Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Southern California, Carlsbad is a charming city known for its stunning beaches, sunny weather, and laid-back environment. However, one of the hidden gems that truly makes it special are the delectable bakeries in Carlsbad.
Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional French patisserie, trendy gluten-free bake shop, or a cozy family-owned café, bakeries in Carlsbad cater to every taste. Indulge your sweet tooth or satisfy your craving for fresh-baked bread with a diverse array of options in Carlsbad, CA.
As a Carlsbad local for over two decades, I have spent years tasting treats from the best Carlsbad bakeries. Since there is no way I can choose a favorite, these bakeries are listed (roughly) by location. Whether you’re a local or visitor, keep reading to find out the 15 best bakeries in Carlsbad, CA you need to try!
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1. Carlsbad French Pastry Cafe
The Carlsbad French Pastry Cafe is one of the first bakeries you find as you make your way into downtown Carlsbad. This small restaurant and cafe is owned and operated by French chef, Olivier Baudier. Open since 1998, this is a beloved French bakery for treats in Carlsbad Village.
At this bakery, you can select individual pastries, but beware: they all look irresistible behind the glass, making it challenging to choose just one! You can also order cakes in a variety of sizes including full sheet cakes down to quarter sheet size. Additionally, the menu includes muffins, tarts, crepes, cookies, bread, croissants and more.
On my last visit, we sampled an eclair and a slice of opera cake. One reason I adore their éclairs is the creamy filling—rich yet not overly sweet. The deep, dark chocolate flavored ganache on the opera cake is the perfect combination with it’s coffee syrup and almond sponge cake.
Address for the Carlsbad French Pastry Cafe:
- 1005 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite B Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours of Operation for the Carlsbad French Pastry Cafe:
Open daily from 7:00 am-5:00 pm
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2. Carlsbad Danish Bakery
Next, visit Carlsbad Danish Bakery. Open for over 40 years, this small, unassuming bakery in Carlsbad is the place to go for oven-fresh quiche, pastries or custom cakes.
Carlsbad Danish Bakery specializes in Danish pastries. Plus they offer cookies, muffins, cakes, coffee cake, viennoiseries, and French pastries!
The almond kringle here is flakey, buttery and sticky-sweet perfection. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t resist finishing every bite!
Address for the Carlsbad Danish Bakery:
- 2005 Roosevelt Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours of Operation for Carlsbad Danish Bakery:
- Tuesday-Friday 7:00 am- 3:00 pm
- Saturday 8:00 am- 3:00 pm
- Sunday 8:00 am- 1:00 pm
3. The Goods Donut Shop
Another bakery in Carlsbad Village is The Goods Donut Shop. This trendy spot for artisan donuts opened its doors in 2017. It’s owned and operated by the Barielle family, who also own one of my favorite places for breakfast in Carlsbad– Cafe Topes.
One of the best reasons to visit The Goods is for one of their monster sized cinnamon rolls! They are doughy and slathered with gooey cream cheese frosting. Seriously, they are ENORMOUS! Additionally, you will find an excellent assortment of artisan donuts. Try classic or innovative flavors, and vegan or gluten-free donuts. They also have delicious coffee and cookies!
One our last visit we stuffed ourselves into a glutinous stupor. First, we started with a classic tahitian vanilla glazed donut with sprinkles. Next, we tried a Vermont maple bacon donut with a salty-sweet combination of glaze and applewood smoked bacon crumbles. Of course, make sure to try a cinnamon roll before you leave. We had to take it to-go because we were in a sugar-induced coma!
Address for The Goods:
- 2965 State Street Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours of Operation for The Goods:
- CLOSED Monday
- Tuesday & Thursday-Sunday 7:00 am- 4:00 pm
- Wednesday 7:00 am-5:30 pm
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4. Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe
Journey inland from downtown Carlsbad to the Village Kitchen and Pie Shoppe. This retro family-owned American restaurant will make you feel like you are dining back in the 80’s.
Although The Village Pie Shoppe serves classic breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites, no visit is complete without sampling some of their famous pie. Choose from fruit pies, cream pies and seasonal pies. Our favorite is the chocolate peanut butter pie or fresh strawberry pie (when it’s in season).
Address for Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe:
- 950 Tamarack Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours of Operation for Village Pie Shoppe:
- Monday 8:00 am-2:00 pm
- Tuesday-Sunday 8:00 am-8:00 pm
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5. L’ atelier Paris
The coastal pastry shop L’atelier Paris is another excellent place to go for fresh baked goods in Carlsbad. In addition to their restaurant menu, L’atelier Paris serves classic French pastries such as macarons and tarts. Don’t miss their sensational quiche and crepes when you visit.
Address for L’atelier Paris:
- 7150 Avenida Encinas Ste 100 Carlsbad, CA 92011
Hours of Operation for L’atelier Paris:
- Open Daily 8:00 am-8:00 pm
6. Katefections
If you are searching for European-style custom cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, order from Katefections. This boutique Carlsbad bakery is owned and operated by Kate Webb, who turned her childhood passion for baking into a business four years ago.
No matter what you crave, Katefections has you covered with a variety of cake flavors such as lemon, biscotti, chocolate, and vanilla. Top that with creamy frosting options including chocolate meringue buttercream, swiss meringue buttercream, or vanilla bean buttercream. Katefections also makes adorable royal iced sugar cookies in every theme imaginable- just look at her Instagram or online gallery for endless ideas.
I recently had the chance to sample a jumbo vanilla cupcake and it was perfectly light and fluffy with a generous heap of lip-smacking buttercream frosting. If you need dessert for a birthday, baby shower, or graduation make sure to check out Katefections.
Address for Katefections:
- Online orders only
Seeking Stamps Tip: Want to know one of the best parts of ordering from Katefections- she delivers your order directly to you!
7. Crumbl Cookies in Carlsbad
Are you looking for a tempting Carlsbad bakery specializing in cookies? Then visit Crumbl Cookies! This sumptuous stop is close to the freeway, adjacent to the Carlsbad Flower Fields.
At Crumbl they have flavors including milk chocolate chip cookie and pink sugar cookie, plus rotating weekly favorites. Go online to find their current cookie menu. They come in packs of 4, 6, or 12 cookies.
The reason my kids beg for Crumbl Cookies is their thick, flavorful dough. We like to go in-store to watch the cookies baking, but you can also order online or get them delivered. Crumbl also caters if you need cookies for a large event or party.
Address for Crumbl Cookies Carlsbad:
- 961 Palomar Airport Rd Suite 108 Carlsbad, CA 92011
Hours of Operation for Crumbl:
- Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-10:00 pm
- Friday & Saturday 8:00 am-12:00 am
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8. Nothing Bundt Cakes
Right next door to Crumbl is Nothing Bundt Cakes. Their moist bundt cakes come in small bundtinis, medium bundtlets, and full sized bundt cakes. Bundtinis are our favorite size because you can serve them easily without the hassle of cutting and plating a large cake.
Choose from favorite flavors such as red velvet, lemon, chocolate chip, and more. One of their new flavors is Reese’s chocolate peanut butter and I can’t wait to try it!
Conveniently, Nothing Bundt Cakes offers delivery, in store pick-up or curbside pick-up.
Address for Nothing Bundt Cakes:
- 965 Palomar Airport Road Suite 102 Carlsbad, CA 92011
Hours of Operation for Nothing Bundt Cakes:
- Monday-Saturday 9:00 am-8:00 pm
- Sunday 10:00 am-6:00 pm
9. Prager Brothers Artisan Bread
If you want the freshest bread in Carlsbad, then Prager Brothers Artisan Bread shop should be your next stop. Carlsbad natives, Clinton and Louie Prager, are brothers with a passion for baking. Their bakery and bread shop uses organic ingredients and their products are mostly done by hand.
At Prager Brothers, their bread is what doughy-daydreams are made of. From sourdough to sesame, pretzels to pizza crust-Prager Brothers has you covered. In addition to fresh baked bread, they also serve almond croissants, bagels, sandwiches, scones, cookies and cakes.
For our last order we tried the turkey with chimichurri and caprese. Ahh- the perfectly baked bread on these sandwiches truly sets Prager Brothers apart from anywhere else! Of course, I had to add on a chocolate croissant and chocolate chip walnut cookies for good measure! Yum!
Address for Prager Brothers Carlsbad:
- 5611 Palmer Way Suite C Carlsbad, CA 92010
Hours of Operation for Prager Brothers:
- Saturday- Wednesday 7:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday & Friday 7:30 am-5:30 pm
Seeking Stamps Tip: Prager Brothers offers convenient online orders, but they fill up fast. Plan to order a few days in advance. To pick up your order, simply wait in line and show your receipt at their Carlsbad location.
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10. Taste & Sea Cakery
At Taste & Sea Cakery, Pastry Chef Brittany Austin whips up everything from elegant custom wedding cakes to crispy hand-made cookies. This European inspired Carlsbad bakery is a delightful family-owned and operated business.
Address for Taste & Sea Cakery:
- 5661 Palmer Way Ste B Carlsbad, CA 92010
Hours of Operation for Taste & Sea Cakery:
- Open daily from 9:00 am- 4:00 pm
Seeking Stamps Tip: Check out some of Chef Austin’s cookie and dessert recipes on the website to create your own treats at home!
11. Plantiful Kitchen
Next, try Plantiful Kitchen which is a vegan bakery in Carlsbad. German-born owner Barbara Zeiss serves a variety of plant-based baked goods that are gluten free, non-GMO, and do not contain dairy, soy, refined sugars, or seed oils.
Shop online for nationwide delivery of breads, bagels, cookies, and more. Additionally, locals can stop by their quaint Carlsbad location for cakes, truffles, cupcakes, donuts, and varieties of cheesecake in a jar.
Address for Plantiful Kitchen:
- 5661 Palmer Way Suite G Carlsbad, CA 92010
Hours of Operation for Plantiful Kitchen:
- CLOSED Sunday-Wednesday
- Thursday & Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm
- Saturday 10:00 am- 3:30 pm
12. SusieCakes Carlsbad
No place is cuter than SusieCakes bakery in Carlsbad. This all-American bakery has a retro 50’s style decor. It opened its door in 2006 and now has 25 locations across California, Texas, and Nashville. Additionally, SusieCakes ships nationwide!
SusieCakes specializes in cakes, cookies and cupcakes. Choose from vanilla, red velvet, old-fashioned chocolate, carrot cake, marble, lemon or coconut. Whether you need a wedding cake, or something special for a birthday, baby shower or holiday- you can find it at SusieCakes. Did you know they have 6 inch cakes ready for purchase in the store? Keep that in mind the next time you forget to pre-order dessert!
On my last visit to SusieCakes, we ordered chocolate cupcakes with vanilla and chocolate frosting, plus a giant chocolate chip cookie. Our cupcakes were very light and moist, with rich frosting. If you like sweet buttercream frosting, this is the place for you. Their cookies are buttery with the perfect balance of crispy edges, soft cookie center, and huge melty chocolate chips. I seriously couldn’t stop eating it!
Address for SusieCakes:
- 7610 Via Campanile 7610 Via Campanile Suite 144 Carlsbad, CA 92009
Hours of Operation for SusieCakes in Carlsbad:
- Daily 10:00 am-7:00 pm
13. Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery
If you are looking for Italian hospitality, visit Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery. This hidden gem serves authentic coffee, sandwiches, gelato and pastries made with organic and non-GMO ingredients straight from Naples, Italy. It’s apparent that the owners put love into their creations at this family-owned and operated Carlsbad bakery.
This was my first visit to Dolce Aroma Bakery. As I waited to place my order, I stared wide-eyed at the pastries behind the glass. I ordered three items recommended by a friendly staff member. The Millefoglie, which I was unfamiliar with, tasted fantastic. It’s a pastry made with crispy puff pastry layered with sweet, creamy vanilla filling. Although it is a large portion size, you do pay a premium for those imported ingredients.
Address for Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery:
- 3451 Via Montebello Suite 182 Carlsbad, CA 92009
Hours of Operation for Dolce Aroma Bakery:
- CLOSED Monday
- Tuesday-Sunday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
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14. Bon Pastry
For fresh baked goods delivered to Carlsbad, order from Bon Pastry. This family-owned and operated online bakery has a commercial kitchen located in Vista. Whether you crave desserts for yourself, or need catering for large corporate events Bon Pastry French patisserie is an excellent choice.
Bon Pastry offers same or next day local delivery for a flat rate of $7 for baked to order deliveries to Carlsbad, San Marcos and Encinitas. For an additional cost, you can have Bon Pastry delivered throughout the greater San Diego area.
Bon Pastry has a wide selection of heavenly baked goods to tempt you with. Choose from cakes including chocolate ganache, chocolate strawberry cake, chocolate almond cheesecake, champagne strawberry cake and 8 other delectable cakes. In addition, you can order macarons, sable cookies, Napoleons and tarts.
Address for Bon Pastry:
- Online orders only
15. The Crimson Cake
If you need a custom cake, I highly recommend The Crimson Cake Bakery. Pastry chef Alicia Phoenix has been whipping up fantastic cakes since 2010. Although this bakery is just north of Carlsbad, I had to include it in this list because their cakes are incredible!
Choose from round, square or sheet cakes in a huge array of sizes. they also make cupcakes, pastries, and adorable custom cookies.
The process to order your cake design is easy with their incredible online galleries, but they are more than happy to work with you for a one of a kind creation. Make sure to book far in advance, because they do run out of availability.
Not only are their creations works of art, but they taste glorious. This is my go-to bakery for special occasions, and I have ordered cakes for milestone birthdays for over a decade.
Address for The Crimson Cake:
- 3800 Oceanic Dr Suite 118 Oceanside, CA 92056
Hours of Operation for The Crimson Cake:
- Monday & Tuesday 10:00 am- 2:00 pm
- Wednesday-Friday 9:00 am- 3:30 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am – 2:00 pm (or later)
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Carlsbad Bakeries: FAQ’s
1. Where Is the Best Place for Cupcakes in Carlsbad?
There are numerous bakeries in Carlsbad where you can buy delicious cupcakes. If you have an immediate cupcake craving, visit Susiecakes, Carlsbad Danish Bakery, or Taste and Sea Cakery. For custom cupcakes order from Taste & Sea, The Crimson Cake, or Katefections.
2. Are There Vegan Bakeries in Carlsbad?
The best Carlsbad bakeries offering vegan desserts are The Goods in Carlsbad Village and Plantiful Kitchen. The Goods has at least one vegan donut available daily in-store. Plantiful Kitchen, in inland Carlsbad, is 100% vegan and offers baked goods sold through their store and online.
3. Where Is the Best Place to Buy Cookies in Carlsbad?
The best place to buy cookies is Crumbl, Carlsbad Danish Bakery, and the French Pastry Cafe. The Goods, Taste & Sea, Plantiful Kitchen, Crimson Cake and L’atelier Paris also have a small selection in-store. For custom cookies try Katefections, Taste & Sea Cakery, Bon Pastry and The Crimson Cake.
4. Are There Gluten-Free Bakeries in Carlsbad?
If you are looking for gluten-free bakeries in Carlsbad, there are several options. Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery, The Goods, Carlsbad Danish Bakery, Taste and Sea Cakery, Prager Brothers, and Plantiful Kitchen are Carlsbad bakeries that serve a variety of gluten-free baked goods.
5. Where Is the Best Place to Get a Custom Cake in Carlsbad?
If you are looking for custom cakes in Carlsbad for weddings, birthdays, or celebrations place orders with Carlsbad Danish Bakery, Taste & Sea Cakery, Katefections, Susiecakes, or The Crimson Cake for delicious and creative options.
6. What Are the Best French Bakeries in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad boasts several indulgent French bakeries including Carlsbad French Pastry Cafe, Bon Pastry, and L’atelier Paris. They serve decadent french pastries and desserts.
7. Where Can I Get a Last-Minute Cake in Carlsbad?
For same-day cakes, visit Nothing Bundt Cakes, SusieCakes, or The Crimson Cake for wholesome options.
Bakeries in Carlsbad: Final Thoughts
I hope this blog post helped uncover the best bakeries in Carlsbad, California! Visit these top bakeries for artisanal pastries, freshly baked bread, custom cakes and delightful sweets. From cozy cafes to trendy gems, these bakeries offer a taste of local flavors and warm customer service. Whether you’re a local or visiting, these bakeries are a must-try for any foodie!
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