The best bakeries & sweet shops in Dakota County

“Italian ices & frozen custards star at this counter-serve chain with a range of other cold treats.”

“Counter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.”

“Ice cream parlor chain known for its many ice cream flavors & sundaes, plus cakes, drinks & other treats.”

“Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.”

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

“Authentic European desserts handcrafted in Minnesota, Sweet 9 Desserts turns Pinterest dreams into edible reality with custom cakes, flaky Napoleon, honey cake, eclairs, and even gluten free treats. Order online, get local delivery, then pretend you baked it yourself this week.”

From the Chanhassen newsletter, August 8, 2026

“When your brunch mood wants something playful, Bonjour Crepes does made to order sweet and savory crepes with that fresh, modern twist, from fruit and chocolate to hearty, flavor packed combos. It’s quick bite friendly, dessert worthy, and just fancy enough to feel like a treat on a Tuesday.”

From the South Minneapolis newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Rachel Bakes Cakes turns your ideas into custom decorated cakes that look incredible and taste like someone actually cares. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, team parties, or random Tuesdays when you deserve frosting, so keep it Lakeville-local this week and treat the crew to something made just for you.”

From the Lakeville newsletter, September 23, 2026

“Need a dessert win this week? Malabar Bakehouse, run by cookbook author and Le Cordon Bleu grad Ria Mathew, turns out handcrafted cakes and goodies made with serious care, perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or that weekday sweet tooth you pretend you don’t have.”

From the South Minneapolis newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Valley Sweets-Apple Valley is the local plug for premium chocolates, authentic Turkish delights, fresh baklava and dates, and halal gummies that somehow disappear on the drive home. Gift boxes, truffles, and chocolate-covered nuts make it dangerously easy to turn any random Tuesday into a mini celebration.”

From the Lakeville newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Since 1909, Abdallah Candies Factory & Shop has been turning Minnesota-made caramels, truffles, and those iconic Pecan Alligators into pure mood-lifters. Build a Pick N Pack, snag a classic assortment, or explore Retreats... a quick detour that makes any weekday feel like a small celebration.”

From the South Minneapolis newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Ajeen Bakery is turning out fresh-baked mana’eesh, Middle Eastern flatbreads with that perfect chew, and the za’atar version is a must. Grab one on your way home and call it dinner, or split a couple for a low-lift hang that tastes like a warm hug.”

From the Lakeville newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Sweet Treasures is your go-to this week for custom cakes, artsy cupcakes, French macarons and gluten free treats, plus handcrafted coffee to sip while you pick. They bake and deliver across the south metro and Minneapolis, with styles from floral to drip to novelty that make weekday wins feel party-level.”

From the South Minneapolis newsletter, August 18, 2026

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

“Droolin' Moose has a sweet spread that swings from silky milk and bold dark to chewy gummies and playful novelties, plus seasonal Summer Cup flavors in full color cups. Perfect for a quick treat run or gifting stash replenishment this week, because self-control is overrated.”

From the Lakeville newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Spider Monkey's Bake Shoppe turns celebrations and random Tuesdays into wins with hand-decorated sugar cookies, beginner-friendly cookie decorating classes, and classic drop cookies. Keep an eye out for their farmers market pop-ups or preorder a box this week, then call it self-care.”

From the Lakeville newsletter, August 24, 2026

“DC Donuts Dream Cafe in Eagan is rolling out fresh, daily-made donuts and breakfast sandwiches. Perfect for a quick bite between errands this week or a sugar boost before a lake lap, these dreamy rings and hearty sammies make a low-key weekday feel like a mini win.”

From the South Minneapolis newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Uniquely Me Bakery is all about custom cakes, cookies, cupcakes, plus bars and brownies that are completely peanut and tree-nut free, so everyone at your table can dig in. Need a birthday lineup or school-safe sweets this week? Micah turns your idea into dessert that actually looks and tastes like the picture.”

From the Lakeville newsletter, September 29, 2026

“Holy Sins Royal Bakehouse turns milestones and random Tuesdays into events with refined signature cakes, petit cakes for gifting, and custom or wedding designs that lean classic over trendy. Venezuelan chef Hilda Vera Terhark bakes with vintage-soul flair, so your dessert table looks polished and tastes unforgettable.”

From the Lakeville newsletter, October 9, 2026

“Neighbors in Cottage Grove know Hometown Sweets for hand-dipped ice cream, rich caramels, and bulk candy that lets you build your perfect mix. A simple, local fix for dessert runs, last-minute treats, and those nights when the freezer looks suspiciously salad-heavy.”

From the Cottage Grove newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Lakeville favorite Cream of the Cakes makes birthdays, weddings, and random Tuesdays taste like a win with custom cakes, gourmet cupcakes, and confections like pies, whoopie pies, cake truffles, bars, and cookies. Locally loved and seen on Twin Cities Live, their flavors deliver serious joy per bite.”

From the Lakeville newsletter, October 1, 2026