The Best Bakery In Every State

Baked goods come a dime a dozen, whether you're searching for a sugar fix in the grocery store cookie aisle or selecting a parbaked item from a grocery store bakery to curb the craving. And while these options work in a pinch, there's nothing better than a truly baked-from-scratch pastry, a slice of cake, or loaf of bread.

Luckily, there are talented bakers all over the United States putting their skills to work. And the resulting baked goods in every form, from culturally inspired recipes and down-home cooking to crazy, colorful treats. And the wealth of sweet talent is spread across the country.

Each state is home to a multitude of bakeries, but there are a few that stand out, offering the flakiest pastries, the most beautiful breads, or even the most innovative concoctions. By scouring reviews, looking through awards, and, of course, a bit of eating of our own, we've put together a guide showcasing the best bakery in every state. We hope your sweet tooth is ready.

Located in Anchorage, Great Harvest Bread Company claims that it makes bread "the way it ought to be." And people sure seem to like the methodology. The bread here really is out of this world, and it sure seems like people in the area have caught on. You'll find plenty of reviews stating that this bakery has the best bread ever. But bread isn't the only thing at this bakery. Other menu items include muffins, scones, cookies, and ridiculously delicious cinnamon rolls.

Rick's Bakery has been baking in Fayetteville since 1980, and given the expansive menu, it's pretty difficult to visit this shop without walking away with a bag full of treats. The menu boasts everything from yeast and cake donuts, sweet and savory croissants, and muffins to even pies and cream puffs, truly making it a one-stop shop for sweet lovers. And that huge selection is what makes Rick's special. "Holy overwhelming with deliciousness!" said one reviewer. "This place is huge and has anything your sweet tooth desires."

Wimberger's has been serving up German breads and pastries since 1970, utilizing recipes that have been passed down for generations, and publications have included it on lists of must-explore international bakeries in Colorado. Based on its German authenticity, with items such as soft pretzels and Kaiser rolls, it rightfully deserves the attention. One visitor notes that it's the stop for the bread just like they've enjoyed in Germany, while another says this bakery reminds them of their Oma's village bakery in Germany.

Bing's Bakery has been serving up sweet treats in Delaware since 1871, making it the longest-running bakery in Delaware. And with that long of a history comes an expansive menu of sweet treats that you're sure to adore. But what Bing's is most known for is its attention to detail with custom cakes. Satisfied customers go to Bing's for delicious and beautiful custom sweets that just happen to come in a huge variety of flavors.

Back in the Day Bakery has been running in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, since it first opened in 2002. With a plethora of breakfast sandwiches, homemade jams, and Southern pastries for sale, stop by to elevate any meal or snack. Owners Cheryl Day and Griffith Beck re-opened after the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown and now sell their baked goods through Gold Belly as well as at their store. This popular bakery is also one of the top 20 restaurants in Savannah on TripAdvisor, thanks to the quaint vibe and delicious selection of pies, cookies, and nostalgic treats. 

Located in Boise, Janjou Patisserie has been serving up cakes and pastries since 2013. Bakery owner Moshit Mizrachi-Gabbitas, originally from Israel, brings her passion for quality baked goods made with fresh ingredients in her offerings, including beautiful tarts, pavlova, and brioche, along with unique flavors of cookies and crackers. But the desserts at Janjou aren't just delicious — many reviewers love how beautiful the treats are too, making this a standout for any visitor to Idaho.

Amelia's Bread has made a name for itself in downtown Indianapolis. Serving up a wide array of treats and sandwiches, this Indiana gem is a must-visit at any time of day. But it's the freshly baked bread here that really has everyone talking, with a number of visitors saying that Amelia's is baking up the best bread in all of Indianapolis. Grab a brownie while you're at it, with a tad of sea salt sprinkled on top.

All of the hearth breads at this Lawrence bakery have been baked in a wood-fired Spanish oven, and it's been that way since 1995. The bread served at WheatFields includes Country French, Kalamata olive, and pecan raisin. And that specialty bread baking process earned this bakery a mention in Maggie Glezer's book, "Artisan Baking Across America." But it's not just about press for this bakery — the customers agree as well. One fan says that after traveling all over the U.S., the Kalamata olive and sourdough breads are the best they've ever had.

Chef Kelly Fields opened the Willa Jean bakery in New Orleans in 2015 with an incredible brunch menu paired with a booming selection in the pastry case. Since then, she has received two recognitions as a semifinalist for the James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef award, finally taking the crown in 2019. There is an extensive pastry menu filled with sweet treats. But even with such an expansive pastry offering, it's the good old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies and cornbread that put Fields and Willa Jean on the map.

There aren't many bakeries out there that are both gluten-free and vegan. But this Baltimore gem is one of them. Utilizing fresh, organic ingredients, Harmony Bakery serves up cakes, cupcakes, and pies, all of which are soy, gluten, and dairy-free, and they're totally vegan. And while some may hesitate with vegan or gluten-free baked goods when they're used to something more old-fashioned, Harmony has received rave reviews, saying their cakes are amazing, "not even for a vegan cake ... for any cake!"

If you're in Detroit and pie is your thing, Sister Pie is the place to be. The business launched in 2012, and James Beard Nominee for Outstanding Baker, Lisa Ludwinski has been trying new and creative pie recipes ever since. Menu options include Buckwheat Chocolate Chip Cookies and Salted Rosemary Shortbread. But it's the Salted Maple Pie that people really rave about when mentioning Sister Pie. Customers just can't seem to get enough of the pie at this place.

Embracing from-scratch, southern baking, Sugaree's Bakery in New Albany has been offering up some of the most delicious and moist cakes since 1997. The flavor options for layer cakes include caramel, coconut, and classic red velvet, along with cream cheese pound cake, which topped Oprah's list of favorite things. And while the bakery is based in Mississippi, fans all over the country are writing rave reviews, as many of the cakes can be shipped to any sweet tooth needing a fix.

This Missoula bakery started out as a longtime home business, selling baked goods at the local farmer's market. But with popularity and growth, owners Jack and Christy Wich opened up a permanent shop. Now, Black Cat Bake Shop is a must-stop for fans when they're making their way through. The bakery's menu is jam-packed with sweet and savory croissant options, muffins, scones, danishes, and even gluten-free donuts.

Baking in Las Vegas since 1959, Freed's Bakery is known for an extensive menu, from French macarons and cookies to eclairs and cannoli. But what really sets Freed's apart is its cake, sold by the slice at the bakery, working up to eight-inch party cakes, full sheet cakes, and everything beyond. Freed's certainly had its time in the spotlight on the Food Network's "Vegas Cakes," but customers give their cakes the same acclaim, with reviews saying they're super moist, not too sweet, and absolutely delicious.

This Englewood bakery is a staple for those looking for a huge variety of bakery options for any time of day. And based on the stellar reviews of this place, you really can't go wrong. At Balthazar Bakery, you can enjoy savory pastries made with colorful local produce, along with tarts, pies, and cakes and all of the classic breakfast pastries you'll ever desire. One reviewer even says that "you can smell the butter before you get in the door." What could be more divine?

If you're a cookie lover, you'd be remiss not to visit this gem. And luckily, given its popularity, there are seven locations to choose from in the state. On a mission to create the ultimate chocolate chip walnut cookie, Levain Bakery opened in 1995. And while it's hard to believe that one cookie could make a bakery so popular, it has become a New York icon. Fans express that these cookies are "the perfect combination of soft, gooey, and crispy." Others have expressed that these cookies "are like a taste of heaven."

This bakery has been serving up pastry in Fargo since 2003. Since then, it's been noted as one of the top places to eat by Food Network. The menu at Nichole's Fine Pastry & Café is just brimming with dessert options, from espresso and strawberry swirl cheesecake and napoleons to cannoli. But for many, it's the house-made crème brûlée that takes the cake ... or dessert, we guess. In fact, reviewers say it's the "best crème brûlée around."

A top-notch bakery in Oklahoma City since 2010, Pie Junkie is the perfect place for people who love pie. You can go in and grab a slice of pie or take home a whole pie ... or two. Flavors range from classic apple and cherry to unique offerings such as the Drunken Turtle with salted bourbon caramel and pecans. USA Today noted this stop as a great pie shop, and its rave reviews tend to agree.

Essen Bakery has received nothing but glowing reviews on multiple platforms. The inspiration behind these offerings at this South Philadelphia gem has come from Chef Tova du Plessis and her experience at a handful of top U.S. restaurants. She's been recognized as a semi-finalist for the 2020 James Beard Outstanding Baker award, along with receiving recognition for her challah bread. But even if challah isn't your favorite, this sweet spot offers other delicious choices such as guava pop tarts, chocolate rugelach, and Jewish apple cake.

If you want good cake in South Carolina, then the Sugar Bakeshop bakery is the place to go. Established in 2007, this shop has been devoted to delivering a delicious menu of house-made cupcakes. And with cake flavors such as red velvet and pumpkin ginger, it's certainly not hard to see why this shop has received rave reviews, along with being listed as one of the best places for cakes in the south.

Muddy's Bake Shop owner Kat Gordon believes that cake and baked goods are an expression of love, and she decided to bring that sentiment to the people of Memphis in 2008. Since then, the bakery has been noted as one of the best bakeries in the south by Southern Living for its cookies, but the cupcakes have been highly regarded at this special spot too. With glowing reviews, options for vegan treats, and your ability to order custom cakes, the real dilemma is just deciding what to get.

Adalberto Diaz opened his bakery, Fillings & Emulsions, in 2013, but owning a bakery isn't the only feather in Diaz's cap. The chef has competed on Food Network's "Best Baker in America" and was named National Pastry Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation in 2012. And with that talent, he brought unique offerings to Utah, such as Cuban meat pies and guava cream cheese brioche, as well as a stunning assortment of macarons and cheesecakes. But to choose just one item from this shop would prove difficult, especially with its countless five-star reviews.

Blackbird Bakery opened in Bristol in 2008, with a goal of making people feel a little happier every time they walk through the doors. And with a menu of various bars, pastries, and donuts, there's something homemade on the menu for any dessert lover. For many reviewers, it's the donuts at this bakery that stand out more than anything else, but other favorites that rank high on the list include their cheesecake, pie, and cupcakes.

If you could walk into a bakery to find European-style pastries and house-made gelato all in one spot, would you want to go anywhere else? Sokolata in Spring Hill prides itself on using Belgian chocolate and natural flavors in its pastries. The menu includes hazelnut cake, guava cake, and mille-fueille, a puff pastry dessert with fresh vanilla cream and strawberries. And fans can definitely tell the difference with this bakery's focus on specialty ingredients, with one reviewer reviewer saying the desserts are absolutely divine.

This Jackson bakery is a hit and offers fresh bread and pastries and utilizes as many all-natural and high-quality ingredients as possible. It received the Gold award for the best bakery in Jackson Hole along with a James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef nomination for 2020, and it's not hard to understand why. With fresh and flaky pastries such as kouign amann, croissants, and cinnamon brioche, there's something for everyone with a sweet tooth at Persephone Bakery. One fan even claims that the croissants here are so good, they rival those found in Paris.