Summary

  • Dearborn, Michigan has over 30 bakeries, making it a crucial spot for creative bakers and a hub for diversity and culture.
  • Hoboken, New Jersey has nearly 30 bakeries offering delicious sweet treats, with Sugarsuckle being voted as one of the best bakeries in the area.
  • Altamonte Springs, Florida has 30 bakeries in the immediate vicinity, including Buttermilk Bakery and The Glass Knife, offering unique and delicious baked goods in a gourmet atmosphere.

Bakeries are important from Europe to North America and Asia and beyond. They're there in times of need, in times of comfort, in times of stress, and in times of happiness - they're basically a one-stop-shop for all things that are ailing us, and the world wouldn't quite look the same without storefronts that display delicious pastries and cakes in the front window. While New York has always had a reputation for some of the best bakeries in the world (we're looking at you, Magnolia Bakery), outside the US, France and Italy are the leading contenders for sweet treats.

As the years go on, though, bakeries are finding new and innovative ways to transform the world of pastry, and thus, all 50 states now have plenty to offer in the way of baked goods. So, which state has the most sweetness per capita, and who else made the least? Grab a donut in New York, a cake in Tennessee, and plenty of other sweet treats in Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, and beyond.

UPDATE: 2023/11/09 18:12 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Sweet Treats Rule The United States: Coast To Coast

This list has been updated with a new bakery-filled town, as well as bakery tallies for each listed city. From the East Coast to the other side of the USA, there are endless sweets for the whole group to explore. Have fun, and enjoy the treats!

Dearborn, Michigan

Ackley Covered Bridge, Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan
Photo by:P. HughesCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ackley Covered Bridge, Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan

Another surprising bakery-filled city in the US comes out of Michigan: Dearborn. With over 30 bakeries and hundreds of sweet treats on the menu, Dearborn serves as a crucial spot for creative bakers in the Great Lake State. After all, it's close enough to Detroit to bring new faces into other parts of town, as well as a hub for diversity and culture. Some of the area's top-rated bakeries include Bartz Bakery, Iversen's Bakery, and Gateaux Patisserie (they're all delicious).

You also want to keep an eye peeled for new openings, as bakeries aren't slowing down in Dearborn anytime soon. There's always something happening here in the sweet treat department!

  • How many bakeries: 30+

Frankenmuth is another bakery-filled Michigan city boasting European culture and attractions.

Hoboken, New Jersey

Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey
Brian Logan Photography / Shutterstock.com
Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey

Not far from New York City is Hoboken, which has some of the most bakeries of any state on the East Coast and definitely the Tri-State area. In fact, there are nearly 30 bakeries within the reach of Hoboken, all offering delicious and brilliant sweet treats to both regulars and newcomers.

As voted by the people, one of the best bakeries is Sugarsuckle, which is unique in its name and offerings. Known for its customization of desserts, this is the go-to bakery for all things cake and dessert bar, another service they offer.

  • How many bakeries: ~30

Concord, North Carolina

Downtown_Concord_NC
AlexiusHoratiusCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Downtown Concord, North Carolina

Southern food is incredible; now, desserts and sweets must be included in that, thanks to Concord, North Carolina. In addition to the southern charm and good eats, visitors to Concord can now scope out some of the state's best bakeries, of which there are many.

One that locals rave about is Blissful Bites Cake Pops, a bakery creating gourmet - and stunning - cake pops for any and all occasions. Another popular favorite is The Sweet Life, which locals can't stop raving about between their fresh bread and stunning cake designs and flavors.

  • How many bakeries: 25+

Olympia, Washington

Home in Olympia, Washington, USA
Photo by Wonderlane on Unsplash
A home with a treehouse in Olympia, Washinton, USA

Olympia is full of great bakeries, and here, pastry chefs and bakers are practicing the fine art of finesse when it comes to higher-end pastries and comfort foods.

Left Bank bakery is a local favorite and has regulars who have been coming in for years. Key points are their freshness, attention to detail with complex desserts, and creativity with unique items - get there early, though. There's usually a line.

Another hot local spot is Phoebe's Pastry Cafe, which also serves a lunch menu, and the paninis are a favorite, along with the coffee, custom cakes, hand pies, and fruit tarts. Olympia has plenty to do outside of pastries, so it's a place worth the trip.

  • How many bakeries: 25+

Franklin, Tennesee

Start of change of leaves into fall colors in Franklin Public Square, Tennessee
Photo by P. Hughes licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons 
Start of change of leaves into fall colors in Franklin Public Square, Tennessee

For those looking for a flawless sweet treat in Tennessee, look no further than any of this state's fantastic bakeries. With so many to choose from, it can be a challenge to decide which one to try first (what about a road trip? Hint), but locals can't stop talking about two, particularly Triple Crown Bakery and Five Daughters Bakery.

Triple Crown is a great place to grab a sweet breakfast, and locals claim that their cinnamon rolls and cream cheese-filled brioche rolls are absolutely second to none. Their dessert options are also a surefire winner, as locals claim the only disappointment is when there's nothing left.

Five Daughters Bakery specializes in seasonal treats and a regular menu, and locals love things such as the chocolate pumpkin cheesecake croissant donut (try saying that five times fast!) and the chocolate pumpkin cronut. In short, the donuts are an absolute must-try!

  • How many bakeries: 20+

Related: Sweet Tooths Only: These Are The Most Expensive Desserts In The US

Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach, California
Shutterstock
Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach has over 20 options for bakeries, which won't make the decision any easier. However, the locals say the Seaside Bakery is a must because of its baked goods and atmosphere.

Fans rave about the donuts as well as the croissants, specifically the jalepeño ham and cheese, which should always be enjoyed with hot tea or coffee. The cronuts are another popular go-to and apparently so good that locals crave them on a regular basis.

  • How many bakeries: 20+

Related: Mickey Mouse Beignets And Other Vacation-Worthy Recipes To Try At Home

Altamonte Springs, Florida

Altamonte-springs
Xavier6984CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Altamonte Springs in Florida, USA

The state with the most bakeries per capita is definitely an interesting one: Florida. Specifically, Altamonte Springs. There are 30 bakeries in the immediate vicinity of this city, all of which offer something unique and delicious.

One of the top choices by locals is Buttermilk Bakery, which locals call "a gift." Some of the top contenders from this bakery are the brioche donuts and cruffin, as well as savory items such as quiche and stuffed croissants.

For a gourmet atmosphere and desserts that are too pretty to eat, locals recommend The Glass Knife, which also serves a pretty delicious brunch.

  • How many bakeries: 30+