When only the finest bread, flakiest pastries, and most comforting cream cakes will do, it's time to turn to the experts. We’ve done the research and found the best independent bakery in every state, all of them serving up tempting treats and tantalizing bakes you wouldn’t dare make at home. 

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the best independent bakery in every US state, counting down to the one serving the greatest bakes of all.

Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated. 

The oldest town in West Virginia is home to one of the best bakeries in the state, located in a 200-year-old building. Sweet Shop started off specializing in rustic-style breads including pumpernickel, sunflower rye, tomato rosemary, and sourdough. The bakery has since expanded its offering, much to the delight of cupcake, cookie, and donut fans.

This Argentine bakery is a West Philly favorite for a quick lunch. On the menu are mouth-watering treats such as poppy seed bagels filled with mortadella and aioli, lemon pie, torta de ricotta, medialunas (Argentinian croissants) topped with passion fruit custard, and chocolate apple cake with a crispy marshmallow top.

This local Alaskan bakery is truly prized in the community. Opened in 1963, you’ll find regulars reading the newspaper and eating huge breakfasts here. On the menu are freshly baked loaves, cinnamon rolls, and sourdough pancakes. The latter is a must-try – legend has it the sourdough starter culture dates back to when the bakery first fired up its ovens.

Opened in 1947, Community Bakery is a local institution having opened a second branch and relocated a few times over the years. It has received awards in the Arkansas Times' Best of Arkansas awards nearly every year since they were established for its range of filled bagels, breakfast pastries, pies, and exquisite patisserie. Customers can’t get enough of the glazed donuts either.

Recipient of Boise Weekly's Best Local Bakery crown nearly every year since 2010, Zeppole Baking Company is the place to go for delicious, freshly baked bread. The sourdough and sweet breads such as cranberry and chocolate come highly recommended, but it also serves Kalamata olive or jalapeño ciabatta, Cheddar scallion loaf, rye bread, and challah. There are two locations in Boise.

This bakery on a farm is proud to claim the title of making the 'best apple pie in America.' Its secret behind the award-winning pies success is to bake it in a paper bag for a crunchy lid and flaky bottom. Other favorites include house-made fudge, cookies, bread, and muffins. 

When in need of a sweet treat, residents of Delaware know the area’s oldest bakery, Bing’s Bakery, is the place to go. Opened in 1946, it serves delicious cream pies, custom-made cakes, pastries, cheesecakes, and cookies. It’s no wonder it has so many returning customers.

This third-generation bakery established in 1959 is one of the most famous in Las Vegas. It’s known for its incredible cakes, having featured on Food Network's Vegas Cakes. The tiramisu dessert cake with espresso and brandy-soaked sponge, sweet mascarpone cream, and espresso whipped cream is one of the favorites. There are four locations in Las Vegas.

Calling itself 'Miami’s most famous Cuban restaurant,' Versailles also happens to be home to one of the area’s best bakeries. Busy every day with a steady stream of loyal customers, locals flock here for the sweet and savory pastries, empanadas, Cuban grilled sandwiches, cannoli, and friendly service. The Cuban coffee is also a hit.

For creative takes on bakery classics such as Danish pastries and croissants, head to the bakery at Sour Duck Market in Austin. The savory options – which include a Danish with pork and chicken rillettes, and a croissant with pastrami, Swiss cheese, and béchamel – are to die for.

This French bakery is without a doubt one of the best in the state. In operation since 1965, it keeps the locals coming back for fresh bread, quiche, cakes, and pastries. The traditional Mardi Gras king cakes that go on sale around February are always a big hit, as are the cookies and pies.

This bakery and café is known for its artisan breads which it bakes on a weekly schedule. On Monday, you might find raisin-walnut and honey wholewheat, whereas on Wednesday the offering includes rustic olive and cherry oatmeal. Customers also go mad for the lunch menu which includes The New Yorker sandwich – corned beef, aged Swiss cheese, house-made slaw, and Russian dressing on dark pumpernickel rye.

For sensational fluffy choux buns stuffed with cream, look no further than Modern Pastry in Boston. It’s a family-owned spot customers flock to for traditional Italian sweets such as marzipan fruit, lobster tails (crisp pastry filled with custard cream), ricotta pie, cream puffs, pistachio nougat, and éclairs. But the favorite has got to be the cannoli. Find it at two locations, Medford and North End.

It’s only good reviews for Dolce Bakery which is known for having some of the best cinnamon rolls in Kansas City (an area surprisingly fanatical about the sweet treat). It also offers orange rolls, pumpkin rolls, and caramel pecan rolls for those keen to try something different. Look out for the spectacularly decorated celebration cakes, chewy cookies, iced biscuits, and macarons too.

This quirky little bakeshop in Charleston offers pies, cakes, cookies, and tarts that never fail to impress. However, what customers really visit for are the beautiful cupcakes, which come in flavors such as caramel, mocha, mint, and vanilla blueberry.

This New York City favorite is no ordinary bakery. Supermoon Bakehouse specializes in donuts and pastries, but not as you know them. Its colorful offering includes a strawberry shiso jam and white chocolate bi-color croissant, and rose and coconut eclairs. It’s also home to the cruffin, a croissant muffin hybrid.

This neighborhood bakery, which has been in operation since 1972, is, according to many, the best in the state. Head here for sweet or savory empanadas, biscochitos (spiced biscuits), and conchas (sweet bread with a crunchy topping). It never fails to impress its hundreds of loyal customers.

For stunning French patisserie in New Jersey, head to Sook Pastry in Ridgewood. The small but beautiful café and bakery has cases of fruit tarts, chocolate mousse cakes, pastries, macarons, and muffins. It’s not all sweet, either – you can also pick up a fresh loaf of cinnamon walnut or cheese bread.

Around since 1978, Bernice’s Bakery is where locals go for elegant birthday cakes, Thanksgiving pies, bread rolls, sandwiches, breakfast pastries, and coffees. Special mention must go to the Key lime pie, lemon blueberry muffin, and croissants, but everything is delicious. It also serves a lunch menu of sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Operating since 1950, this bakery and diner is said to be one of the best in America. It has five locations and visitors are passionate about its cream puffs (pastry stuffed with green tea or chocolate-flavored cream), loco moco (rice topped with a hamburger patty and fried egg), passionfruit donuts, and banana pancakes.

This small bakery in the historic Five Points neighborhood is loved by customers who travel from far and wide to sample its range of delicious breads and pastries. The cute and cozy bakery is run by Kevin Scollo, formerly one of Zagat's '30 under 30', who previously worked as a baker at some of New York City's leading restaurants. Expect a line during busy weekends but customers say it's well worth the wait.

Babettes' freshly baked breads have a cult following, while the bakery also serves wood-fired pizza by the slice, and a huge selection of flaky pastries, croissants, and other savory items. Customers say everything on offer is delicious, and also rate the friendly, helpful service.

Residents of Arizona know the best place for freshly baked goods has got to be Lior the Baker. This Israeli-influenced bakery serves fluffy babka, almond challah and rugelach, as well as pastries and croissants. It was even awarded Best Bakery 2019 by Phoenix New Times.

Blackbird Bakery serves a whole host of gorgeous baked goods including bread, Danish pastries, apple fritters, brownies, cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, and fruit tarts. The reviews are always phenomenal, especially for the donuts which come in a wide variety of flavors. There's also a second drive-thru location.

It’s difficult deciding on the best bakery in the Green Mountain State as there are so many, but Sticky Fingers in West Dover gets great reviews. It serves a variety of loaves such as honey wheat, three-seed, black olive and garlic, and challah. However, customers really go there for the sweet pastries and cinnamon buns.

This old-fashioned pastry shop is one of Salt Lake City's best loved. It’s famous for its éclairs, but you’ll also find bear claws, cinnamon rolls, orange tea rolls, cupcakes, and cream puffs. The prices are incredibly reasonable, and the staff are renowned for being hugely thoughtful and friendly.

The ultimate feel-good bakery, Muddy’s has cupcakes in every color, in flavors such as Prozac (addictive chocolate cake with icing) and Plain Janes (made with the best quality vanilla.) The cozy, old-school bakery also sells a tempting range of pies, quiches, cookies, and special occasion cakes.

A Portland legend, Ken’s Artisan Bakery has been pleasing locals with its buttery, stuffed croissants since it opened in 2001. Try the fan favorite, herbed goats’ cheese and leek, or opt for the seasonal sweet potato croissant glazed with maple syrup and topped with pecans, if you’re a dessert person. There may be a line, but it's worth it. 

If you need cake in Charlotte, make a beeline for Villani’s. It makes cakes for celebrations and special occasions in flavors such as bananas Foster, Boston cream pie, and red velvet, and its staff are amazingly helpful. It also sells Italian treats including biscotti, cannoli, Napoleon (layers of custard and pastry, topped with a glaze,) and sfingi (pastry filled with sweetened ricotta.)

This bright corner bakery in Detroit quickly gained a reputation for baking the best pies. They have flaky, buttery crusts and incredible fillings such as salted maple, brown butter plum crumble, and stone fruit cardamom. It also serves a tempting menu of cookies with flavors including salted rosemary shortbread and lemon drop, as well as brownies, blondies, and muffins.

If you want old school, head to Plehn’s Bakery in Louisville. Established in 1924, it has a nostalgic vibe and serves donuts, pies, cakes, and cookies using largely the same recipes as when it first opened. Kuchen is one of its most-requested items – it's a sweet dough filled with apple, cherry, cinnamon, and butter.

A picturesque, French-style bakery in Jackson, Persephone serves highly rated coffee and pastries. Delicious highlights include flaky almond croissants, crunchy cinnamon brioche, chocolate chip cookies, scones, and cakes. There are two locations in Jackson and one in Wilson.

Heading down Route 66? Love freshly baked bread? Then stopping in at Front Porch Bakery is a no brainer. Everything here is good, be that cinnamon rolls, egg custard pie, peanut butter cookies, or custom-made birthday cake. It also has gluten-free options.

James Beard Foundation Outstanding Bakery nominee Nichole’s Fine Pastry is not to be missed. Gourmet pastry is the order of the day here, expect to see a colorful array of cheesecakes, pies, pastries, truffles, mousse cakes, and fruit tarts. It's also worth stopping in to pick up a smoked salmon quiche or summer tart at lunchtime.

A local staple since 1962, family-run Campbell's Bakery is the first port of call when locals need a special occasion cake creating. This classic bakery also serves a daily menu of perfectly fluffy cupcakes, brownies, cookies, teacakes, classic petit fours, as well as cake and cheesecake by the slice. 

The light and airy pastries at tiny French bakery Marc Heu Patisserie Paris are worth waiting in line for – your patience will be rewarded with the most exceptional chocolate croissants, pain aux raisins, raspberry rose éclairs, and passion fruit and raspberry tarts around.

This James Beard award–winning bakery receives a lot of attention and for good reason; the baguettes, focaccias, and multigrain and flavored loaves are exceptional. Be sure to check out the sweet options such as the flourless cakes and chocolate babka too.

People travel from miles around to sample the incredible creations at this Michelin-starred, James Beard award–winning Filipino bakery. It's counter-service and first come, first served, so expect to wait to sample the exceptional collection of treats including chocolate and salted caramel tarts, a salmon Danish with herbed cream cheese, and black sesame coconut macaroons.

This French bake shop in Mystic is the place to go for delicious bakery items. It's no wonder owner Adam Young received Best Baker in America 2018 on Food Network’s baking competition show of the same name. On the menu is sourdough baguettes, focaccia, and multi-grain loaves, every breakfast pastry imaginable, as well as tortes, tarts, mille-feuille, and highly praised macarons. There are also locations in Niantic and Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

This Seattle-based bakery with three outposts is known for serving the best pastries in the city. It goes beyond the classics, with options including a cream cheese and fruit Danish, twice-baked almond croissants (a customer favorite), and a croissant with a layer of spinach and feta. 

From world champion pastry chef and winner of the second season of Top Chef, CH Patisserie in Sioux Falls is up there with some of the best bakeries in the country. It serves French macarons in pastel shades almost too good to eat and sweet treats such as pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate chip coffee cupcakes, flourless chocolate cake, and caramel brioche.

This bright blue bakery in Providence gets glowing reviews from locals and visitors alike. The buttery, custard-filled fruit tart is consistently praised, and the chocolate torte is said to be so good it ruins all others for you. If that isn’t a recommendation, we don’t know what is.

For authentic Dutch treats such as Dutch letters, apple bread, stroopwafels, and white walnut bars, Jaarsma Bakery is the place to go. Family-owned and operated since 1898, the recipes are those founder Harmon Jaarsma brought over from Holland. Everything is created daily by the fourth-generation bakers, and customers don’t have a bad word to say.

Now with two locations in Indianapolis, family-owned Long's has been baking its famously fresh donuts, breads, cakes, and pastries since 1955. It's become a local institution, and customers say the classic donuts dusted with cinnamon and glaze and old-fashioned apple pies are the best you'll ever taste. They also rate the friendly service and reasonable prices.

This San Francisco outlet is widely known as one of the best bakeries in California – if not the country – with owners Belinda Leong and Michel Suas winners of the 2018 James Beard Outstanding Baker award. b. patisserie serves buttery, French-style pastries, as well as cakes, macarons, and tartines. The customer favorite is the kouign amann, an extremely rich and crispy croissant-like pastry. 

This Kirkwood bakery specializing in French patisserie and chocolate is run by award-winning chef Nathaniel Reid. Customers can't get enough of the chocolate almond croissant and macarons in flavors such as Sicilian pistachio and coconut milk chocolate. In need of some lunch? It also has savory sandwiches such as roast beef on poppy seed bread. 

Formerly based in Oklahoma, this artisan bakery produces the best rustic bread in the state and even mills its grains in-house. Expect unusual but enticing options such as saffron semolina bread and wholegrain sourdough with walnuts, as well as mouth-watering pastries.

Both vegans and non-vegans adore Harmony Bakery in Baltimore for its gluten-free and plant-based sweet and savory bakes. Top choices include the bagel melt with avocado, roasted mushrooms, and cashew mozzarella, the samoa bars (shortbread topped with caramel, coconut, and a drizzle of chocolate), and the chocolate-glazed donuts. It's open Thursday through to Sunday.

At this small, family-run bakery, donuts are the star of the show – there's the fluffy, glazed type, plus cake donuts and croissant donuts. You'll also find cookies, cakes, breads, and kolache (an eastern European sweet pastry filled with fruit or cream cheese). Customers say it's the best in Nebraska.

Happy customers say there's no cake this bakery can't make, praising the attentive service, delicious flavors, and creativity of the joint's bakers. As well as the custom-made cakes on offer, top-rated Delicious Bakery serves everything from flans, cookies, and cheesecakes to brownies and pies. There's also a selection of sandwiches, wraps, and salads available in the deli section.

Now discover the best sandwich in every state

Last updated by Dominique Ayling.