17 Bakeries worth knowing in Phoenix

Destinations for a variety of baked goods
December 25, 2023

Experience the inviting aroma of freshly baked bread, the artistry of skillfully crafted pastries, and a delightful array of sugary indulgences. A dependable bakery is a treasure for all, from morning muffins paired with your coffee to exquisite desserts to conclude your evening. In Phoenix, the finest bakeries cater to your every baked craving. Why settle for the ordinary when you can savor the extraordinary? Explore the city’s premier bakeries, each with its own unique story, whether steeped in French tradition or born in the heart of a garage. Discover Phoenix’s bakery gems. ArizonaCityLiving.com

Nami

Nami stands out as a top-tier vegan-vegetarian bakery, renowned for its expertise in crafting delectable confections and ice cream delights. This charming café is dedicated to using exclusively organic ingredients, resulting in an array of flavor profiles that are nothing short of sensational. Nami's menu boasts an impressive selection of favorites, including the ever-popular cookies 'n' cream, the enticing coffee coco loco, and the gluten-free sensation known as clunky monkey.

The Sicilian Baker

The Sicilian Baker, an integral part of The Maggiore Group's impressive roster of dining establishments, shares its culinary heritage with The Sicilian Butcher. Following the tradition of other Maggiore-owned restaurants, this Sicilian-Italian bakery introduces a unique twist: a 'build your own' cannoli bar. Patrons have the delightful opportunity to customize their cannoli by selecting the size, shell, and fillings from a diverse array of choices. For those with different preferences, options abound, including the delectable sfogliatelle filled with ricotta, or the enticing seasonal specialties that grace the menu.

JL Patisserie

Occasionally, the irresistible allure of a quintessential French patisserie draws you in, inviting you to marvel at exquisitely crafted confections. In those moments, make your way to one of JL Patisserie's two charming locations nestled in the Valley. Here, you'll discover a delightful assortment of macarons, baguettes, and exquisite galettes. Don't miss the chance to savor their cream-filled cruffins, a delightful fusion of a croissant and muffin, or indulge in a flaky pain aux raisin. With a plethora of buttery options, your choice is sure to be a delectable one.

Proof Bread

Once a beloved fixture at local farmers' markets, Proof has now evolved into a formidable bread authority, boasting three brick-and-mortar locations spread across the metropolitan area. This cherished bakery is under the ownership and operation of the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, Jon Przybyl and Amanda Abou-Eid. Interestingly, their journey began as loyal customers of the original Proof Bread Bakery, which they later acquired when its previous owner, Jared Allen, relocated from Arizona. To maintain the bakery's legacy, they continue to utilize Allen's natural levain starter, affectionately named Harriet. With an extensive selection of bread, croissants, and seasonal delights, all crafted from locally sourced ingredients, Proof remains a beacon of artisanal excellence.

La Belle Vie Bakery

La Belle Vie, founded by the self-taught Swiss-French baker Nathas Kraus, emerged from a simple yet unyielding desire for authentic baguettes upon his arrival in Phoenix. Disappointed by the absence of baguettes meeting his exacting standards beyond the aisles of grocery stores, Kraus decided to take matters into his own hands. Today, he passionately crafts an array of delectable creations, including baguettes, viénnoiseries (yeast-enriched bread and pastries), financiers (almond cakes traditionally molded to resemble gold bars), and Canelés de Bordeaux (irresistible custard cakes).

Urban Cookies Bake Shop (Multiple Locations)

Urban Cookies Bakeshop, a triumphant contender on Food Network's Cupcake Wars, has been serving delectable desserts for nearly two decades. Their cookies are a highlight, featuring exceptional flavors such as the Double Chocolate Sea Salt and the innovative Cowboy Cookie, featuring the delightful addition of corn chips. However, their cupcake offerings are equally impressive, with a vast everyday menu and ever-evolving favorites. You can also indulge in their delightful dessert bars and convenient cakes for takeout. For those with dietary restrictions, they offer a selection of items designed to cater to various needs.

Jewel's Bakery & Cafe

Discovering a bakery that offers an abundance of gluten-free delights that are both delectable and satisfying can be challenging. Fortunately, Jewel's Bakery and Cafe effortlessly meets this need in Phoenix. Their cafe menu boasts a variety of breakfast and lunch options that are perfect for both kids and adults, and the best part is that every item is 100 percent gluten-free. In their bakecase, you'll find an array of sweet treats, ranging from cookies to doughnuts to a delightful assortment of pastries. Jewel's Bakery and Cafe also accommodates custom orders, ensuring you get the gluten-free baked goods you desire.

Desert Donuts

Discover the delightful world of mini doughnuts at Desert Donuts, a family-owned gem in North Gateway. With over 50 scrumptious varieties to choose from daily, our mini doughnut shop is a sweet paradise. Pair your tasty treats with our freshly brewed coffee or tea for the perfect combination. And if you're looking for something extra special, indulge in our sundaes, milkshakes, and floats. Join us today for a delectable experience that's sure to satisfy your sweet cravings

La Purisima Bakery

La Purisima, a cherished family-owned Mexican bakery, has proudly served the community from two locations: the original in Glendale and the second in Phoenix. Our extensive menu boasts a delightful array of Mexican delicacies, including pastries, breads, tamales, burritos, cookies, cakes, and seasonal specialties like pan de muerto for Dia de los Muertos. Don't miss our ojos, light sponge cakes enveloped in flaky pastry, or the delightful conchas, sweet seashell-shaped bread. Try the marranitos, a pig-shaped molasses cookie with a cakey texture, and savor our galletas, delicious sugar cookies. Visit us to experience authentic Mexican flavors that will tantalize your taste buds!

Karl's Quality Bakery

Karl's Quality Bakery, founded by the skilled baker Karl Boerner, made its mark in Phoenix back in 1994. Karl honed his craft in Germany, Switzerland, and California before bringing his expertise to our neighborhood. For over three decades, this bakery has been an integral part of the Sunnyslope area. Today, Karl's daughter, Christine, continues the tradition, meticulously overseeing every ingredient that goes into their diverse selection. Whether you're hosting guests or simply indulging yourself, consider their impressive breakfast or pastry towers that cater to all tastes. And don't miss the chance to savor one of their custom cakes, including the elusive Princess Torte. Karl's Quality Bakery is where craftsmanship and flavor unite!

Noble Bread

If you've dined in Phoenix, chances are you've encountered Noble Bread on the menu. This renowned bakery has become a fixture on restaurant bread boards, a far cry from its humble origins in founder Joshua Raducha's garage. Crafted with locally sourced organic grains and an organic levain starter, these loaves are meticulously baked in a stone hearth, with each one requiring a painstaking 36 hours to create. While in Phoenix, locals and visitors alike can pick up their own freshly baked loaves at Noble Eatery's storefront. While you're there, don't miss the opportunity to savor some of the bakery's delectable Italian-inspired dishes, all crafted with their desired bread.

Sweet Dees Bakeshop

If you're in search of brownies shaped like reindeer or even Taylor Swift cookies (yes, they exist), Sweet Dee's is your go-to destination. This whimsical and festive bakeshop continuously surprises with its imaginative and one-of-a-kind designs, and rest assured, these thoughtfully decorated treats are bursting with flavor. Sweet Dee's doesn't just excel in creativity; they also offer an array of delightful classic treats, from muffins and pies to cake pops, each one as beautiful as it is scrumptious.

Essence Bakery Cafe

Essence is the brainchild of Arizona Hall of Fame inductee and acclaimed chef, Eugenia Theodosopoulos, fondly known as Chef Theo. At this charming destination, you can relish delectable breakfast and lunch options, complemented by an assortment of freshly baked bread, pastries, cookies, and seasonal jams. Chef Theo's culinary prowess shines through in her exquisite creations, including the mouthwatering pain au chocolate, delicate macarons, irresistible pecan sandies, and the delightful Mexican wedding cookies infused with a hint of orange. For chocolate enthusiasts, the Valrhona Dulcey cookies present an irresistible fusion of a cookie and a brownie.

La Purisma Bakery (Multiple Locations)

Since its establishment in 1983, La Purisima has been a beloved destination for those seeking vibrant and flavorful Mexican baked goods. This family-owned bakery, with two convenient locations, boasts a diverse selection that includes an array of pastries, breads, tamales, burritos, cookies, cakes, and seasonal specialties such as the traditional pan de muerto for Dia de los Muertos celebrations. Among their delectable offerings, don't miss the delightful ojos, airy sponge cakes enrobed in delicate puff pastry, or the iconic conchas, soft and sweet bread shaped like seashells. Other treats like marranitos, charming pig-shaped molasses cookies with a cake-like texture, and galletas, delicious sugar cookies, await to tantalize your taste buds.

Balkan Bakery

Balkan Bakery, a charming family-owned establishment nestled in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, is your go-to destination for authentic Bosnian culinary delights. Specializing in a delectable array of Bosnian breads, desserts, and mouthwatering filled burek pastries, this bakery has become a beloved haven for both locals and Bosnian expats. Here, you'll find a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the delicious food prepared with love. Be sure to savor their perfectly grilled cevapi sausages, served with a delightful crispy char on top, a true testament to their dedication to flavor and tradition.

Old Heidelberg Bakery

Old Heidelberg, a cherished German bakery that has been serving satisfied customers since 1969, boasts a dedicated following from all corners of Arizona. With a mouthwatering array of freshly baked, yeast-leavened breads like their renowned farmer's rye loaf, irresistible pretzels, delectable sweets, and must-try rolls and mini strudels, it's no surprise that these delectable offerings disappear quickly. But that's not all – Old Heidelberg also offers an enticing selection of cured meats, sausages, and a delightful assortment of predominantly German provisions, including mustards, jams, gummies, chocolates, pickles, and sauerkraut, ensuring that your German culinary cravings are met with authenticity and excellence.

La Grande Orange Grocery & Pizzeria

The Sicilian Baker is a proud member of The Maggiore Group's esteemed family of restaurants, which includes The Sicilian Butcher. True to the Maggiores' tradition of culinary innovation, this Sicilian-Italian bakery offers a unique experience with its 'build your own' cannoli bar, where patrons have the delightful opportunity to select the size, shell, and fillings from a diverse range of options. And if cannoli isn't your cup of tea, indulge in a delectable sfogliatelle filled with rich ricotta or explore their enticing seasonal specialties, all crafted to perfection.