Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant Corktown neighborhood, Roselle Desserts is more than just a bakery—it’s a destination for dessert enthusiasts seeking creative, seasonal, and delightfully unique treats. Founded by accomplished chefs Stephanie Duong and Bruce Lee, this charming patisserie has quickly earned its place among the best bakeries in Corktown, offering a playful twist on French-inspired desserts. From their signature cakes like “The Earl” to ever-changing seasonal specials, every bite is a testament to their passion for quality and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, Corktown’s Roselle Desserts promises to satisfy in the most delightful way. If you’re on the hunt for Corktown’s best bakeries, keep reading to discover why this dessert haven deserves a top spot on your must-visit list!
About Roselle Desserts
Roselle Desserts was founded by Stephanie Duong and Bruce Lee, two pastry chefs who honed their craft in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and Asia. Their vision was shaped by the rigorous techniques they learned abroad and a shared love for creating desserts that bring joy to others. In February 2015, they brought their dream to life by opening their dessert shop in the heart of Corktown, Toronto.
Located at 362 King Street East, Corktown’s Roselle Desserts quickly became a favorite among dessert lovers. Their philosophy centers on crafting playful, high-quality desserts using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. By combining French-inspired techniques with local flavors, they have established a reputation as one of the best bakeries in Corktown.
Every creation at Roselle reflects their commitment to using the finest ingredients and their passion for making desserts that are both delicious and memorable.
Menu Highlights
Roselle Desserts in Corktown offers a diverse menu of French-inspired pastries infused with playful, local influences. Discover the city’s best pastries and top spots for sweet delights that perfectly complement Roselle’s offerings. From signature cakes to seasonal creations, the offerings are thoughtfully crafted to showcase the best ingredients and culinary creativity.
Signature Cakes and Desserts
Their menu features standout cakes like:
- The Earl: Milk chocolate Earl Grey mousse, Earl Grey sponge cake, cremeux, and a crispy feuilletine bottom.
- The Birthday Cake: A sprinkle buttermilk cake layered with whipped white chocolate ganache and passion fruit cremeux. Roselle Desserts is a standout choice for cakes, but for even more options, explore the best birthday cakes in Toronto, featuring top bakeries and delivery services.
- The Chocolate One: A decadent cake with Valrhona dark chocolate mousse, ganache, sponge cake, and chocolate pearls.
Seasonal Specials
Roselle’s hyper-seasonal philosophy ensures the menu evolves to highlight the best local ingredients. Examples include their Black Forest Pavlova and Pumpkin Chiffon Cake, offered in limited quantities during specific seasons.
Cookies, Pastries, and Baked Goods: Their collection includes classics like chocolate chunk cookies, madeleines, and financiers, alongside inventive items like the O.G. cookie and pre-packaged shortbreads.
Unique Creations: The Cake-in-a-Cup layers cake, mousse, and custards in a portable dessert cup. Flavors rotate weekly, adding to the excitement.
Collaborations with Local Chefs: Roselle regularly collaborates with Toronto’s top pastry chefs, creating unique treats for charity events and limited-time offerings.
Every item at Corktown’s Roselle Desserts is crafted with care, making it one of the best bakeries in Corktown for unique and high-quality desserts.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Offerings
One of the standout features of Roselle Desserts in Corktown is its hyper-seasonal menu, which evolves throughout the year to showcase the best of Ontario’s local produce. From summer’s bounty of fresh fruits to the deep, comforting flavors of winter, every dessert is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the seasons.
Seasonal Specials
Roselle’s seasonal offerings include limited-time desserts like the Black Forest Pavlova, featuring a cocoa pavlova shell, Niagara sour cherry compote, and chocolate truffle cubes. Another favorite is the Pumpkin Chiffon Cake, a lightly spiced, soft dessert that highlights autumn’s flavors. These specials are available only during their peak season and in small quantities, making them highly sought-after among fans of Corktown’s best bakeries.
Small-Batch Production: All seasonal desserts are made in small batches to ensure exceptional quality and freshness. This approach also allows the team to work creatively with limited ingredients, delivering innovative desserts that customers won’t find elsewhere.
Focus on Local Ingredients: Roselle sources fruits from Niagara farms in the summer and uses locally produced dairy and globally sourced chocolates in colder months. This commitment to quality and seasonality sets them apart from other dessert bakeries in Corktown, making their limited-time offerings truly special. Explore Toronto’s freshest farmers’ markets where local producers offer top-notch ingredients.
For dessert lovers seeking unique and seasonal treats, Roselle Desserts continues to be a top choice among the best bakeries in Corktown.
Ordering Policies and Hours
Roselle Desserts in Corktown operates with a focus on quality and efficiency, ensuring every order meets their high standards. Understanding their policies and schedule will help you plan your visit or order effectively.
Operating Hours
Roselle is open on:
- Friday: 5 PM – 8 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Ordering Policies
Roselle works on a pre-order and pick-up basis, ensuring customers receive fresh, handmade desserts:
- Pre-payment via e-transfer is required for all orders.
- Orders must be placed with 24 hours’ notice; same-day orders are not accepted.
- Pick-up is available only during operating hours; delivery is not offered.
Whole Cake Orders: Whole cakes are available for pick-up during the same week they are ordered. The ordering page resets every Monday at 8 AM, and availability is limited. Once sold out, no additional orders are taken for the week.
By adhering to these streamlined policies, Roselle Desserts ensures every dessert is freshly prepared and maintains its reputation as one of Corktown’s best bakeries. Plan ahead to secure your favorite seasonal or signature treats!
Community Impact and Collaborations
Roselle Desserts in Corktown has not only established itself as one of Corktown’s best bakeries but also as a cornerstone of Toronto’s pastry community. Through meaningful collaborations and charity events, Roselle demonstrates its commitment to making a positive impact both within and beyond its local neighborhood.
- Charity Cake Box Initiatives: Roselle has organized several Charity Cake Box events, with proceeds benefiting organizations like Black Women in Motion, CAMH, and the Trans People of Colour Project. These events feature collaborative creations from local pastry chefs, showcasing their unique styles while supporting vital causes. In 2020, this initiative raised $10,000 for its partner organizations.
- Holiday Cookie Tin Collaborations: Roselle’s holiday cookie tins bring together Toronto’s top pastry chefs to create delightful seasonal treats. A portion of proceeds is donated to organizations like FoodShare, supporting access to affordable, nutritious food.
- Chocolates for Charity: In 2018, Roselle partnered with chocolatier David Chow to produce a collaborative seasonal chocolate box. Proceeds went to Second Harvest, a Toronto organization focused on reducing food insecurity by redistributing quality surplus food.
- Collaborations with Local Chefs: Roselle frequently collaborates with other talented pastry chefs in Toronto to create limited-edition desserts, such as themed cakes and cookie boxes. These partnerships not only strengthen the local culinary scene but also offer customers unique treats that can’t be found elsewhere.
- Supporting Toronto’s Pastry Community: Through events like the Cookie Social and Milk & Cookie Social, Roselle has brought together pastry chefs and local businesses to celebrate creativity while giving back to the community. These efforts have raised thousands of dollars for charities and fostered a strong sense of camaraderie in Toronto’s culinary world.
Roselle’s dedication to collaboration and charity solidifies its standing as one of the most impactful dessert bakeries in Corktown, making it a beloved part of the community.
Customer Experience
A visit to Roselle Desserts in Corktown is more than just a trip to a bakery—it’s an immersive experience that combines exceptional desserts with a welcoming atmosphere. Nestled in the vibrant Corktown neighborhood, the shop exudes charm and simplicity, offering customers a cozy environment to explore its unique creations.
Atmosphere and Vibe: The shop’s intimate size and open layout reflect its dedication to small-batch craftsmanship. Every detail, from the artfully displayed desserts to the inviting aroma of fresh bakes, makes Roselle a haven for dessert lovers. Its cheerful ambiance perfectly complements its creative and playful menu.
Friendly Service and Personalized Offerings: Roselle prides itself on friendly and attentive customer service. Whether you’re picking up a seasonal special or ordering a whole cake for a celebration, the staff ensures a seamless and personalized experience. Their passion for desserts shines through in their willingness to recommend items and share insights about their seasonal menu.
What Makes Roselle Stand Out: What sets Roselle apart as one of Corktown’s best bakeries is its commitment to quality and innovation. By combining French-inspired techniques with local ingredients, the bakery offers a range of desserts that are both unique and satisfying. Its focus on hyper-seasonality, paired with the founders’ dedication to their craft, makes every visit memorable.
For a warm, welcoming atmosphere paired with some of the most creative desserts in Toronto, Corktown’s Roselle Desserts continues to be a top choice among locals and visitors alike.
Location and Contact Information
Roselle Desserts in Corktown is conveniently located at:
- Address: 362 King Street East, Toronto, ON, M5A 1K9
- Contact: +1 416-368-8188
- Email: For inquiries or pre-orders, you can reach out via email at [email protected].
- Website
Stay updated on their latest offerings and seasonal specials by visiting their social media platforms. Check out their Facebook page and Instagram page (@roselle_to) , where weekly menu updates and seasonal highlights are regularly posted.
Parking and Accessibility
Roselle is located in the heart of Corktown, making it easily accessible by public transit and car. Street parking is available nearby, but it is recommended to plan ahead during peak hours to secure a spot. Whether you’re a local or just exploring Corktown’s best bakeries, Roselle Desserts’ central location makes it a must-visit destination for dessert lovers.
FAQs
- Does Roselle Desserts deliver?
No, Roselle Desserts only offers pick-up during operating hours. - How can I place an order at Roselle Desserts?
Orders can be placed via email with 24 hours’ notice and require pre-payment through e-transfer. - Are Roselle Desserts suitable for special occasions?
Yes, their cakes and desserts are perfect for celebrations or just-because treats. - Do they accept same-day orders?
No, Roselle requires 24 hours’ notice for all orders. - Do they collaborate with other pastry chefs?
Yes, Roselle frequently collaborates with Toronto chefs to create limited-edition desserts and charity events. - Are there vegan or gluten-free options?
While many desserts use traditional ingredients, specific options like the O.G. cookie are flourless; check with the shop for details. For those seeking gluten-free options alongside Roselle’s delightful creations, explore the best gluten-free bakeries in Toronto, offering a mix of affordability and upscale treats. - Can I order desserts for the holidays?
Yes, but availability is limited, and they close annually between December 25 and January 30, so plan accordingly.