The best bakeries & sweet shops in Finger Lakes

“Whether you're chasing a crusty loaf, a just-sweet-enough quick bread, or pastries that disappear on the ride home, Rise & Shine Bread keeps it simple with hand-mixed dough and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Order ahead when carb cravings strike… or grab a gift card for your future self.”

“Seneca Farms is that rare Penn Yan standby where over 50 homemade ice cream flavors and a rotating custard calendar meet life-changing fried chicken and corn fritters. When you need a low-key win, grab a cone, a Pig's Plate, and call it a good day.”

“Mr. Twistee's keeps it simple and delicious with creamy soft serve, lots of hard ice cream, sherbet and Italian ice, plus Dole Whips and Frostline if dairy isn’t your thing. Gluten free, lactose free and sugar free options galore, homemade waffle cones, and the new ice cream pies make dessert decisions tricky.”

“When you want big, friendly scoops without fuss, Scoops Ice Cream keeps Canandaigua happy with Perry’s hard-scooped flavors, creamy soft serve, and sundaes that actually deserve a nap afterward... especially the hot fudge brownie. Plus their truck brings the shop to your block.”

“Global chain of counters dispensing sweet & savory soft pretzels with a variety of toppings & dips.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Sweet & savory fillings from breakfast to dessert in cozy digs, with local beer & featured wineries.”

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

“Canadian chain for signature premium-blend coffee, plus light fare, pastries & breakfast sandwiches.”

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

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

“Canadian chain for signature premium-blend coffee, plus light fare, pastries & breakfast sandwiches.”

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

“When you need a dessert that actually matches the vibe of your event, Desirae's Creations is the local custom bake shop that delivers. Weddings or any milestone worth icing, they craft made-to-order treats with real creativity and attention to detail... the kind guests remember.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, September 5, 2026

“With friendly staff, generous portions, and all the classics from hot fudge to banana boats, The Fair Shake is the kind of laid-back spot locals grow up with. Bonus points for the on-site park with kiddie rides, so the little ones burn energy while you crush a cone.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 1, 2026

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

“National chain with dozens of flavor combinations of soft-serve frozen yogurt, plus sorbet.”

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

“When you just need a no-nonsense cone, sundae, or shake, Grand Central Creamery delivers the classics with that since 1959 charm locals know and love. Plenty of flavors, classic sundaes and shakes, and even gluten-free guidance make it a sweet standby for any weeknight craving.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, September 21, 2026

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

“Weird Walter's Handcrafted Ice Cream leans into locally sourced ingredients for flavors that taste like the countryside, not the factory.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 14, 2026

“When the week gets chaotic, Ithaca Bakery steps in with legit bagels, stacked sandwiches, and rotating soups like creamy tomato with basil or Italian wedding. Snag a pastry or a Grab 'n Go salad, or order ahead and let their catering rescue your next meeting.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Family-run and obsessively taste-tested, Finger Lakes Chocolates turns out truffles, playful novelty pieces, and classic bars that actually taste like chocolate. Build your own box for gifting or, you know, personal research, then keep an eye out at favorite local shops and wineries around the region.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Turquoise Sweets Mediterranean Cuisine is a family-run spot mixing comforting Mediterranean favorites like gyros and baklava with a serious sweet tooth, from classic ice cream to sweets. Grab dinner, then a scoop, then a few grocery goodies for midweek cravings.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Wide Awake Bakery turns local organic grains from Oechsner Farms and Farmer Ground Flour into crusty, wood-fired loaves, croissants, and even granola that tastes like someone read your carb-loving mind. Grab a loaf this week, support the grain chain, and enjoy bread that actually tastes like wheat.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Specc's Chocolates and Gifts turns Finger Lakes sweet tooths into believers with small-batch truffles, gooey caramel-nut turtles, and fresh fudge, all handmade in Watkins Glen with premium couverture chocolate.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Bakery chain known for warm cookies, ice cream & late-night deliveries.”

“When the snack window in your brain says "now," Mama Said Hand Pies-Press Bay Alley, a walk-up spot, delivers made-from-scratch hand pies with flaky, golden crusts, stuffed with comforting flavors from around the world.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, September 6, 2026

“When only real chocolate will do, Oracle Chocolates delivers rich, elegant truffles that make a weeknight taste like a celebration. Stash a few for post-dinner bites, surprise a coworker, or keep one in the freezer for emergency morale... Ithaca-approved indulgence without leaving the neighborhood.”

“Rashida Sawyer Bakery is the spot when only a serious dessert will do, with over 40 years of family recipes fueling legendary carrot cake and cheesecake with an unbelievable crust. Tiramisu is finally on the menu, gluten free Blackout Bars are legit, and you can order online for pickup, delivery, or Northeast shipping.”

From the Ithaca newsletter, September 9, 2026

“When your week needs real bread, Woodpepper is turning out organic, hearth-baked loaves and tangy sourdough from a cozy downtown nook, made by a friendly baker who remembers your favorite crust. The menu rolls day by day, and there’s even a Side Dish CSA to level up dinner.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Rochester’s own since 1917, Andy’s Candies turns everyday moments into little victories with time-tested chocolates and candy. Swing by this week to restock your secret stash or surprise a neighbor, because classic tastes hit different when they’re from here.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing fresh doughnuts, bagels with a proper chew, or just a no-fuss coffee, Kountry Krullers delivers small-town comfort in a box. Stop in this week for a quick morale boost, then call it “carb therapy” and move on with your day.”

From the Chemung County newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Casual cafe specializing in an array of sweets and pastries, plus fresh coffee and tea.”