Buren Bakery owner Alexandra Astacio showcases the famous Pan Sobao, a traditional sweet Caribbean white bread. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Located in the heart of Old Town Spring, Buren Bakery was founded by Puerto Rican native Alexandra Astacio in June 2024 to celebrate Puerto Rican heritage with authentic baked goods and coffee imported straight from the island.
After two years serving the Spring area, Astacio said the bakery is expanding with an additional location within the same shopping center. The new location will offer an indoor dining area where locals can continue making memories while enjoying authentic Puerto Rican pastries.
The history
Astacio said in Puerto Rico it is a custom to enjoy freshly baked bread in the morning. When she first moved to the area, Astacio said she felt compelled to learn how to bake her own bread after she realized the lack of authentic Puerto Rican bread in the area.
Located in the heart of Old Town Spring Buren Bakery is owned by Alexandra Astacio. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
While Astacio said she spent years of her life working corporate jobs, she decided to switch gears after she established a clientele for her Puerto Rican baked goods sold at The Woodlands Farmer Market. Years later, Astacio established her Puerto Rican roots with Buren Bakery in Old Town Spring, adding to the historic charm of the area, she said.
Beyond coffee and pastries, Astacio said Buren Bakery offers a sense of community and a way to hold on to the memories and nostalgia of the island she left behind.
The Bavarian Cream Horn/Tornillos features a puffed pastry filled with Bavarian cream. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
What’s special about it
Hours before the open sign is put up, Astacio and her family arrive at the bakery early in the morning to bake a variety of scratch-made pastries. With an 11-20 hour fermentation process, Astacio said each batch is baked with care driven by her passion for community.
Authentic Puerto Rican baked breads offered include:
Pan Sobao, a traditional Caribbean white bread often accompanied by a fresh cup of coffee.
Quesitos, a puff pastry filled with cream cheese and finished with simple syrup
Mallorcas, enriched yeast rolls topped with powdered sugar
Aside from Puerto Rican bread, Buren Bakery serves scratch made sourdough. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Along with Puerto Rican pastries, Buren Bakery offers coffee imported from Puerto Rico as well as coquito lattes inspired by Puerto Rico’s traditional holiday drink made from coconut milk, cream of coconut and warm spices.
Astacio said she has plans to open the second Buren Bakery in September and bring in new menu items.
