The best bakeries & sweet shops in Santa Barbara

“Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.”

“Crushcakes and Cafe is the go-to in Goleta when you want something made from scratch that actually tastes like someone cared. Pastries, quiches, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and a coffee and beverage bar with specialty drinks and juices... plus catering and party packages if your pickleball crew gets hungry.”

From the Goleta newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.”

“Lilac Pâtisserie nails the impossible, serving handcrafted cakes, pastries, breads, and everyday café favorites from a dedicated gluten-free kitchen without skimping on flavor or looks.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Lele Patisserie turns Santa Barbara love stories into edible art with couture wedding cakes and dessert tables crafted from Valrhona chocolate, Plugra butter, and locally sourced goodness.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, August 5, 2026

“When your afternoon slump hits, Mother Stearns Candy Co delivers nostalgia in bulk, from old-fashioned hard candies and gummy bears to 25 flavors of saltwater taffy, plus homemade fudge, truffles, cotton candy, and giftable taffy-filled boxes. Treat yourself this week.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Since 1976, The Andersen's Danish Bakery & Restaurant has been the local move for flaky pastries, handcrafted kringle, marzipan confections, and showpiece cakes, plus a full menu from breakfast through dinner.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Swing by Twenty-Four Blackbirds Chocolate for small-batch, single origin bars and truffles made in Santa Barbara, plus wine and chocolate pairings, bar-decorating classes, and guided factory tours that turn cocoa nerdiness into pure joy.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, August 15, 2026

“At Bree'Osh, everything starts with a living sourdough culture and heritage grains from France, with croissants laminated over three days and brioche shaped by hand each morning.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Bakery creating custom cakes, cookies, and cupcakes for weddings and other events.”

“Oat Bakery - Downtown leans Nordic with organic sourdoughs, gluten-free and flour-free loaves packed with seeds, plus warmly indulgent things like hygge buns, superseed cookies, and local-jam-topped bites. Everything’s baked fresh in the morning, seasonal, and genuinely nourishing...”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Room for Cake turns Santa Barbara love stories into custom wedding cakes that look gorgeous and taste like a real celebration. From tiered showstoppers to petite mini desserts for the after-party, everything is thoughtfully designed and crafted to match your vibe, so your big day ends on a perfect slice.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Whether you need a post-beach pick-me-up or a bribe for your coworkers, Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop nails the essentials: decadent hot fudge sundaes with fudge made fresh daily, plus the stash-worthy chocolate squares, bars, and baking supplies to keep your pantry dangerously well-stocked.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Rustic, organic loaves, handmade seasonal pastries, picnic fare, and lunch-worthy sandwiches and salads are the daily game at Helena Avenue Bakery, where everything’s made from scratch and ideal for a spontaneous picnic or desk lunch. If the Funk Zone is your backyard, this is your reliable bread and butter stop.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Menchaca Chocolates turns cocoa into an art project right here in Santa Barbara, with dairy free, organic, micro batch, single origin bars and hands-on Chocolate & Art Workshops. Bring a friend to Build-A-Bar, paint a box, then snag their spicy-sweet chocolate-dipped mangos for later.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.”

“Chocolate Maya is a charming corner shop with an assortment of truffles and chocolates that actually taste like their names, think port wine and fig. Perfect for a midweek pick-me-up or a last-minute gift that looks intentional, not panicked.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, September 20, 2026

“From buttery croissants and seasonal quiches to legit high tea and custom cakes, Alessia Patisserie & Cafe blends French technique with Central Coast ingredients. Perfect when you want a coffee and something flaky, or a sweet excuse to pretend it’s Paris for an hour.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Make Santa Barbara mornings run smoother this week with D'Angelo Bread, where European-style loaves, just-out-of-the-oven pastries, and strong Italian coffee handle breakfast like pros. Breakfast and lunch are made to order, and they’ve got you covered for office meetings or family spreads with easy group orders.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, August 23, 2026