The best bakeries & sweet shops in Polk County

Don Froylan Creamery has been crafting authentic Mexican cheeses in Salem since 2003, so your taco nights will thank you. Swing by for fresh queso asadero, botanero with cilantro and jalapeño, Liliana’s string cheese, then seal the deal with a hot-off-the-griddle quesadilla and a scoop of ice cream.

From the Keizer newsletter, October 25, 2026

Candyland Cheesecakes turns out cheesecakes in playful, candy-inspired flavors like Snickers, Oreo, and Fruity Pebbles, with a weekly lineup that keeps things interesting. They also make macarons, so you can claim it’s “just a little treat” and accidentally curate dessert.

From the Salem newsletter, November 3, 2026

When the sugar craving hits, Don Bigote slings fresh, handcrafted churros, loaded crepes, and ice cream shakes from their food trucks, plus a surprisingly chill rooftop perch. Easy Keizer pick for dessert runs, evening sweet tooth missions, or casual hangs with something warm and crispy.

From the Keizer newsletter, October 11, 2026

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

To Go Paleo, LLC turns the paleo playbook into legit comfort bakes, with blender bread, bagels, gingerbread scones, a deep-dish Caveman Crust pizza crust, and vegan SunButter crunch bars in the mix. If you live in Salem and love baked goods with thoughtful ingredients, this is your new happy place.

From the Keizer newsletter, October 20, 2026

Pure Decadence Bakery is the local move when you want pastries that actually taste like a treat this week. Think flaky croissants, cookies you didn’t mean to finish, and custom cakes for any occasion, with gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free options that don’t feel like a compromise.

From the Salem newsletter, October 28, 2026

Friendly bakery with clean premises featuring Mexican cakes and sweet bread.

Candies & chocolates are sold by the piece or box at this old-school chain, in business since 1921.

Michelle Ashley Custom Cakes turns celebrations into something deliciously personal, with custom cakes, cupcakes, cake pops and more. For everyday sweet-tooth emergencies, the bakery also offers creative treats and pastries, including gluten-free, keto and vegan options.

From the Marion County newsletter, November 5, 2026

When you need a celebration-level dessert on a random Tuesday, Gerry Frank's Konditorei delivers towering cakes, cheesecakes, and tortes that make decision-making impossible. Swing by for lunch too, with quiche, soups, salads, sandwiches, and a glass of wine... a Salem staple since 1982.

From the Salem newsletter, October 15, 2026

Manna Bakery brings together sourdough hearth bagels, buttery croissants, and playful pastries like Nutella espresso pop-tarts and seasonal fruit danishes. It’s a lovely spot in Salem when you want your baked goods with a little more personality than the usual loaf-and-go.

From the Salem newsletter, November 11, 2026

K. and Japanese treats, alongside novelty gifts, puzzles, and retro handheld games. It’s a cheerful spot to satisfy a sweet tooth or find a small gift with a little more personality than another plain old box of chocolates.

From-scratch tarts, cupcakes, and custom cakes are the headline here, but Sewell Sweets also pours espresso and those fizzy Quencher drinks that somehow vanish too fast. Husband-and-wife run and award-winning in Downtown Salem, it’s the spot when you need dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

From the Salem newsletter, October 22, 2026

Whether you’re plotting a midweek morale boost or need a post-market pick-me-up, Dough Hook Bake Shop turns out creative donuts and flaky pastries that actually taste as good as they look, with vegan-friendly options too. Spot them at the Salem Farmers’ Market and bring home a brag-worthy box.

From the Salem newsletter, October 8, 2026