The best bakeries & sweet shops in Ulster County

Hudson Valley Dessert Company is the place for from-scratch celebration cakes that actually taste like cake, custom iced cookies your kid’s class will remember, crisp biscotti built for dunking, and surprisingly addictive granola. When the birthday, bake sale, or Tuesday craving hits, this is the local move.

From the Saugerties newsletter, October 10, 2026

Alleyway Ice Cream keeps Saugerties happily indecisive with a Flavors lineup worth stalking and pints you can grab in stores. com even crowned it the best ice cream in New York State, which tracks if your freezer mysteriously empties faster after a visit.

From the Saugerties newsletter, October 5, 2026

When only real-deal chocolate will do, Krause's Chocolates has four generations of know-how, hand-dipped since 1929, and over 50 varieties of truffles, caramels, peanut brittle, nut clusters, and more. Build a custom box for gifts or pantry emergencies, and see why they’re Hudson Valley’s Best for over 15 years.

From the Saugerties newsletter, October 27, 2026

Entirely gluten-free and dairy-free, For the Love of Cupcakes keeps Saugerties sweet with a rotating weekend menu of cupcakes and desserts that hit the nostalgia button without the allergens. Miss something since going GF or DF, baker Melody Brooks welcomes special orders and new flavor ideas.

From the Saugerties newsletter, October 21, 2026

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

Kingston Candy Bar pairs classic treats like blueberry cake donuts with vegan options, plus an old-school candy selection for when one sweet just isn’t going to cut it. A cheerful stop for locals who like their sugar with a side of nostalgia.

Daisy's Ice Cream is one of those easy, no-drama spots to grab a cone when the Hudson Valley humidity hits, or when you just finished mowing and deserve something cold. Neighborly vibe, solid flavors that keep weeknights feeling like small celebrations.

From the Wawarsing newsletter, September 22, 2026

Longtime venue preparing breads, cookies & custom cakes along with daily breakfast & lunch specials.

Wright's Farm nails the local trifecta of fresh-baked pies, still-warm cider donuts, and shelves of house-made jams, with fall pick-your-own apples when the trees are loaded. After you stock up, wander to their on-site Gardiner Brewing Company for a pint with Shawangunk views.

From the Wawarsing newsletter, October 13, 2026

Brooklyn Sour is the kind of sourdough bakery that turns a simple coffee run into an excuse to linger, with sourdough loaves, fresh baked goods, specialty drinks, and the whole cozy community vibe that makes catching up with a friend feel like the main course.

From the Wawarsing newsletter, October 22, 2026

When you want something truly made by hand, Hudson Valley Chocolates turns out bespoke assortments, buttery caramels and other custom sweets with no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors, all from French-American chocolatier Stephanie Glaisek-Moisson.

From the Montgomery newsletter, October 9, 2026

Maxine's Catering & Bittersweet Bakers turns your wildest cake or dessert idea into the real thing, working with you to nail the details from flavors to design, and they've been sweetening Hudson Valley celebrations for 25+ years. Birthday, wedding, Tuesday craving... they make it taste like a big deal.

From the Catskills newsletter, August 28, 2026

Little Loaf Bakeshop is baking with pride in the Hudson Valley, turning out the kind of treats that make weekday errands feel like a win. This week, pop down to New Paltz for their in-store menu or order online, and keep them in mind for catering and custom orders.

From the Catskills newsletter, August 19, 2026

When you're craving a no-fuss treat, Barthel's Creamery hits the spot with homemade ice cream in a bunch of flavors and milkshakes that taste like summer. Perfect quick stop between errands and trail time, because Catskills life deserves a scoop.

From the Catskills newsletter, August 30, 2026