Travel Itinerary
Nestled along the sandy shores of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, a small bakery has been creating sweet magic for hungry visitors.
Orange Blossom Bakery in Hatteras Island turns simple ingredients into giant, mouthwatering treats that locals and tourists line up for daily.
Their famous Apple Uglies and other delicious pastries have become as much a part of the Outer Banks experience as the lighthouses and beaches.
1. The Legend of Apple Uglies
Imagine biting into a massive, misshapen pastry bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples and sweet glaze. That’s the Apple Ugly experience!
Created from leftover doughnut dough and fresh apples, these delightfully imperfect treats have become the signature item that put Orange Blossom Bakery on the map.
Weighing nearly a pound each, one pastry can easily satisfy two hungry beachgoers.
2. A Family Bakery With History
Rising before dawn, bakers at Orange Blossom have been crafting their famous pastries by hand since 1979.
What started as a small family operation has evolved into a beloved institution without losing its homemade charm.
Generations of vacationing families make annual pilgrimages to this bakery, often planning their entire day around securing these coveted treats before they sell out by mid-morning.
3. Beyond The Famous Uglies
While Apple Uglies steal the spotlight, adventurous visitors shouldn’t miss the bakery’s other temptations.
Chocolate-dipped Apple Uglies offer a decadent twist on the original. Freshly baked breads, sticky buns, and savory breakfast sandwiches round out the menu.
Many regulars swear the simple glazed donuts, with their perfect crisp exterior and cloud-like interior, are worth the trip alone.
4. Perfect Pairings: Pastries and Panoramas
Grab your bakery treasures and head just minutes away to experience breakfast with an unbeatable view.
Many visitors take their warm pastries to nearby Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, enjoying sweet bites while gazing up at America’s tallest brick lighthouse.
Others prefer munching alongside crashing waves at the beach. Morning fog rolling over dunes creates a mystical backdrop for your sugar-fueled feast.
5. Local Flavor Worth The Journey
Arriving early pays off at this coastal gem where pastries frequently sell out before noon.
Smart visitors know to call ahead for special orders during peak season. The bakery’s unassuming exterior belies the culinary treasures within, a perfect metaphor for the Outer Banks itself.
Just like the misshapen Apple Uglies, sometimes the most delicious experiences come in imperfect packages.