About this special series: While we ask our readers to pick the best of the best each year in more than 100Best of New Hampshirecategories, there are many other worthy and outstanding favorites for each category, ranging from pizza to cupcakes and garden centers to home décor shops. New Hampshire Magazine wants to make sure these reader favorites get their own moment in the spotlight and we encourage you to check them out.
Looking for something sweet, salty, or carb-filled but not sure of the best place to satisfy your craving? Here’s where to go for the best bakeries in the Granite State, including fresh-baked breads, adorable cupcakes and decadent pastries – including gluten-free options.
Bread & Chocolate
29 S Main St, Concord
(603) 228-3330
A fiberglass bakery case of hand-crafted pies, delectable cakes and elegant fruit tarts draws you in when you enter Bread & Chocolate. Smaller desserts such as date squares, cherry almond squares and baklava are available as well. Adorable jars of cookies line the counter, from classics such as sugar to specialties like almond macarons.
Whether you’re in the mood but a simple but delicious breakfast pastry, or need to order a fancy holiday dessert, Bread & Chocolate has it all.
Blue Loon Bakery
12 Lovering Ln, New London
(603) 526-2892
With a mission to create amazing food, foster a welcoming environment and contribute to the community, you can’t go wrong with Blue Loon. They specialize in using local ingredients to craft breads such as their Sunapee Sourdough and Morgan Hill Multigrain. Their sweets and pastries are can’t-miss as well, from “Drunk Monkey Bread” to maple sausage rolls and pecan sticky rolls on the weekends.
Blue Loon offers lunch, drinks and desserts menus as well. Stop for a bite and grab an artisan loaf to go.
Polish Princess Bakery
73 Main St, Lancaster
(603) 788-8222
Magdalena Randall, the owner, baker and “Chief Princess,” wanted to bring her favorite breads from Poland to her home in New Hampshire. These nutritious breads are made from high-quality, local ingredients from the grain to the fresh seasonings. The Vollkornbrot is a dense sourdough rye bread, made from 100% whole grain and featuring cracked rye and sunflower seeds. Polish Princess Bakery offers breakfast and lunch items including locally-sourced pizzas.
Yum Yum Shop
16 N. Main St, Wolfeboro
It all started with a Gingerbread cookie. In 1948, Grandma Lotte Kelly began Yum Yum Shop with frosted and sugared Gingerbread cookies, and things have evolved ever since. Today, they serve specialty donuts, breads, pies and custom decorated cakes. Looking to cool off after a summer day? They also have an ice cream parlor featuring dozens of flavors, from classics to new favorites.
Enjoy a treat – or two, or three – and grab some apparel from the gift shop to remember this special, history-filled spot.
The Black Forest Cafe and Bakery
212 Route 101, Amherst
(603) 672-0500
Enjoy this Amherst spot’s “comfort food with a creative twist” for a meal or something to go. They have a bakery, dining room and marketplace, featuring a wide variety of items. Both their lunch and brunch menus are available for dine-in and take-out. Start with a small plate such as crab cakes or avocado toast, then satisfy your appetite with a hearty sandwich, burger, or “big plate” like lemon pesto chicken. Craft co*cktails, regional beers and specialty wines are available to go with your meal as well. Their bakery includes cookies, pies, pastries and cakes perfect to take home after a delicious meal.
Culture
75 Mont Vernon St, Milford
(603) 249-5011
Your mouth will water at the sight of their food. Perfectly glazed scones, packed-full breakfast sandwiches and golden breads are just some of the options here. Culture’s website explains that bread is the core of their production, and the base of much that they do. They partner with farms to support the local economy and create delicious, fresh-tasting food. Try a build-your-own breakfast sandwich or a lunch sandwich such as their Veggie Delight or “Apple Bottom Cheese.”
Feeding a few more? Culture also offers catering including sandwiches, pastries and cakes.
Buckley’s Bakery & Café
Locations in Merrimack and Hollis
Buckley’s has two locations in New Hampshire, each serving up a variety of tasty treats – baked goods and beyond. Their cafe specials rotate each day, usually including a soup, dessert, multiple cupcake flavor options and an iced coffee flavor of the day, such as Cinnful Delight. Options vary based on location. The Hollis shop even includes a market selling meat and fish, delivered fresh each day.
Looking to spoil a loved one? Preorder a delicious cake from Buckley’s for your special occasion.
Bearded Baking Co.
819 Union St, Manchester
(603) 647-7150
Jon Buatti is the man “behind the beard” at this bakery and cafe. After purchasing Michelle’s Gourmet Pastries and Deli in 2019, Buatti has been crafting delicious eats for the Queen City community. Stopping by for a quick pick-me-up? Grab a sandwich, donut or local coffee to boost your mood. Looking for a spectacular wedding cake for your big day or other special occasion? With a background in cake decorating, including as a contestant on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship, Buatti’s work is jaw dropping. Be sure to pick it back up so you can enjoy these delightful treats.
Bearded Baking Co. was crowned the Best of NH winner for overall bakery for 2022. Congrats to the Bearded team for this tremendous Best of NH win!
Frederick’s Pastries has you covered for one-of-a-kind baked goods, pastries and more.
Frederick’s Pastries
Locations in Amherst and Bedford
Baking is in the Frederick family’s blood. Founded in 1980 by Frederick and his wife, Susan Lozier Robert, the family business was purchased in 2004 by their daughter Susan, who eventually opened a second location.
Frederick’s aims to provide the “freshest cakes and pastries in New England,” and is constantly coming up with new ideas and options for customers to enjoy. They offer seasonal options like their Bunny Buttercream Fudge Bars and Mother’s Day cookie kit in addition to regular cakes, pastries and cookies. For that special day, Frederick’s also has a full-service wedding cake operation including tasting appointments and design photo gallery.
Frederick’s was crowned the overall Best of NH winner for the bakery category for a multi-location restaurant for 2022. Congrats to our long-time friends for their win!
Klemm’s Bakery
29 Indian Rock Rd Rt 111, Windham
(603) 437-8810
No matter your sweet tooth preference, Klemm’s has got it all. They’re serving up a combination of traditional and creative treats for hungry Granite Staters and businesses. Mini pastries, colorful cookies, golden-brown pies and over 40 types of donuts greet you as you enter their bakery. Their donuts, pies and pastries are baked every morning with fresh ingredients – and a whole lot of dedication. Klemm’s also offers standard and custom cakes in many varieties.
Harvey’s Bakery and Coffee Shop
376 Central Ave, Dover
(603) 742-6029
If you haven’t heard of Harvey’s, you may have been living under a rock… for the past 89 years. This family-owned business serves up original recipes in their restaurant, bakery and coffee shop. Stop by for a meal featuring friendly service and hearty food, grab some sweet baked treats or bread to go or custom order a cake or holiday treat. Don’t forget to try their award-winning maple squares – you won’t regret it!
Red Wagon Bakery
1194 U.S. Route 4, Canaan
(603) 523-2062
This Canaan spot brings worldly inspiration to the Granite State. Owner Nellie Smith wanted to bring her experience traveling and living in New York City to Canaan, combined with catering to the desires of her small town, such as The Normal Breakfast, a traditional menu option that was requested early on. She serves up classic favorites and unique flavor combinations to cater to the traditional breakfast lover, and those more adventurous. With local, quality ingredients and breakfast served all day, this spot is sure to be a weekend go-to for hungry patrons. Be sure to wash down your meal with a delicious espresso drink or tea.
Categories: Best of NH Reader Favorites, Family-friendly things to do,
