Favorite Twin Cities Bakeries for 2023
Minnesota has been homes to baking leaders such as Gold Four, Pillsbury, & Betty Crocker. It is only fitting that we have some AMAZING bakeries here in the Twin Cities. From croissants, fresh-baked bread, eclairs, and so much more…here is a list of just a few of our favorite Twin Cities Bakeries for 2023.
Rustic Bakery - 3224 W Lake St, MPLS
Rustica Bakery has been a local icon since 2004. All the classics are still around, from the cross-hatched miche loaf and baguettes to kouign amann and bittersweet chocolate cookies (our personal favorite). For a different dessert fix, try the roasted banana tart, ringed with spheres of mascarpone mousse. https://www.rusticabakery.com/
Black Walnut Bakery - 357 Hennepin Ave S, MPLS
Everything on their menu makes us want to keep returning for more. You will find a cassis vanilla Bavarian cake, layered with an airy chiffon sponge with ganache. There are delicious lemon tarts and, of course, croissants, which are perfectly flaky across both sweet and savory offerings. You can even custom-order cakes, sized up to nine inches, for special occasions. https://www.blackwalnutbakery.com/
Patisserie 46 - 4552 Grand Ave S, MPLS
Pastry chef John Kraus is a respected chocolatier, former instructor at the French Pastry School in Chicago, and a one-time team captain representing the United States at the Coupe Du Monde de la Patisserie. So it is safe to say he knows his stuff. He presides over the Bread Lab, a production and training facility, while running both Patisserie 46 and its newer outpost, Rose Street, with his wife Elizabeth. You will find a fantastic miche and unique baguettes, made with a combination of rye and wheat flour. But you will also love the array of cakes and confections on offer. https://patisserie46.com/
Sarah Jane’s Bakery - 2853 Johnson St NE, MPLS
A Northeast neighborhood favorite since 1979. The bakery specializes in classic American bakery traditions (like the special treats Mom or Grandma would make). You will find lemon bars, doughnuts, cookies and muffins. The coffee cake menu, which spans from butter pecan to cardamom almond, is unrivaled. The pastry case is always stocked, but it’s best to order ahead for anything special. http://sarahjanesbakery.com/
Marc Heu Patisserie Paris - 383 University Ave W, St Paul.
It’s not even a question, Marc Heu is the most decorated pastry chef in the Twin Cities. He was born in France, graduated from a prestigious pastry program in Paris (with honors), interned at a three-Michelin Star restaurants in Paris, and then trained under the 2018 winner of the “World’s Best Pastry Chef.” If that wasn’t enough, he then went on to work at THE first ever pastry shop in Paris, a 300-year-old institution. And then, of all places in the entire world, he decided to settle down in St. Paul, and bless us with his amazing pastries! This is one Twin Cities bakery you must visit, especially for a special occasion. https://marcheuparis.com/
Cafe Latte - 850 Grand Ave, St Paul
It is hard to pass up one of the amazing cakes at Cafe Latte. Not only will you discover delicious cakes, but you can find cheesecakes and tortes as well. There is also a selection of other baked goods you do not want to miss. Be sure to check out their “scone and bread schedule”. https://www.cafelatte.com/
Trung Nam French Bakery - 739 University Ave W, St Paul
This Vietnamese bakery is the perfect mashup of Asian and French influence, making the most delicate and soft pastries you will ever find fill with amazing the likes of coconut, raspberries, and raisins. You will also find Banh Bao BBQ pork buns along with Vietnamese sandwiches. https://trung-nam.squarespace.com/#home
8) Vegan East - 1226 NE 2nd St MPLS & 2409 Lyndale Ave S, MPLS
Don’t believe that baked goods can taste great if they are vegan? You will likely change your mind after trying one of the home-made poptarts or cakes from Vegan East. This is a great bakery to check out, dietary restrictions or not! https://www.veganeast.com/
Isles Bun & Coffee- 1424 W 28th St, MPLS
This place is a VERY popular bakery in Uptown MPLS. Known for their Cinnamon and Caramel Buns, they have other goodies like Puppy Dog Tails (kids love them), scones, and focaccia pizza. Be prepared during the busy time, it is not unusual for the line to go out the door. But it is worth it! https://islesbun.com/
Sun Street Breads - 4600 Nicollet Ave S, MPLS.
This is the place to go if you are looking for good quality bread. You will find flaky buttermilk biscuits, sourdough, fresh baguettes, baklava and challah. There is plenty to eat for breakfast and lunch too. Be sure to try the Fyrstekake - a Norwegian loaf cake with a crumbly shortbread crust and an almond cardamom filling. https://www.sunstreetbreads.com/