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From old-school cannoli to quince kouign amann, bakeries in Philly serve something for every sweet craving
Philly’s is a land of pastry magic, seamlessly blending iconic bakeries that have perfected pound cakes and cannoli over many decades with new shops that turn out rich, butter-free vegan delights and other innovations. Here are Philadelphia’s best bakeries for pastries, cakes, and so many other sweet supplies.
Read MoreYou can’t throw a stone in Philly without hitting a great vegan baked good. Crust Vegan Bakery in Manayunk does it best, though. Chocolate peanut butter pastries inspired by Pop-Tarts and signature cookie sandwiches make this a must-stop on the bakery trail, and the shop’s social justice mission only sweetens the experience.
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Noelle Blizzard is a true baking wizard: At New June, her new bakery in BLDG39 at the Arsenal, Blizzard creates anything from beautiful wedding cakes to wonderful tarts, all decorated and dressed up immaculately. Her custom cakes in flavors like chamomile, orange, and honey cake will make any occasion feel extra special. Place an order through New June’s website.
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At Stock's, pound cake is the name of the game, and it’s the best in town — not shocking since the Port Richmond bakery has been practicing since 1924. The pillowy cake turns to an almost fudge-like consistency as you chew, and the icing on top is good enough to eat alone. Try the marble cake, too.
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Cake Life Bake Shop is Fishtown’s destination for all manner of baked goods, from pies and cookies to cakes worthy of a Will Smith book launch and cupcakes that won Cupcake Wars for co-owners Lily Fischer and Nima Etemadi. pre-orders close at 2 p.m. four days prior to desired pick-up or delivery date, with reservations being made on Cake Life’s website.
At the Kettle Black in Northern Liberties, husband-and-wife team Marc Basile and Claire Ogilvie make traditional French viennoiseries and breads that are genuinely wonderful — and while it seems far-fetched, the bakery’s croissants, pain au chocolat, and cinnamon buns have just-as-good vegan counterparts. Whatever else you do, don’t miss the bubbly bagels.
Bakers and chefs Kyle Cuffie-Scott and Joe Loupe serve giant brownies, iced cakes, and other fantastic treats alongside lunch and brunch options at Darnel’s Cakes in Northern Liberties. The icing on the cake is that the bakery uses its business to support the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Jezabel Careaga’s eponymous West Philly cafe, bakery, and studio is Philly’s top spot for Argentine sweets like alfajores and custard-and-quince vigilantes. Avoid decision fatigue by preordering a chef’s selection pastry box on the weekends.
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CookNSolo doesn’t miss a beat at this impressive all-day cafe in Rittenhouse. Diners can either enjoy a grab-and-go Jerusalem-style bagel run or stock up on their tasty rugelach, chocolate babka, and notable kubaneh toast.
This Ellen Yin-owned establishment can do some amazing things with dough — breads, daily pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and pizzas all from one kitchen. They’re such experts that they host casual baking classes for the public.
The ricotta cookies and filled-to-order cannoli are unbeatable at Isgro, an Italian shop dating back to 1904 that you can smell from two blocks away. Be prepared to wait in a long line around holidays, when it seems like everyone in South Philly stops in for a box of assorted butter cookies — that said, Isgro also ships some cookie tins nationwide.
Everything owner Tova du Plessis creates at Essen, her Jewish bakery on East Passyunk Avenue, is impressive, from the famous chocolate babka laced with halva to the black-and-white cookies tinted with just the right bit of orange zest.
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Known for its killer cannoli and long history in Philadelphia, the flagship Termini Brothers location is still a crucial destination for Italian treats of all kinds. Need someone to translate pignoli, musticiolli, imbutitti, scumetti, and quorasemali? Don't worry, the friendly staff is here to help. You’ll also find Termini in several other locations, including Reading Terminal Market.
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Sisters Rhonda Saltzman and Mercedes Brooks are the geniuses behind Second Daughter Baking Co., an artisan bakery that crafts beautiful wedding cakes, elegant tarts, and fudgy, gooey brownies inside the Bok Building. Seriously, don’t miss those brownies. Luckily you don’t have to be in Philly proper to enjoy many of Second Daughter’s treats: Saltzman and Brooks ship some goods like brownies, focaccia, and cookies nationwide.
When the retail cafe of the Machine Shop pop-up opened in the beginning of 2022, lines formed out the door instantly. Eager Philadelphians gathered at the Bok Building to get a taste of pastry chef Emily Riddell’s quince kouign amann, twice-baked almond croissants, lemon tarts with toasted meringue, and sourdough breads. Every pastry at Machine Shop is worth the wait. Just get there on the early side — Riddell frequently sells out.
Also featured in:
South Philly hasn’t been the same since this incredible bakery served up Hong Kong-style pastries and buns. From scrumptious sponge cake to savory pork floss buns — there’s something for everyone here.
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Also featured in:
You can’t throw a stone in Philly without hitting a great vegan baked good. Crust Vegan Bakery in Manayunk does it best, though. Chocolate peanut butter pastries inspired by Pop-Tarts and signature cookie sandwiches make this a must-stop on the bakery trail, and the shop’s social justice mission only sweetens the experience.
Noelle Blizzard is a true baking wizard: At New June, her new bakery in BLDG39 at the Arsenal, Blizzard creates anything from beautiful wedding cakes to wonderful tarts, all decorated and dressed up immaculately. Her custom cakes in flavors like chamomile, orange, and honey cake will make any occasion feel extra special. Place an order through New June’s website.
At Stock's, pound cake is the name of the game, and it’s the best in town — not shocking since the Port Richmond bakery has been practicing since 1924. The pillowy cake turns to an almost fudge-like consistency as you chew, and the icing on top is good enough to eat alone. Try the marble cake, too.
Cake Life Bake Shop is Fishtown’s destination for all manner of baked goods, from pies and cookies to cakes worthy of a Will Smith book launch and cupcakes that won Cupcake Wars for co-owners Lily Fischer and Nima Etemadi. pre-orders close at 2 p.m. four days prior to desired pick-up or delivery date, with reservations being made on Cake Life’s website.
At the Kettle Black in Northern Liberties, husband-and-wife team Marc Basile and Claire Ogilvie make traditional French viennoiseries and breads that are genuinely wonderful — and while it seems far-fetched, the bakery’s croissants, pain au chocolat, and cinnamon buns have just-as-good vegan counterparts. Whatever else you do, don’t miss the bubbly bagels.
Bakers and chefs Kyle Cuffie-Scott and Joe Loupe serve giant brownies, iced cakes, and other fantastic treats alongside lunch and brunch options at Darnel’s Cakes in Northern Liberties. The icing on the cake is that the bakery uses its business to support the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Jezabel Careaga’s eponymous West Philly cafe, bakery, and studio is Philly’s top spot for Argentine sweets like alfajores and custard-and-quince vigilantes. Avoid decision fatigue by preordering a chef’s selection pastry box on the weekends.
CookNSolo doesn’t miss a beat at this impressive all-day cafe in Rittenhouse. Diners can either enjoy a grab-and-go Jerusalem-style bagel run or stock up on their tasty rugelach, chocolate babka, and notable kubaneh toast.
This Ellen Yin-owned establishment can do some amazing things with dough — breads, daily pastries, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and pizzas all from one kitchen. They’re such experts that they host casual baking classes for the public.
The ricotta cookies and filled-to-order cannoli are unbeatable at Isgro, an Italian shop dating back to 1904 that you can smell from two blocks away. Be prepared to wait in a long line around holidays, when it seems like everyone in South Philly stops in for a box of assorted butter cookies — that said, Isgro also ships some cookie tins nationwide.
Everything owner Tova du Plessis creates at Essen, her Jewish bakery on East Passyunk Avenue, is impressive, from the famous chocolate babka laced with halva to the black-and-white cookies tinted with just the right bit of orange zest.
Known for its killer cannoli and long history in Philadelphia, the flagship Termini Brothers location is still a crucial destination for Italian treats of all kinds. Need someone to translate pignoli, musticiolli, imbutitti, scumetti, and quorasemali? Don't worry, the friendly staff is here to help. You’ll also find Termini in several other locations, including Reading Terminal Market.
Sisters Rhonda Saltzman and Mercedes Brooks are the geniuses behind Second Daughter Baking Co., an artisan bakery that crafts beautiful wedding cakes, elegant tarts, and fudgy, gooey brownies inside the Bok Building. Seriously, don’t miss those brownies. Luckily you don’t have to be in Philly proper to enjoy many of Second Daughter’s treats: Saltzman and Brooks ship some goods like brownies, focaccia, and cookies nationwide.
When the retail cafe of the Machine Shop pop-up opened in the beginning of 2022, lines formed out the door instantly. Eager Philadelphians gathered at the Bok Building to get a taste of pastry chef Emily Riddell’s quince kouign amann, twice-baked almond croissants, lemon tarts with toasted meringue, and sourdough breads. Every pastry at Machine Shop is worth the wait. Just get there on the early side — Riddell frequently sells out.
South Philly hasn’t been the same since this incredible bakery served up Hong Kong-style pastries and buns. From scrumptious sponge cake to savory pork floss buns — there’s something for everyone here.
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