The best bakeries & sweet shops in Salem

“Sugar Baking Co. turns out Italian American classics, custom cakes, and a legit vegan Planted Donuts lineup. But the headliner is Boston’s Original Famous Bramble, a layered, swirled beauty they’ve handcrafted for decades, best paired with Fazenda Coffee while you debate cupcake flavors you absolutely will not share.”

“Greenhills Irish Bakery keeps things classic with traditional Irish breads and scones, hand-made cookies, and fresh baked pies, plus soups and sandwiches when you need lunch that isn't a desk salad. Solid pick for custom wedding cakes too, if your next celebration calls for actual frosting skill.”

From the Newton newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Long-running chain serving signature breakfast items & a variety of coffee drinks.”

“Bakery known for its 3-leches cake, offering custom cakes and pastries.”

“Skip the same-old cookies and find The Whoo(pie) Wagon for wildly good whoopie pies in flavors like Chocolate Cinnamon Swirl, FAIR-fetti, and seasonal spins. They pop up around town and cater weddings too, and those BONS wins suggest you’ll be bragging about dessert.”

From the Beverly newsletter, September 10, 2026

“When your celebration needs a centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks, check out Flour(ish) Bake Shoppe this week for homemade cupcakes, cookies, and one-of-a-kind custom cakes. Owner Taryn Manzi brings an art degree and over 10 years of creative cake design to every order, including wedding tastings.”

From the Beverly newsletter, September 29, 2026

“W. Hobbs, Inc. has been turning out fresh popcorn confections at Historic Salem Willows using century-old family recipes and custom vintage equipment.”

From the Salem newsletter, September 26, 2026

“The Cookie Monstah keeps the North Shore happily sugared with a lineup of classic and creative cookies, perfect for that late-night TV snack or a quick pick-me-up after errands. If you live nearby, it’s the kind of sweet stop you’ll start building excuses to visit.”

From the Lynn newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Shaw's Bakery in Salem offers customizable cakes with designs to match your style, plus cupcakes, cookies, fresh-baked bread, donuts, and more.”

From the Lynn newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.”

“Sweet as Sprinkles is a Peabody-area bakery with an easy online shop, plus event and corporate options when you need treats for the office or the weekend. Order for shipping or quick pickup and keep dessert handled before your calendar gets chaotic.”

From the Peabody newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Coffee Time Bake Shop is the spot when you want apple cider donuts that actually taste like fall, plus legit pumpkin cheesecake, homemade key lime pie, and fresh-squeezed lemonade or lime rickeys. Solid sandwiches, custom cakes, and seasonal treats keep Salem mornings... and afternoons...”

From the Salem newsletter, September 29, 2026

“Need an Italian-American pick-me-up?”

From the Peabody newsletter, September 24, 2026

“Since 1946, Treadwell's Ice Cream keeps Peabody smiling with signature-size scoops, from Coffee Oreo and Grapenut to sundaes and old-school floats. Feeling ambitious? Rally a friend for the Kitchen Sink, a 12-scoop spectacle with toppings that turns any random Tuesday into a neighborhood event.”

From the Peabody newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Whether you’re craving a flaky morning pastry, a perfect loaf, or a double-crust apple pie, Flour Bakery + Cafe keeps Boston running on butter and good vibes. This week, swing by for the Boston Common Summer Series pairing crisp Trillium beer with Sicilian-style pizza or a breezy lobster roll.”

From the Fitchburg newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Casual ice-cream retailer for homemade flavors like gingerbread, coconut-almond-chip and chocolate chip cookie dough.”

“Old-school ice cream shop with a long list of flavors and toppings including warm cookie dough.”

“A & J King Artisan Bakers mills whole grains in-house, then turns them into daily loaves like North Shore Sourdough and roasted garlic sourdough, plus legit breakfast and lunch sandwiches, espresso drinks, and seasonal pastries featuring local partners like Brooksby Farm. Perfect for grab-and-go or a cozy cafe pause.”

From the Salem newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Gondres Bakery nails the classics: pillowy pan de agua, flaky pastelito and empanadas, plus rich tres leches and the airy, party-starting bizcocho dominicano. Swing by for a morning coffee, linger in the warm vibes, or pick up a special cake that tastes like home.”

From the Leominster newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Goodnight Fatty nails the warm-cookie craving with fresh bakes served hot in a funky spot stocked with board games and outdoor benches. It’s the kind of low-stakes hang where you linger, swap neighborhood gossip, and let your inner kid unapologetically pick chocolate chips for dinner.”

From the Salem newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Caramel French Patisserie nails the sweet spot between everyday treat and special-occasion showstopper.”

From the Salem newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Camilla's Cafe & Breakfast is your weekday cheat code for real breakfast that actually wakes you up, from savory empanadas to plates that mean business, plus smoothies and drinks that bring the flavor. Treat yourself this week to dessert after breakfast, because balance is important.”

From the Salem newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Bonny Breads is turning locally milled grains into serious sourdoughs and in-house laminated croissants, plus they pour coffee from Little Wolf and Methodical to seal the deal. Swing by this week for a loaf that actually lasts past dinner and a treat that disappears in the car.”

From the Beverly newsletter, September 17, 2026

“When you're craving something better than generic candy, Harbor Sweets nails it with their iconic Sweet Sloops, buttery buttercrunch, and seasonal assortments with nautical flair. Great for quick self-care or last-minute gifting, plus plenty of dark and gluten free options that actually taste like dessert.”

From the Salem newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Whimsy's Sweet Life nails that Salem pick-me-up vibe with local ice cream, fine chocolates, and a trove of artisan-crafted self-care, jewelry, and magical gifts that make errands feel like a tiny celebration. It’s the spot for when your sweet tooth and inner witch both want attention.”

From the Salem newsletter, September 20, 2026

“When the sweet tooth hits, Modern Pastry Shop answers with proper Italian classics: cannoli, tiramisu cake soaked with espresso, plus that cheeky Boston Cream Cake riffing on the hometown icon. Grab a box of biscotti, macarons, and torrone for the week... future you will be grateful.”

From the Boston newsletter, August 4, 2026

“When a midweek slump or kid bribe calls, Little Miss Cupcape delivers with from-scratch cupcakes and mini cupcakes, plus cookies for the non-cupcake people. Build a mini assortment so everyone can sample different flavors, then take the credit for being the hero of snack time.”

From the Newton newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Petrova Chocolates hand-makes sleek bonbons in Boston with direct trade cacao from Ecuador, pulling flavors from fine dining and travels, plus local ingredients. Swing by when you want a gift-ready box, sea salt caramels, or a workshop tasting... and maybe leave with a bottle from their natural wines lineup.”

From the Boston newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Curly Girl Candy Shop nails that perfect mix of nostalgic favorites and new finds, from bulk options and lollipops to chocolate bars, nostalgic candy, novelty sweets and giftable goodies.”

From the Salem newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Flour Bakery + Cafe turns Boston’s collective sweet tooth into happiness, with spot-on breads, cookies, celebratory cakes, and even a Dinner + Provisions Club so you can bring a full menu home. They cater, too, and the Flour app lets you skip the line like a pro.”

From the Boston newsletter, September 23, 2026

“When the sweet tooth strikes, Bova's Bakery delivers the heavy hitters... crisp Florentine cannoli, silky tiramisu, fresh warm Italian bread, and even Sicilian-style pizza from a family recipe passed down for generations. Old-school flavor, zero fuss, exactly what you want this week.”

From the Revere newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Outpost of an Italian bakery famous for its pastries like cannoli & lobster tails since 1946.”

“Ye Olde Pepper Companie is America’s oldest candy company, still hand-making Blackjacks and the original Gibraltors, the first commercially sold candies in America, in lemon or peppermint. When the midweek sweet tooth hits, their old-fashioned goodies, plus fudge and taffy, scratch that nostalgic itch in the best way.”

From the Peabody newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Lil Sweet Treat nails the candy craving with curated Signature Mixes, a build your own bag Pick + Mix, and gift boxes that actually feel personal.”

From the Boston newsletter, September 28, 2026

“Madeleine's Candy Shop brings pick-and-mix glory with global and domestic treats, legit Swedish BUBS in pre-made Swedish Madbags, and even low-glycemic and gluten-friendly options. Scoop your mix or snag a grab-and-go bag, then finish with soft serve for a candy run that somehow counts as self-care.”

From the Plymouth newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Oakleaf Cakes Bake Shop turns wild ideas into gorgeous custom cakes, then teaches you how to decorate your own in classes for every skill level. Swing by the café for pastries, cookies, and muffins with a solid coffee companion... perfect fuel while you plan your next showstopper.”

From the Boston newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Free samples of handmade chocolates are available at this chocolate artisan with an array of flavors.”

“Boston's oldest chocolatier, Phillips Chocolates has been handcrafting small-batch sweets since 1925 using original recipes and premium ingredients. Build your own box, go for the signature turtles or Royal Hash, and stash a few Boston souvenir treats for when you need a last-minute gift... or a late-night fix.”

“Pic & Mix LLC is the refined, well-traveled version of the candy shop you grew up with, curating better-for-you sweets from around the world. Build your own Classic or Chocolate Pick N Mix, or snag a prepackaged Quick Pic for instant morale boosts between meetings and errands.”

From the Boston newsletter, August 19, 2026

“A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates turns cocoa into little moments of victory, with handmade assortments, signature chocolate mice and penguins, and a cafe pouring rich hot chocolate alongside elegant pastries. Ideal for gifting, rewarding yourself, or rescuing a Tuesday afternoon.”

From the Leominster newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Bakery known for freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, including gluten-free versions.”

“Because some weeks call for flaky victories, Flour Bakery + Cafe delivers buttery croissants, the iconic sticky sticky bun, and celebration cakes that taste as good as they look. Want dinner handled too? Their Dinner + Provisions Club sends a monthly meal box from their kitchen to yours.”

From the Leominster newsletter, August 25, 2026