Boulder Bite: Spruce Confections

The most honest sweets in Boulder

With a coffee shop to help CU students stay awake on practically every corner in Boulder, it can be difficult for one to stick out.

However, Spruce Confections happens to be one such place. It is a haven of quality coffee and delicious baked goods nestled on the outskirts of town.

“We’re a small, independent company that still puts out products at the level of a lot of corporate companies, and we do a better job,” said Kit Slater, the wholesale accounts manager at Spruce Confections.

The bakery offers natural baked goods and espresso drinks in a quaint, carefree setting. There are two main locations- one on 8th and Pearl, and one in North Boulder on Broadway and Yellow Pine. There is also a smaller store in Wolf Law Building.

One perk to Spruce Confections is that the company makes everything it sells.

“All the products are made between the two stores, depending on specific needs of the product,” Slater said.

If your sweet tooth is nagging, any of the pastries, muffins, cakes, breads, cookies or brownies will be satisfying. But if you are looking for something more substantial, Spruce offers gourmet sandwiches and salads as well.

Some of the savory items include a hummus and sun dried tomato sandwich, a roast beef sandwich and an organic arugula and apple salad with spiced nuts.

The prices at Spruce are just as appealing as the food itself. Sandwiches and salads are in the $4 to $6 range, while baked goods vary from around $2 to $4.

Another advantage is that the company does not use artificial flavorings or preservatives in its food.

“We’re not necessarily trying to make healthy desserts,” Slater said. “It’s dessert, after all. But all our ingredients are real.”

Not only is the food high quality, but the drinks are held to a high standard as well.

“We roast our own coffee as well with our house coffee roaster,” Slater said. “Our espresso we get from Kaladi Brothers in Denver is the best you can get.”

The atmosphere is as pleasant as the food. Natural light streams in the windows, and charming red tables decorate the outdoor patio at both the Broadway and Pearl shops. Even if it is not warm enough to sit outside, the shop’s indoor area is just as sunny, as is the service.

“We have a close relationship with the customers,” said barista Sarah Rosenthal, a junior humanities major. “With a lot of them, we’re on a first-name basis and we get to know their orders.”

Mike Wird, another barista at the Pearl St location, said he enjoys the regulars as well.

“It’s all about the people,” Wird said.

Contact Campus Press staff writer Lauren Duncan at [email protected].