Searching for the BEST Minneapolis bakeries? I’ve listed the TOP 5 spots to satisfy your cravings for croissants, giant homemade cinnamon buns, delectable pastries, and more!
Jake and I have spent the last six weeks in Minneapolis, Minnesota and have enjoyed every second of it. We were greeted with nine inches of snow on Easter and have watched spring arrive in a glorious array of white, pink, and purple blossoms.
If you’ve been reading Abroad with Ash for some time, it will be no surprise that my first project was to find the best Minneapolis bakeries. My cravings for flaky croissants, perfectly sweetened scones, and finger-licking Kouign Amanns were not only met in Minneapolis but is one of the reasons we keep pushing back our date to return to Dallas. I am absolutely serious.
Who knew Minneapolis bakeries were so outstanding? Dare I say some of these treats beat what I’ve found in larger cities around the world? I’ll let you decide for yourself, but my mind is made up. Jake and I will surely be returning to Minneapolis soon not just for the beautiful lakes but for these scrumptious finds!
1. Zoe’s Bakery and Cafe
One of the best Minneapolis bakeries for ham and cheese croissants and espresso
Zoe’s Bakery and Cafe quickly became my favorite Minneapolis Bakery. It didn’t take long for me to begin a tradition of calling the bakery around 9:00 am to reserve two ham and cheese croissants and then proceed to drive 20 minutes each way to pick them up. If this isn't a testament to how good these croissants are, I don’t know what is…and that's coming from a girl who hates driving anywhere.
The ham and cheese croissants at this Minneapolis bakery and cafe are life-changing. The combination of quality ham with gouda cheese and a heavy sprinkling of savory herbs on top makes these unique and one of the best versions I’ve had in the world. That includes France!
Zoe’s makes all their pastries and baked goods in-house, so everything is fresh. Their sandwiches are made with homemade bread, the blueberry scones are perfectly sweetened and not too crumbly, and the Kouign Amanns are worth the sticky fingers.
Zoe’s Bakery and Cafe is one of the best Minneapolis bakeries if you’re headed to the lake for a morning picnic…which Jake and I did quite often. Their location is less than five minutes from Lake of the Isles. Our favorite Minneapolis lake.
As if I needed any more convincing that Zoe’s is the best Minneapolis bakery, their espresso is perfect. The iced americanos are strong and the lattes are done just right. The service is always friendly and there is plenty of seating if you want to hang out.
Zoe’s Bakery and Cafe is a hidden find, you’re welcome, that you won’t find on many other “best of” lists. Every time I walked into the cafe and took my first bite…I knew I just found a secret gold mine. The best kept secret of the locals…and now you!
2. Black Walnut Bakery
One of the best Minneapolis bakeries for variety and French style croissants
Black Walnut Bakery has a wide selection of both sweet and savory pastries. This is one of the best Minneapolis bakeries to visit when you want variety. Light, filling, tart, sweet, gluten-free, vegetarian…you won’t lack options here.
The egg and cheese croissant sandwich is a standout item for something both filling and savory. The Croque-monsier, quiche, and pressed sandwiches are all solid options for something a little more substantial.
On the sweet end, the cakes are sublime. The flavors rotate with whatever is in season. The croissants are made in true French style. Flakey and airy. The ham and cheese is delicious, though, Jake’s almond croissant was the true stunner. You won’t find fake almond paste here. This is the real stuff with ground almonds touched with just the right amount of sweetness.
We will have to try the banana chocolate croissant next time…it looked divine. Other popular items to note are the lemon tart, banana bread, and Kouign Amann.
Photos: Isles Bun and Coffee
3. Isles Bun & Coffee
The best bakery in Minneapolis for homestyle cinnamon buns
Isles Bun and Coffee serves up the biggest cinnamon buns I have ever seen! My gosh, one of these bad boys could serve a family of four! Choose from the classic cinnamon bun topped with a generous portion of fluffy cream cheese frosting, caramel sticky buns, and pecan caramel buns with a massive layer of chopped pecans on top.
*Insiders tip: order the caramel sticky buns and ask for a side of frosting.
I appreciate that they offer a mini version of their cinnamon buns called puppy tails. It’s basically and cinnamon bun twist with frosting. Perfect for a splurge you don’t want to feel guilty about later.
Isles Bun and Coffee offers a few other menu items including cookies, cakes, and scones. My favorite item was the coffee cake of the day. This is different than any coffee cake I have ever had. Loaded with berries and peaches, not dry or crumbly, and perfectly sweetened. I actually ended up liking this even more than the cinnamon bun…which is saying something.
This Minneapolis bakery also serves excellent espresso and is located within walking distance to Lake of the Isles. Another great option for those morning picnics.
Photos: Sun Street Breads
4. Sun Street Breads
The best bakery in Minneapolis for homemade breads
Sun Street Breads is the place to go when you’re looking for quality breads. It’s easily one of the best Minneapolis bakeries to stock up on fresh baguettes, challah, buttermilk biscuits, sourdough, and baklava. A full breakfast and lunch menu is also available including biscuit sandwiches with a variety of fillings, pancakes, poutine, soups, and salads.
Sun Street Breads is a great spot to not only bring home fresh baked items but also grab a quick meal.
A standout item is the Fyrstekake. It’s known as Royal or Prince’s cake in Norway. It’s a loaf cake with a shortbread crust and an almond cardamom filling. You won’t find this European treat in many places. While you’re at it, order the Bergen bread. A hearty bread filled with pumpkin seeds and topped with steel-cut oats and sunflower seeds that originated in, you guessed it, Bergen, Norway.
My favorite bakery item is the raspberry cream scone. The scone is sliced in half and filled with a layer of raspberries and pastry cream. Perfect to take home for afternoon tea!
If you visit on Sunday, be sure to order a cardamom twist (pictured above).
Photos: Patisserie 46
5. Patisserie 46
The best Minneapolis bakery for delectable confections and sweets
Patisserie 46 creates beautiful confections that will take you back to the patisseries of Paris. Choose from a variety of colorful creations; almond pistachio sponge cake with a strawberry litchi filling, ganache covered tiramisu, chocolate lava cake, lemon tart, salted caramel brioche…I won’t judge if you order multiple items for yourself.
Everything here is made with precision and care. Many of the cakes and delicacies are almost too beautiful to eat…almost. This is without a doubt one of the best Minneapolis bakeries when you’re looking to up your dessert game or surprise someone with a creative treat.
Not in the mood for something sweet? No problem! Patisserie 46 has you covered with fresh-baked breads, homemade soups, savory croissants, baguette sandwiches, and quiche. Try the spinach and feta croissant, Croque-monsieur, or wild rice soup for the perfect picnic lunch.
In Summary
Try one of all five of the best Minneapolis bakeries! Each has something special to offer whether it be a giant sticky cinnamon bun, a fruit filled sponge cake, a perfectly crafted croissant, or a finger-licking Kouign Amann. These baked goods are perfect to bring home or enjoy during a lakeside picnic.
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Best Bakeries in MInneapolis | TOP 5
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