Hen & Heifer

Every dessert I have tried has been phenomenal.

There are some with ingredients I may not personally prefer to eat generally, but am thoroughly impressed with the well-balanced execution. Often, I find myself seeing that ingredient in a novel light, and it sometimes inspires me to try a new preparation at home. Most of the desserts win the beloved, "Not too sweet" acclamation as they are often bright with, maybe fruit, or harmoniously paired light flavors and delicate textures. I also love the subtle nuances, as if you're tasting a story he ventured out on and the morsel was a recollection memory.

The signature flavor profile is both comforting and intriguing. You could blindfold me amongst a pile of pastries and I'll immediately know it's Whang's because of the exact uniformity and attention to detail. In searching for inconsistencies, I rarely, if ever, find any in his desserts. Every chef has their taste ratios and his are incredibly creative. They are pastry academy models.

Several of my pictures are seasonal desserts that were offered for a limited time only. They are marked with ✨

Coming here is such a treat! 💐

Small little shop. Nice atmosphere, calming and smells good.

I had looked this place up online before we went to Guilford for the day, so I can have an idea of what they had because I definitely love my sweet treats.

I ordered a piece of the Irish cream coffee cake, a peanut butter cookie and a butter toffee cookie.

I have tasted each one And they are all really tasty.

The peanut butter cookie melts in your mouth and I like the style of it, kind of like a big thick coin shape.

The butter toffee cookie is addicting.

The Irish cheesecake I've only had a taste of, I'm not a super fan, cheesecake happens to be my favorite cake of all cakes and has been for over 40 years - so I've had a lot of cheesecake lol
The flavor was a bit bland, it is definitely spendy at $14 a piece, a small piece and there is no graham cracker crust.
The cheesecake is cheesecake texture from top to bottom.
I am not rating less than for this because I feel anyone that reads my reviews and full will make a decision for themselves at that time.

But I am 100% with those cookies 😋

A bit pricey, but as a treat it was worth the stop.

Quick service and I would definitely stop by here again if in Guilford.

Super small shop located in downtown Guilford but could easily be in a major city. The presentation and taste of pastries is next level. The cream puffs were amazing, the cream was just divine! Though "pricey", it is worth it as you can tell these are made with quality ingredients. They also have a variety of food for sale (like olive oil and teas) from artisan brands, which looked well curated. Can't wait to come back!

Don't be deceived by the elegance and beauty of their creations, they taste better than they look.

I'm not sure there's any place in the area comparable to the level of perfection offered here. Honestly, in my travels of the world there's very few places that compare even within fancy French and European patisserie's. There is a level of innovation offered in their creations that is so unique and delicious.

I'd consider this a must-try eatery for anyone that eats food: Almost all dietary restrictions can be met amongst their daily offerings, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable about what comprises each item.

Hen & Heifer is the only bakery we go to - For anyone visiting CT, it is an absolute gem of a destination. The chef and team are beyond talented in their quality of pastry work and presentation. Each unique dessert is crafted beautifully and deliciously. I would definitely recommend Hen & Heifer for treats to bring or host a party/event! Your guests will LOVE them! We use their cakes for all of our family celebrations! Thank you to the H&H team for always being the most memorable and special part of our celebrations!

Visited Hen & Heifer for some birthday treats, and wow! It's a little shop, but they have so many wonderful things inside! We opted for a few things to eat on the cozy, shaded patio, and I brought home a bag of desserts for later. The folks working there were extra friendly and helpful, offering suggestions when we couldn't decide, and keeping our to-go bag safely in the fridge on a warm day.

A delicious and innovative pastry heaven! The staff is always very nice and I have loved everything I have tried (and I've tried a lot). It's a perfect place to take visitors for a special treat and just as wonderful for a personal indulgence. I can't recommend Hen & Heifer enough!

This pastry shop is a rare gem in the area! Their desserts take inspiration from French and Japanese pastries, for a simple yet refined result. Everything is tasty, from the financier to the strawberry tart. They also sell tea from Mariage frères, and other rare European items.

The owner is a gracious, friendly Host and knowledgeable Baker. The photos speak for themselves- TOP NOTCH presentation and Delicious baked specialties. You have to go here and treat yourself, your family and tell all of your friends!

What a little gem. The pastries were so beautiful we had to order some to eat there, and some to take home. We were blown away by the presentation, and the flavors were amazing as well. I don't normally think of a pastry as a treat for summer, but these were so light and delicious. They have a great little garden seating area if you want to enjoy getting out of the house. I would recommend this bakery one hundred times over.

This is hands down the best bakery in Connecticut. they specialize in French treats. And they offer unique cakes and pastries not found in many other places. We absolutely love the almond polenta cake. It's addicting! We've also enjoyed their pumpkin cake in the fall and their London fog cake recently. And you've never had a cookie until you've tried their fresh toffee cookies. I will argue they are the best cookies in America. And I'm a chubby girl... I know.

One of the most incredible French artisan bakeries you will ever visit! Stop in if you’re ever in the charming vicinity of Guilford CT!

This place! Complete heaven. The artistry, THE TASTE, the quaint-ness… greatest bakery I’ve ever been to.

We’ve been going to Hen & Heifer for only about a year (new to Connecticut) but so glad we stumbled upon this fantastic bakery! Everything we’ve gotten here has been superb!

I placed an order this weekend for a Cafe Delice cake as a present to my wife and asked them to put name on top. As you can see in the picture it’s a nickname/inside joke and they took it in stride and with a chuckle.. We’ve had nothing be amazing service from buying in-store and doing online order pickups.

If you’re looking to try a new place, make sure you put Hen & Heifer on your to-do list, you’re missing out otherwise!

These pastries are a worthy travel destination. An small, exquisite jewel-like selection of hand-built pastries. Chef's French pastry training is evident in every morsel. Ethereal creations built with French elegance and precision and fresh Connecticut produce and flavors. Worth EVERY PENNY you will spend there.

My husband and I ordered a café délice cake for our wedding cutting cake. It was absolutely delicious! Whang was very responsive and helpful through the ordering process. Our friend picked up the wedding cake for us the day before our wedding to travel to Whately, MA. The cake was packaged with such care including a large box and lots of ice packs! We are so grateful to Whang and the staff at Hen & Heifer. We're excited to share the piece of cake we saved in the freezer on our one year anniversary!

Small so only one customer at a time so expect some lines, but the waiting is worth it once you taste the desserts:)

Amazing little pastry shop. I stop by here every time I'm in the Guilford area.

The most exquisite desserts, as beautiful to the eye as they are delicious! Our favorite place when we need goodies for a special occasion (or just an incredible treat). And the toffee cookies are to die for!

Not much to say, just excellent. The best bakery, coffee shop, dessert place ever found.
This is the best place. Period. The hot cocoa is thick, not too sweet, beautiful.
Will go back.