Raspberry Tart Lovers Savor Royal Delight in Bangor

A Summer Tradition Returns to Bangor

After a longer-than-usual wait, a beloved summer treat has made its way back to Bangor. For many locals, the arrival of Frank’s Bakery’s famous berry tarts marks the official start of the season. These tarts—featuring raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry flavors—are more than just a dessert; they are a cherished part of the community's annual rhythm.

At the heart of this tradition is Jennifer Moors, who has become known as the “Tart Princess” during the summer months. Moors has been making these tarts for over a decade, following in the footsteps of Bernadette Gaspar, who was once called the “Tart Queen.” Moors recalls her first day at the bakery, where she was immediately trained by Gaspar on how to craft the perfect tart. “I’ve been doing this since day one,” she said, noting that Tuesday marked her 11th anniversary at the bakery.

Moors takes her role seriously, ensuring that the shelves are always stocked with the seasonal favorites. She explained that the bakery prepares all the ingredients ahead of time, including the whipped topping and filling, to be ready for the influx of customers. “We know we’ll get a good crowd coming the day after the news [visits],” she said with a smile.

The tarts are made using locally-sourced fruit, which is essential to maintaining their quality and flavor. However, the summer of 2025 started off with some challenges. A wet spring delayed the ripening of strawberries and raspberries, causing a temporary shortage. Fortunately, recent weather conditions allowed for a timely delivery of the blueberry crop, ensuring that all three flavors are now available.

Among the three, the raspberry tart remains the most popular. “Raspberry, definitely, 100%. That’s the crowd favorite,” Moors said. She added that the bakery often needs to make additional batches when the backup tray runs low. “As soon as I see they’ve taken a backup tray, I’m going back and making more.”

Initially, the bakery had decided not to take pre-orders due to limited supplies. But after receiving support from local berry growers, they changed their stance. In a Facebook post, Frank’s Bakery expressed gratitude to customers and growers alike, announcing that they would now accept pre-orders for the tarts. The post read: “A Big THANK YOU for Your Patience and to Our Growers! We’re excited to share that we’re now accepting pre-orders for our fresh strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry tarts!”

Customers responded quickly, with some calling in immediately to place orders. Moors encouraged people to order ahead, especially if they needed a large quantity. “Order ahead if you want your tart, especially if you have a large amount that you want. We definitely appreciate orders ahead if you’re going to want like 12 or more, for sure.”

Frank’s Bakery will continue to make the tarts as long as there are berries available. Typically, the season ends around Labor Day. The bakery is located on State Street in Bangor, and visitors can stop by or call to reserve their tarts.

For many, the return of the berry tarts is more than just a culinary event—it’s a symbol of the changing seasons and the enduring traditions of the community. With the tarts back on the menu, locals can look forward to another summer of sweet, fresh, and locally-made treats.