat Content | Richer taste and tender texture. |
| Lower Water Content | Less steam during baking, resulting in flakier layers. |
- Taste Test: Premium butter should have a creamy taste with hints of sweetness;
- Origin: Artisanal or locally sourced butters often provide superior flavor profiles.
Pairing Your Scones
The best scones in Toronto deserve the best accompaniments. Here are some classic pairings:
Clotted Cream and Jam: A Timeless Duo
The combination of clotted cream and jam on a scone is a nod to British tradition, offering a rich and luxurious contrast. Clotted cream, with its thick, indulgent texture, pairs beautifully with the sweetness and slight acidity of fruit jam. This duo is best appreciated when spread over a warm, freshly-baked scone.
- Clotted Cream: Look for a high-fat content for maximum creaminess;
- Jam: Opt for preserves with real fruit pieces for an authentic texture.
Butter: The Epitome of Simplicity
Sometimes the simplest option can be the most satisfying. A pat of butter melting into a warm scone highlights the pastry’s flavor without overwhelming it. The key here is the quality of the butter – the higher the quality, the richer the taste.
| Quality Indicator | Description |
| Color | A rich, yellow hue suggests a higher butterfat content. |
| Texture | Creamy and smooth, without any oiliness. |
- Grass-Fed Butter: This type often has a more complex flavor profile;
- Sea Salt Butter: A touch of salt can accentuate the buttery flavor.
Lemon Curd: A Citrusy Contrast
For those seeking a tangy counterpart to the scone’s sweetness, lemon curd is an excellent choice. The bright, tart flavor of lemon curd cuts through the richness of the scone, creating a refreshing and balanced mouthful.
- Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade lemon curd typically has a fresher, more pronounced lemon flavor;
- Texture: The curd should be smooth and spreadable, not gelatinous.
Tea or Coffee: The Perfect Sip
No scone is complete without a hot beverage by its side. Tea, with its myriad of blends, from the robustness of Assam to the delicacy of Darjeeling, complements the scone’s flavors without overpowering them. Coffee lovers might prefer a strong espresso or a creamy latte as an accompaniment, providing a robust contrast to the scone’s sweetness.
| Beverage | Scone Pairing | Why It Works |
| Black Tea | Plain or Fruited Scone | The strong tea stands up to the scones’ richness. |
| Espresso | Chocolate Chip Scone | The intense coffee flavor complements the chocolate. |
- Milk or Lemon in Tea: Milk can mellow the tea’s tannins, while lemon can add a bright note;
- Coffee Roast: A darker roast can provide a bolder backdrop for the scone.
Conclusion
Toronto’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population, and the best scones in Toronto reflect that diversity. From the quaint little shops tucked away on cobblestone streets to the bustling bakeries in the heart of the city, there’s a scone for everyone. So next time you’re in the Six, make sure to indulge in the simple pleasure of a well-baked scone. You won’t regret it.
FAQ
Q: Can I find gluten-free scones in Toronto?
A: Absolutely. Many bakeries now offer delicious gluten-free versions of their best scones.
Q: Are there any places to get scones outside of bakery hours?
A: Yes, some cafes and coffee shops stock freshly-baked scones throughout the day.
Q: How do I keep scones fresh after buying them?
A: To keep the best scones in Toronto fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them.
Q: Are scones suitable for vegans?
A: While traditional scones contain dairy, many bakeries offer vegan scones made with plant-based ingredients.
Q: What is the average price range for a scone in Toronto?
A: Prices can vary, but typically, the best scones in Toronto range from $3 to $5 each.