Aromas of cinnamon, spice, and everything nice. You can get your sweet tooth fix at these local bakeries and confectioners who make their treats in-house. Also, be sure to get there early before they sell out!
Agave Pantry combines art and culinary excellence with its Persian Love Cakes and signature caramels, and they also have their own line of spices, sugars, and salts, perfect for adventurous bakers. Their herbed sugars and housewares are terrific! Pick up some of their Lavender Salt or maybe their Cardamom Rose Sugar. If you need your tea fix, don’t miss their chai spices made with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, ginger, star anise, and rose. Aside from the occasional pop-up at events, Agave Pantry is online ordering.
Barrio Bread puts the ART in Artisan. They are dedicated to exceptional quality bread, created with centuries-old baking techniques and locally grown heritage grains. The menu features fresh baked loaves for nearly every occasion and every pallet, from Apricot-Cranberry, to Jalapeño Cheddar, and of course beloved classics like focaccia and olive loaves. Make sure to stop by next time you want to level up your grilled cheese or morning toast with something a little extra special!
Satisfy your cravings with a sweet treat from Cafe Francais. The bakery stands as a heartfelt homage and tribute to the legacy of French culinary influence, and its menu features delectable, made-from-scratch items like salty-sweet Kouign Amann, rich brioche, and macarons. Or, try one of their specialty croissants with unique flavors like Mango Chipotle, Acai Cream Cheese, or Orange Cream.
The local bento cake shop created by Christa Lebron is all-things tasty, bright, and creative. You can catch up with the local bakery as a pop-up at markets or if there’s something specific you’re looking for, send Chez Peachy a direct message on Instagram (which is also where you can keep up with the latest).
If you want some stellar gluten-free pastry options, Dedicated is the place for you! The menu includes a variety of gluten-free breakfast and lunch options including classic breakfast sandwiches, quiches, salads, and lunch sandwiches. The real showstopper though is dessert. Make sure to sample any of their cream puffs, cinnamon rolls, brownies, cookies, and cupcakes — all made fresh daily.
Nestled along the quiet lanes of Old Nogales Highway lies a gem cherished by locals: El Triunfo Bakery. This cozy spot is a haven for aficionados of empanadas and fresh Bolitos. Though it may be a bit of a hidden treasure, those who venture off the main path are met with a heap of pastries at prices that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Gourmet Girls has been a go-to spot for not only folks seeking gluten-free baked goods and meals but for those looking for great-tasting food. In 2023, Mary Steiger and Susan Fulton celebrated their 12th year as an entirely gluten-free bakery. From cupcakes to cookies and pies, you’ll discover freshly baked and rotating selections each week.
HeeMee makes fresh pastries daily. Pair them with an Intelligentsia espresso and it’s the perfect combo to start your day off right. The family-run cafe combines Korean, French, and Japanese influences, serving delicacies like red bean doughnuts and bingsoo, a Korean dessert made with shaved ice and milk. You’ll also find specialty cakes and croissants as well as unique coffee and food offerings. Some highlights include the Chicken Katsu Bowl, Korean Rameyon, and their Yaki Udon.
Do you worship well-baked bread? Holy Focaccia devotees do. This Tucson bakery bakes the holiest homemade focaccia and other delectables. Order some for yourself on their Instagram to pick up at weekly farmers markets (they set up at multiple locations in town). Their unconventional business model allows them to constantly create new spice combinations and inventive flavor profiles each week.
The struggle to find irresistible vegan treats ends here!
Houlden’s Rise Above is a 100% vegan operation — a heaven for vegans and non-vegans alike. Stop in and try their rotating selection of delightful pastries and treats including croissants, flaky bear claws, Poptarts, savory turnovers, and wonderfully vegan cheesecakes.
Located inside the beloved Ghini’s French Caffe, this French bakery serves bread, breakfast pastries, and savory treats including an incredible assortment of croissants, quiches, and cinnamon rolls. You’ll find everything your heart and sweet-tooth desires from cakes to muffins, cookies, and even pies.
Craving a taste of France on the east side of town? La Baguette Parisienne offers a wide variety of delicious French-inspired breads, delectable pastries, beautiful custom cakes, and more! Try their classic croissants, cookies, and tarts, or if you’re in the mood for something savory, grab one of their jalapeño cheddar bagels. In addition to single-item delights, La Baguette Parisienne also provides wholesale baked goods.
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican pastries, you have to try La Estrella Bakery. Since 1986, this family-owned business has been serving up a delicious selection of cookies, bread, donuts, tortillas, tamales, and much more. There are plenty of incredible pastries to choose from with multiple locations around Tucson.
If you’ve ever dreamed of fresh authentic pastries, just like on your last European vacation — or the one you are looking forward to — then look no further. Opened February 2022, co-owner Deb Tenino, a native Tucsonan, spent two decades living in Italy before bringing the Locale concept back home to Arizona — and we’re so glad she did. It’s always best to come early before items sell out for the day, but rest assured, tomorrow brings another fresh batch of goodness.
Malta Joe’s is best known for their perfectly irresistible Pastizzi, a savory pastry consisting of handmade phyllo dough that is traditionally filled with either a ricotta cheese blend or curried peas and then baked golden. Besides classic favorites, Malta Joe’s also serves Pastizzi in a variety of flavors including Blueberry Cheesecake, Nutella, and Birria. If you’re a hot dog lover, make sure to try their signature Malta Dog. Find Malta Joe at farmers markets around town and you can also order online.
Looking for a pastry that is as unique as it is delicious? Try Mona’s Danish Bakery and discover Danish-inspired pastries like their Danish Donuts and Danish Triangles. The traditional almond wedding cake Kransekage and the Danish Kringles are their specialties, but they also serve a variety of cinnamon rolls and croissants for you to snack on!
Nadine’s Bakery is Tucson’s premiere kosher bakery. They specialize in wedding cakes and an assortment of tasty pies, cupcakes, and other assorted goodies. Also known for their custom cakes, colorful selection of sugar cookies, sprinkle cookies, and M&M cookies, Nadine’s has been a neighborhood staple since 1979 — when your sweet tooth kicks in, give them a visit!
Hands down some of the best pies in Tucson. Choose from their phenomenal selection of handmade cream and fruit pies featuring classic favorites like lemon meringue and cherry pies as well as unique flavors like vanilla almond cream and blueberry sour cream. Or if pies aren’t your thing, try their Sour Cream Cheesecake or Texas Sheet Cake. Did we mention it was voted Tucson’s “Best Dessert” in 2020 and “Best Bakery” in 2021, 2022, and 2023 by the Arizona Daily Star?
Maybe you want a meal to go with your treat of choice. Stop by Village Bakehouse. On the menu, you’ll find everything from breakfast tacos and French toast to paninis and burgers. And of course, you won’t be able to resist their selection of made-from-scratch pastries, muffins, pies, and artisan bread that’s baked fresh daily. They even offer vegan, low-sugar, flourless, or even eggless options.
