White Barn Bakehouse

Nestled on Gilmer Road in Hawthorn Woods, White Barn Bakehouse is a picturesque, women-owned small business that feels like it’s been plucked "straight out of a movie." More than just a bakery, it’s a true cottage bakehouse, operated by professional pastry chef, mother, and amateur farmer, Cate Phillips. This unique blend of professional skill and rustic charm is exactly what draws Illinois residents from near and far to this local gem.

White Barn Bakehouse distinguishes itself by offering farmhouse-styled breads, baked goods, and pastries, meticulously crafted using the finest, often locally sourced, ingredients. The entire operation is steeped in a philosophy of making things "just like your grandmother made," focusing on natural imperfections, generous portions, and truly memorable flavor.

The authenticity of the experience and the exceptional quality of the goods are echoed consistently in customer reviews. Patrons frequently call their signature cinnamon rolls the "best I’ve ever eaten," praising them for being gooey and delicious, "not uniform and perfect, like a box store’s rolls." The coffee cake is described as "unbelievable," remaining moist and sweet even days later. For those with dietary restrictions, the bakehouse is a revelation. Visitors, even those traveling through Illinois, have been "excited to see the GF options" for Celiac disease, calling the gluten-free blueberry muffins, banana muffins, and macaroons "Beyond amazing! So delicious!!!"

White Barn Bakehouse is a highly regarded, small cottage bakery located in Hawthorn Woods, IL. It is proudly identified as a women-owned, small business led by professional pastry chef Cate Phillips, who infuses a rustic, homemade "farmhouse style" into all her creations. The bakery operates with a focus on delivering high-quality, scratch-made baked goods that prioritize flavor, tradition, and an authentic feel over mass production.

The bakehouse has garnered significant local attention for its rotating, seasonal menu that features exceptional versions of classic comfort sweets and artisan breads. While holiday pies are highly sought after and only available for a "short, delicious minute," the daily or weekend offerings include standout items that have developed a cult following, such as their cinnamon rolls and limited-edition sourdough bread. The commitment to catering to modern needs, particularly by offering amazing gluten-free selections, broadens its appeal across the Illinois community. The physical location, which often includes a bake-stand that moves indoors during colder months, retains a cozy, personal, and inviting atmosphere.

The distinct and charming White Barn Bakehouse is situated at 25008 Gilmer Rd, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047, USA, making it easily accessible for residents of Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich, and the surrounding Lake County areas.

The business is structured for simple, direct service to the local community with the following amenities:

• Takeout Service: The primary service model is Takeout, where customers can quickly pick up their pre-orders or selections from the daily available menu.
• Quick Visit Planning: The operations are set up for a Quick Visit, ensuring that picking up a loaf of sourdough or a box of pastries is a convenient, low-friction experience.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: The bakehouse provides a Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot to accommodate all guests, reflecting a consideration for accessibility in a unique setting.
• Indoor/Outdoor Stand: Depending on the season, the bakehouse may operate from a charming outdoor stand or move its sales area indoors to maintain customer comfort, always at the same Gilmer Road address.

White Barn Bakehouse offers a focused range of services centered around high-quality, handcrafted baked goods for the local Illinois community:

• Retail Takeout Sales: Selling fresh-baked goods directly to customers on scheduled operating days, often weekends, from their Hawthorn Woods location.
• Pre-Order Services: Offering the ability to Pre-Order specific highly coveted items like pies for holidays (such as the November holiday pies) and cakes for special events.
• Custom & Event Pastries: Providing professional pastries and baked goods for events such as Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, anniversary celebrations, and weddings, with consultation and tasting services available.
• Artisan Bread Production: Producing limited, high-demand loaves, notably the San Francisco-quality sourdough bread, which is often available only on weekends.
• Specialty Tea Events: Hosting specialized experiences, such as the elegant Mother's Day Tea held in their beautiful glass atrium, which includes delicate finger sandwiches and freshly baked pastries.
• Gluten-Free Options: Consistently offering a variety of "Beyond amazing" Gluten-Free (GF) baked goods, including muffins, krispie treats, and macaroons, for customers with Celiac disease or dietary restrictions.

The key aspects that make White Barn Bakehouse a standout destination in the Illinois market are its unique charm and product excellence:

• Truly Homemade Quality: Products are praised for being non-uniform and having a genuine, "just like your grandmother made" quality, such as their "gooey and delicious" cinnamon rolls.
• Exceptional Artisan Sourdough: The bakehouse is known for its limited production of high-quality sourdough bread, considered by customers to be "as good as San Francisco sourdough."
• Unbelievable Coffee Cake: A consistently popular item, highlighted for its generous portions, perfect sweetness, and ability to remain moist even days after purchase.
• Women-Owned Small Business: Operating as a women-owned, small cottage bakery, the business fosters a personal connection with its community and supports local entrepreneurship.
• Celiac-Friendly Options: Offers a dedicated and delicious selection of gluten-free baked goods that receives high praise from customers with Celiac disease.
• Professional Pastry Chef Expertise: Owned and operated by Cate Phillips, a professional pastry chef whose expertise guarantees technical excellence in the farmhouse-style baked goods.
• Picturesque Location & Ambiance: The setting on Gilmer Road, often described as "straight out of a movie," creates a unique and charming experience for a quick visit.

For Illinois residents interested in pre-ordering a holiday pie, inquiring about custom cakes, or simply checking the weekly menu offerings, please use the following contact details:

Address: 25008 Gilmer Rd, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047, USA

Phone: (831) 402-5952

Mobile Phone: +1 831-402-5952

White Barn Bakehouse is undeniably worth choosing for Illinois residents who value authentic, handmade quality over factory-produced uniformity. This is the place to visit when you want to taste what a professional chef can create using a traditional, small-batch, farmhouse philosophy.

For the enthusiast seeking specialty items, the limited weekend availability of their artisan sourdough bread makes it a must-try item that commands a special trip. For those planning a special moment, choosing the White Barn Bakehouse for a large event guarantees not only stunning presentation, but also the rich, homemade flavors that guests will truly appreciate and remember.

Furthermore, the bakehouse’s commitment to providing truly exceptional gluten-free options is a huge benefit for the Celiac community in Illinois. It allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy high-quality baked goods that are "beyond amazing," often an impossible find at other locations. When you stop by this "cute little bakehouse," you aren't just buying a pastry; you are supporting a dedicated, women-owned small business that pours passion and professional skill into every delicious, non-uniform, and comforting treat it sells. For a taste of baking "just like your grandmother made," White Barn Bakehouse is the perfect Illinois destination.

White Barn Bakehouse

25008 Gilmer Rd, Hawthorn Woods, IL 60047, USA