Pennsylvania has a rich tradition of baking that spans generations, with local bakeries serving up mouthwatering treats across the state. From flaky pastries in Philadelphia to decadent cakes in Pittsburgh, these hometown establishments create desserts that keep customers coming back for more.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these eight Pennsylvania bakeries offer sweet creations worth every calorie.
1. Termini Bros Bakery: Philadelphia’s Italian Pastry Paradise
Since 1921, this family-owned bakery has been the crown jewel of South Philly’s Italian Market. Their cannoli; crisp shells filled with sweet, creamy ricotta; might be the most famous in the city, with locals willing to wait in holiday lines that stretch around the block.
The bakery’s history shines through in recipes passed down through generations. Their butter cookies, available by the pound, make perfect coffee companions, while their ricotta-filled sfogliatelle pastries showcase the delicate art of Italian baking.
Summer visitors shouldn’t miss their water ice, a refreshing Philadelphia tradition. What started as a small bread bakery has grown into a beloved institution with multiple locations, but the original shop on South 8th Street remains the heart of the Termini legacy.
2. Five Points Artisan Bakeshop: Pittsburgh’s Artisanal Bread and Pastry Haven
Morning lines form early outside this small Point Breeze bakery where the scent of butter-laden croissants wafts through the neighborhood. Opened by a former software engineer who trained in France, Five Points brings European baking precision to Pittsburgh with naturally leavened breads and laminated pastries that would make Parisian bakers proud.
Their almond croissants achieve the perfect balance of shatter-crisp exterior and tender, frangipane-filled interior. Weekend specials like kouign-amann; a caramelized Breton pastry disappear within hours of opening, teaching regulars to arrive early.
The bakery’s sourdough loaves develop complex flavors through long fermentation, resulting in bread with character and substance. Seasonal fruit galettes showcase Pennsylvania produce in rustic, open-faced tarts. Everything is made in small batches, ensuring quality over quantity; a philosophy that keeps customers returning.
3. Stock’s Bakery: Home of Philadelphia’s Famous Pound Cake
“Take a pound cake to the party” is practically a Philadelphia commandment, and Stock’s has been the go-to source since 1947. This no-frills Port Richmond institution doesn’t need fancy decorations or elaborate displays, their butter-rich pound cake speaks for itself.
The cake’s signature chocolate frosting, applied in thick, generous strokes, creates the perfect balance of dense, moist cake and sweet icing. Holidays mean special varieties, with Irish potato candy appearing for St. Patrick’s Day and festive designs for Christmas and Easter.
Cash-only and occasionally sporting a line out the door, Stock’s represents old Philadelphia at its finest. Longtime customers share stories of bringing these cakes to family gatherings for decades. The recipe hasn’t changed in generations; and locals wouldn’t have it any other way.
4. Oakmont Bakery: Award-Winning Treats in Pittsburgh’s Suburbs
The enormous selection at this suburban Pittsburgh bakery will leave first-time visitors wonderstruck. Opened in 1988, Oakmont has grown from a small storefront to a 19,000-square-foot baking wonderland that produces over 200 different items daily.
Their paczki; Polish donuts filled with fruit preserves and rolled in sugar create lines out the door during the pre-Lenten season. The bakery’s thumbprint cookies, available year-round, offer buttery perfection with just the right amount of fruit filling.
Oakmont’s wedding cakes have become a Pittsburgh tradition, with couples booking months in advance. Their bread selection rivals any European bakery, with crusty Italian loaves and soft dinner rolls that complement any meal. The bakery’s multiple national awards confirm what locals already know; this place is special.
5. Prantl’s Bakery: Creators of Pittsburgh’s Legendary Burnt Almond Torte
One dessert put Prantl’s on the national map; their Burnt Almond Torte, once declared “The Greatest Cake America Has Ever Made” by the Huffington Post. This Pittsburgh institution creates a vanilla cake filled with custard, covered in buttercream, and encrusted with sugared almonds that create an irresistible contrast of textures.
Founded in 1908, Prantl’s maintains its old-world German baking traditions while embracing modern favorites. Their signature torte ships nationwide, but nothing beats enjoying a fresh slice in their Shadyside or downtown location.
During holidays, their gingerbread cookies and stollen (fruit-studded Christmas bread) connect generations of Pittsburgh families. The bakery’s continued success stems from respecting tradition while staying relevant, a perfect recipe for lasting over a century in business.
6. Beiler’s Bakery: Amish Donut Heaven in Reading Terminal Market
Hand-rolled, fried, and glazed before your eyes; that’s the Beiler’s experience that draws crowds daily to Philadelphia’s historic Reading Terminal Market. The Amish-owned bakery creates donuts that redefine what fried dough can be, with flavors ranging from classic apple fritters to maple bacon and salted caramel.
Morning visitors get the freshest selection, watching as bakers in traditional dress work their magic. Beyond donuts, their sticky buns dripping with cinnamon-sugar glaze have earned a cult following among market regulars.
Family recipes and old-world techniques give these treats their distinctive quality. The apple dumplings, wrapped in flaky pastry and served warm, offer a taste of Lancaster County farm traditions right in downtown Philly.
7. Bird-in-Hand Bakeshop: Authentic Amish Country Baked Goods
The aroma of freshly baked shoofly pie greets visitors at this authentic Amish bakery in the heart of Lancaster County. Run by a local Amish family, the bakeshop creates treats using recipes passed down through generations, often featuring ingredients from neighboring farms.
Their whoopie pies; two soft chocolate cake discs sandwiching fluffy vanilla cream have achieved legendary status among Pennsylvania Dutch desserts. Seasonal offerings showcase the agricultural bounty of the region, with strawberry rhubarb pies in spring and pumpkin rolls in fall.
The bakery’s wood-fired breads emerge with perfect crusts from traditional ovens. Visitors can watch bakers in action through viewing windows, offering a glimpse into time-honored techniques. The attached market sells homemade jams and local honey that pair perfectly with their baked goods.
8. The Pennsylvania Bakery: Central PA’s Dessert Destination
Stepping into this Camp Hill institution feels like entering a sweet-scented wonderland where every childhood dessert fantasy comes true. Family-owned since 1986, The Pennsylvania Bakery has expanded from a small shop to a sprawling operation that serves the greater Harrisburg area with everything from everyday cookies to elaborate wedding cakes.
Their signature item might be the “Cowboy Cookie”; a hearty creation packed with oats, chocolate chips, nuts, and coconut that’s substantial enough to fuel an actual cattle drive. During strawberry season, their fresh strawberry pie showcases berries from nearby farms in a glorious, glazed arrangement.
The bakery’s themed sugar cookies mark every holiday with colorful, hand-decorated designs. Their dedication to scratch baking and quality ingredients has earned them devoted customers who drive from neighboring counties for special occasion cakes.
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