12 Minnesota Bakeries Worth A Stop

Minnesota has a thriving bakery scene that will make your mouth water. From flaky croissants to towering cakes, talented bakers across the state create treats that bring joy to every bite.

Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend treat or a visitor exploring the Land of 10,000 Lakes, these bakeries offer something special that goes beyond just satisfying your sweet tooth.

1. Rustica Bakery

Walking into this place feels like stepping into a European village bakery. The smell of fresh-baked bread hits you the moment you open the door, and I promise you’ll want to buy everything in sight. Their sourdough loaves have that perfect crispy crust with a soft, airy inside that makes for incredible toast.

The almond croissants here deserve their own fan club. Each one is buttery, flaky, and filled with sweet almond paste that oozes out when you take a bite. They also rotate seasonal pastries that showcase local ingredients.

Located in Minneapolis, this bakery has become a neighborhood staple where people gather over coffee and conversation.

2. A Baker’s Wife Pastry Shop

Ever wonder what true French baking tastes like without hopping on a plane? This St. Paul gem brings authentic French techniques to the Midwest. The owner trained in France, and it shows in every delicate creation that comes out of the ovens.

Their fruit tarts are edible works of art. Fresh berries sit on top of silky pastry cream in perfectly baked shells that crumble just right. The eclairs come in creative flavors that change with the seasons, keeping regulars coming back to try something new.

I recommend arriving early on weekends because the popular items sell out fast. The cozy shop only has a few seats, so many people grab treats to go.

3. Patisserie Margo

Bright colors and beautiful designs make this bakery feel like a candy shop for grown-ups. Each macaron looks too pretty to eat, but trust me, you’ll want to devour them all. The flavors go way beyond basic vanilla and chocolate, with options like lavender honey and salted caramel.

Beyond macarons, their layer cakes are Instagram-famous for good reason. They taste even better than they look, which is saying something. The texture is incredibly moist, and the frosting strikes that perfect balance between sweet and rich.

Special occasion? Custom orders here will impress everyone at your party. The staff is super helpful with recommendations if you can’t decide what to get.

4. Wuollet Bakery

Since 1938, this family-run bakery has been serving generations of Minnesotans. Your grandparents probably bought treats here, and now you can continue the tradition. The recipes have stayed mostly the same, preserving that old-school bakery charm that’s hard to find these days.

Their princess torte is legendary in the Twin Cities. Layers of sponge cake, raspberry jam, and vanilla custard get covered in bright green marzipan. It sounds unusual, but one bite will make you a believer.

With multiple locations around the metro area, you’re never too far from a Wuollet fix. The prices remain reasonable despite their reputation, making quality baked goods accessible to everyone.

5. Turtle Bread Company

Bread lovers unite at this Minneapolis institution known for naturally leavened loaves. They grind some of their own flour, which gives their bread a depth of flavor you won’t find at grocery stores. The bakers here take their craft seriously, using long fermentation times that develop complex tastes.

My favorite is the country sourdough, perfect for sandwiches or just slathered with good butter. Their cinnamon rolls are massive and gooey, ideal for sharing if you can resist eating the whole thing yourself. Breakfast sandwiches made on their fresh buns will ruin you for fast food forever.

Both locations have a warm, welcoming vibe where you can sit and enjoy your food with a cup of locally roasted coffee.

6. Salty Tart

Don’t let the name fool you into thinking everything here is savory. This bakery does both sweet and salty incredibly well. Their hand pies have become somewhat of a local obsession, with flavors that rotate based on what’s fresh and seasonal.

The morning buns are sticky, sweet, and topped with crunchy sugar that caramelizes during baking. Savory options include quiches and scones loaded with cheese and herbs. Everything gets made from scratch daily using quality ingredients you can actually taste.

Lines can get long during peak hours, but the wait moves quickly. The staff is efficient and friendly, even when dealing with the morning rush. Grab a few extra treats because you’ll wish you had bought more.

7. Rise Bagel Co.

True New York-style bagels in Minnesota might sound impossible, but this place proves the doubters wrong. Each bagel gets boiled before baking, creating that signature chewy texture with a slightly crispy exterior. The dough ferments overnight, developing flavors that cheap bagels just can’t match.

Schmear options go beyond plain cream cheese to include creative flavors like everything spice and honey walnut. I’m partial to the everything bagel with scallion cream cheese and lox. Their breakfast sandwiches are substantial enough to keep you full until lunch.

Weekend mornings see crowds of hungry customers, so ordering ahead through their app is smart. They also sell bagels by the dozen if you want to stock up for the week.

8. Red Wagon Pizza Company

Yes, it’s primarily a pizza spot, but their bakery items deserve equal attention. The same dough that makes their incredible pizzas becomes focaccia, breadsticks, and sandwich rolls. Everything benefits from their wood-fired oven, which adds a subtle smokiness to the baked goods.

Their focaccia comes topped with herbs, sea salt, and olive oil that soaks into every air pocket. It’s fantastic on its own or used for sandwiches. The cinnamon sugar breadsticks satisfy that sweet tooth while still being substantial enough to feel like real food.

Located in south Minneapolis, this neighborhood spot has a loyal following. The casual atmosphere makes it great for families, and kids love watching the pizza makers toss dough through the open kitchen window.

9. Glam Doll Donuts

Forget everything you think you know about donuts. This place takes the classic treat and gives it a rock-and-roll makeover. Flavors like Mexican hot chocolate and lemon poppyseed push boundaries while still tasting delicious. The toppings are generous, with some donuts looking more like desserts than breakfast.

Their vegan options are surprisingly good, even for non-vegans. The texture stays light and fluffy, proving that plant-based baking can compete with traditional methods. New flavors appear regularly, so there’s always something different to try.

The punk rock aesthetic extends to the decor, with edgy artwork covering the walls. It’s a fun place to hang out with friends while indulging in creative sweets that photograph beautifully for social media.

10. Angel Food Bakery

Sometimes you just want a classic American bakery that does the basics exceptionally well. This Minneapolis spot specializes in cakes that remind you of celebrations from your childhood. Their buttercream frosting is smooth and not too sweet, letting the cake flavor shine through.

Sheet cakes here are perfect for office parties or family gatherings. They’ll customize decorations for any occasion, and the prices won’t break your budget. Cupcakes come in both standard and creative flavors, all baked fresh daily.

The neighborhood location gives it a community feel where staff remembers regular customers. They also make excellent cookies that stay soft for days, though they rarely last that long once you start eating them. Simple done right never goes out of style.

11. Cafe Latte

This St. Paul institution is famous for its dessert bar that stretches forever. Walking past the display case full of cakes, pies, and pastries is almost overwhelming because everything looks amazing. The turtle cake has achieved legendary status among locals, with layers of chocolate, caramel, and pecans.

Beyond desserts, their bread is baked fresh for the cafe’s sandwiches and soups. You can buy whole loaves to take home. The scones are buttery and come in both sweet and savory varieties that pair perfectly with their excellent coffee.

The cafeteria-style setup means you can see everything before deciding, which helps when faced with so many tempting options. Prices are reasonable for the generous portion sizes you receive.

12. French Meadow Bakery

Health-conscious baking doesn’t have to taste like cardboard, and this bakery proves it. They pioneered organic baking in the Twin Cities long before it became trendy. Their whole grain breads are hearty without being dense, and they actually taste good instead of just being good for you.

The sprouted grain breads have extra nutrition and a slightly sweet flavor that’s addictive. They also make vegan and gluten-free options that don’t compromise on taste or texture. Even their sweet treats use natural sweeteners and quality ingredients.

You can find their breads in grocery stores across the region, but visiting the bakery cafe gives you access to fresh items and a full menu. It’s proof that eating well can still be delicious and satisfying.