The best bakeries & sweet shops in Schenectady

“Decadent, from-scratch baked goods ranging from cookies and brownies to cider donuts and cookie cups.”

“Whether you’re after a sweet treat, a quick pick me up, or something satisfying before heading home, Sabor Borincano Restaurant and Bakery has you covered with baked goods and hearty bites. Friendly, consistent, easy to order online... a low-key go-to for everyday cravings.”

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Standby ice cream shop doling out soft serve, hard ice cream, sherbets, and Italian ices, plus cakes.”

“Scotia Sweets is a drive-thru bakeshop locals will actually use, with a case full of classics and playful one-offs, cozy indoor seats if you linger, and sips like cold brew lattes, Shirley Temples with house-made cold foam, and that refreshing Prickly Lemonade.”

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 14, 2026

“If your crew wants cones and something to do, The Grandstand nails it with playful soft-serve flavors, fast-food favorites, and specialty ice cream cakes. Kids can burn off the sugar on the playground, rides, and batting cages, while you savor a cone and enjoy the delightful chaos.”

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 7, 2026

“Since 1965, Villa Italia Bakery has been a Schenectady staple for true Italian pastries, famous cookie trays, and custom cakes. The coffee cakes bring the nostalgia in cinnamon, lemon, blueberry, or coconut crunch, and the all natural vanilla ice cream is made with just five real ingredients.”

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 5, 2026

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

“Convenience store chain serving its own ice cream, coffee & soda, plus snacks & groceries.”

“Whether you’re plotting a birthday ambush or just want something that feels too fancy for a Tuesday, Dough'D Bakery makes custom cookie cakes and cupcakes that turn any moment into a mini celebration. Hit them up this week with your best idea, then claim the credit when everyone swoons.”

From the Schenectady newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Perreca's Bakery has been a family-run staple for over a century, turning out that famous Italian bread alongside cookies, pizzas, pies, and cupcakes, plus shelves of imported Italian goodies. When dinner feels meh, tear into a warm loaf and suddenly the week looks brighter.”

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Whisky Business Bakery turns out authentic French macarons with rotating flavors that actually surprise, plus fresh-to-order buttercream cakes when you’ve got something to celebrate.”

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Convenience store chain serving its own ice cream, coffee & soda, plus snacks & groceries.”

“This week, treat yourself at Stella’s Creamery & Cakes to premium custard that’s actually custardy, with a weekly flavor and more than 50 custom options in medium for when indecision is your love language.”

From the Schenectady newsletter, September 20, 2026

“When the midweek slump hits, Oh Sugar Bakery is the kind of neighborhood spot you text a friend about, turning fresh-baked goodness into instant mood repair. Keep it in your rotation for birthdays you forgot, office bribes, or a treat-yourself Tuesday that needs a little sparkle.”

From the Albany newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Control Tower scoops hard and soft-serve from a 60+ flavor lineup, then lets you work off the sugar with go-karts, mini-golf, and batting cages. Expect playful one-off sundaes and new flavors popping up all season. Perfect midweek reset for locals who like their ice cream with a little adrenaline.”

From the Hudson Valley newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Family-owned chocolate store and candy shop featuring ribbon and other hand-crafted treats (gluten-free options available).”

“Bittersweet Candy turns out handmade, small-batch chocolates with playful collections like bark, fun on a stick, and seasonal themes that swing from "spice spice baby" to "spooky kooky". Skip the same-old sweets this week, bring home something a little different and seriously delicious.”

From the Schenectady newsletter, August 30, 2026