by Kirsten Carbone

The Shoreline boasts several exceptional bakeries. Wrap up your feast with any of these delectables:

Pursuit of Pastry in Old Saybrook is known for their classic Apple Pie, but you can order Pumpkin, Cranberry Pecan, Pecan or Blueberry here as well. Mini size is $5.50 and the 10” goes for $17.95. At $2.50 each, Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Crème Icing are a great way to go for easy, portable desserts. For a sweet gluten-free finish, order the Pumpkin, Crème Brulee or Coffee macarons at $1.75 each. This French-inspired bakery has perfected them. pursuitofpastry.com

Tradition is what I’m told customers expect at 4 and 20 Blackbirds, so every year you can expect their same tried-and-true holiday favorites, like Nut-Crusted Pumpkin Pie with Maple Leaf Cutouts ($38), Pumpkin Cheesecake ($38 for small; $58 for large) and Austrian Apple Cake (7” for $44, 9” for $65). The Pecan Tart is the owner’s mom’s recipe and always a hit. $30 for small and $40 for the large size. 420blackbirds.com.

A new, more visible locale at the North Cove Shops is where you’ll find Old Saybrook’s Dagmar’s Desserts. Bavarian Apple Strudel is beloved at this Austrian-themed bakery. Medium serves 5 and large serves 10 ($19.95 and $34). Also available for the holiday this year are the Cranberry Caramel Tart and Pear Frangipan Tart, both at $34 for an 11” size. dagmarsdesserts.com

Hen and Heifer in Guilford will feature two holiday cakes with uncompromising ingredients: The Pumpkin Cheesecake with Brisée, Spiced Pumpkin Jam, Molasses Glaze and White Chocolate Hazelnut Tiles ($75.00). Or go for the Spice Cake with Orange Marmalade and Spiced Grand Marnier Buttercream ($60.00). Both are almost too beautiful to cut into, but we know you will. henandheifer.com.  (Top photo is Hen & Heifer’s pumpkin cheesecake).

If you’ve been following us on instagram, you know that our own The E List team member, Lesley Moore of plentyofcake.net, creates magical cakes and she’s offering up this Apple Rose Tart for Thanksgiving. An 8″ tart serves 8 – 10 people for $40. Also available gluten free (we tasted and loved!). Contains nuts. Call 860.733.5249 or email lesleyomoore1313@gmail.com to order.