Have a sweet tooth for cake that just won’t quit? Don’t we all. Thankfully, North Carolina has lots of fantastic cake-making bakeries to indulge in, whether you’re just passing through or are staying for a while. From 24-hour bakeries for your random 2 a.m. cravings to quick, stop-in shops for your birthday, the Tarheel State has got you covered.
Amelie's French Bakery and Cafe, Charlotte
Amelie’s French Bakery and Café in Charlotte, NC is not your typical bakery. In fact, its flagship store, located in the artsy “NoDa” neighborhood of the Queen City, is open 24 hours a day. Yes, you can stop by in the middle of the night to get your cake fix. They have three massive display cases that are filled with all types of goodness that even includes almond cake for the gluten-free folks. If you’re planning a special event, make sure you also check out their custom cakes with mouth-watering options like hazelnut buttercream and cappuccino mousse filling.
Simply Cakes, Cary
Simply Cakes in Cary, NC is a custom cake shop that has been named one of the top 50 wedding cake bakers in the country and the home of the best cupcakes in the state, and is also a popular choice for brides year after year. Their cakes are always baked to order, are never frozen and are individually sculpted using sheet cakes, rather than a pre-formed pan. This means they can accommodate any unique request you may have for your design. They also use high quality ingredients like imported chocolate and fresh fruits and do not limit customers on the number of flavors they can choose.
Karen Donatelli Cake Designs, Asheville
When Karen Donatelli opened her bakery in downtown Asheville, her goal was to make every dessert she created like a piece of art by using unique designs and innovative flavors. Which she accomplishes, no matter how big or small the task. Stop in and grab a delicious item from the daily bakery case, including brioche cakes, pastries and croissants. Or, order a custom cake in one of her amazing flavors like Oreo Butterfinger, Chocolate Raspberry Chambord or Italian Zucato, which features vanilla cake, orange filling, fresh oranges, kiwi slices, strawberries and Bavarian cream.
Pink Baking Co., Wilmington
Pink Baking Co., located in the historic downtown district of Wilmington, NC, offers a wide variety of homemade cupcakes, cake pops and cake truffles, as well as lots of other desserts including brownies, oatmeal cream pies, macarons, Rice Krispy treats and more. Their custom cakes can be made in any design you can possibly imagine from your favorite sports team, to a unicorn or a high-heeled shoe. But, the real treat comes in their flavors, like pink champagne, “Unicorn’s Breath” – chocolate chocolate chip cake with raspberry Bailey’s buttercream, or “Wonder Woman” – chocolate cake filled with coffee ganache, coffee caramel buttercream and toffee topping.
McFarlan Bakery, Hendersonville
Forget all the fancy flavors and complicated designs. If you’re looking for an old-fashioned, down-home type bakery, than look no further than McFarlan’s in the small mountain town of Hendersonville, NC. The bakery, which has been open since 1930, calls itself one of the last few “made from scratch” bakeries in the country. They prefer 80-year-old recipes over modern technology and believe this is what makes their goods so special and delicious. On any given day, you can stop in and find a large selection of homemade cakes like red velvet, triple chocolate mousse, pound cake, carrot cake, orange creamsicle, raspberry cream and of course, chocolate cake. Or, you can also order a custom cake with 24 hours’ notice. Just make sure you ask for the “Southern Cream” icing, so you can experience vanilla custard mixed with whipped cream.
Dewey's Bakery, Winston-Salem
Speaking of old-fashioned bakeries, Dewey’s Bakery in Winston-Salem, NC, is another establishment that’s been around since 1930. They promise to use “clean” ingredients (meaning no artificial flavors, synthetic colors, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils) and aim to provide a bakery experience that will encourage you to slow down and enjoy your time with friends and family. In addition to making beautiful and delicious wedding cakes and custom cakes, Dewey’s also serves up cupcakes and another kind of unique treat – cake squares. You’ll definitely want to stop in and grab one of these perfectly-sized treats in white cake, devil’s food, red velvet, orange, strawberry, carrot cake or pink lemonade. They also offer a special pumpkin spice flavored cake square during the autumn and winter months.
