The best bakeries & sweet shops in New Hanover County

From bespoke wedding and groom’s cakes to party showstoppers, dessert bars, and everyday pastries, One Belle Bakery turns your sugar cravings into art. Pop into the café for fresh treats this week, or book a low-stress design tasting to dream up something original that actually tastes as good as it looks.

From the Wilmington newsletter, August 4, 2026

Retailer offering a huge selection of candy & bottled sodas in innovative flavors.

Wilmington’s first-of-its-kind grown-up candy store, Sugar Buzzed mixes nostalgic sweets with cheeky, grown-up goodies and the TikTok trends your group chat won’t shut up about. Perfect for quirky gifts, team treats, or a just-because sugar run that makes weekday errands way more fun.

From the Leland newsletter, October 6, 2026

Cape Fear Rum Cake bakes small-batch rum cakes from scratch here, with three sizes and twelve flavors. Their Golden Vanilla Rum gets a secret glaze and stays tender in a vacuum-sealed pack for up to six months, plus there are gluten free options... perfect for gifts or treating yourself this week.

From the Wilmington newsletter, August 19, 2026

Sugar Crystals Baking Company nails the classics with craveable cakes, flaky pies, and a legit banana pudding situation that never overstays on the counter. Bookmark it for birthdays, office spreads, or those nights when “dinner” is just a slice of something sweet.

From the Wilmington newsletter, October 13, 2026

Imaginary Cakes crafts fully custom wedding tiers, birthday beauties, and mind-bending 3D sculptures from a Wilmington kitchen, hand-finished the morning of pickup so nothing’s ever frozen or rushed. Vegan and gluten-free options mean everyone gets in on the sweet moment.

From the Wilmington newsletter, October 9, 2026

m. slump hits, Burney’s Sweets & More is the move for their iconic fried croissant and a box of donuts with artisanal fillings. The Wilmington shop keeps that warm, friendly vibe that makes popping in feel like saying hi to neighbors.

From the Wilmington newsletter, October 20, 2026

Spoonfed Kitchen & Bake Shop keeps it wholesome and delightful with a bright, modern cafe near Wrightsville Beach serving fresh-baked treats, good coffee, and their legendary housemade granola full of salty-sweet crunchy clusters.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 14, 2026

Traditional store selling chocolates, confections & fudge, as well as original recipe ice cream.

East Coast Cheesecake Company is cranking out silky cheesecakes in flavors like Strawberry Lemonade, Key Lime, S'mores, Biscoff Cookie, and Pistachio that turn an ordinary Tuesday into an occasion.

From the Leland newsletter, October 1, 2026

Need a sweet win this week? Snack Time Sweets turns your ideas into edible art, from wedding-worthy tiers to playful specialty cakes with fondant and hand-sculpted details, plus a small dessert menu and classic cake flavors when you just want a few perfect bites.

From the Wilmington newsletter, August 11, 2026

Sweet D's Cuisine turns out airy, ridiculously good croissants alongside cakes, sweet treats, breakfast bowls and even hot lunches, all made with that consistent, tastes-amazing-every-time energy. Order online, then grab your goodies locally at the May Way gas station in Leland and make your coworkers weirdly grateful.

From the Leland newsletter, October 18, 2026

Traditional store selling chocolates, confections & fudge, as well as original recipe ice cream.

Little Loaf Bakery and Schoolhouse turns out country sourdough, homemade honey biscuits, and other from-scratch pastries, and they’ll teach you how to make them too with approachable classes from sourdough basics to pasta. Pre-order for busy weeks, or plan a custom cake for the next celebration.

From the Leland newsletter, October 27, 2026

When that post-dinner sweet tooth hits, Pie Slayer serves up new-classic slices, cookies, and hand pies with the kind of friendly vibe that turns a quick treat into a mini celebration. Swing by downtown Wilmington and claim a late-night victory over your cravings.

From the Wilmington newsletter, October 10, 2026

If you're craving something playful yet polished, Sinful Cupcakes nails it with signature gourmet flavors, seasonal spins, and even gluten-free or alcohol-infused options.

From the Wilmington newsletter, September 21, 2026

When the craving hits, The Peppered Cupcake delivers scratch-baked, gourmet cupcakes that play with sweet-and-savory in all the best ways, think true buttercream, fresh fruit, warm compotes, pepper jellies, caramel, ganache and toasted nuts. Make it a downtown Wilmington treat run this week...

From the Leland newsletter, August 15, 2026