The best bakeries & sweet shops in Salem

“Laid-back eatery for rich ice cream featuring unique flavors, as well as waffles.”

“Handmade ice-cream comes in many unique flavors at this strip-mall parlor with sidewalk tables.”

“Fat Cupcake dreams up freshly unique cupcakes and custom cakes, from classics to playful creations like The Charlie, a chocolate peanut butter showstopper, all baked with heart for the community.”

“Sarah Bellum's Bakery & Workshop is a non-profit cupcake shop changing lives one cupcake at a time, providing work and community for adults with acquired brain injury. Always peanut-free and Certified Kosher-Dairy, their bakes let you bring treats to the next meetup while backing a mission Portland can be proud of.”

From the Portland newsletter, August 5, 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, August 5, 2026

“Sweetpea Baking Co. keeps mornings and snack breaks interesting with 100% vegan pastries and cakes, plus legit breakfast, soups, sandwiches, and bagels. Settle into the spacious cafe, grab something flaky and uplifting, then tell your group chat you found the plant-based move this week.”

“This long-running cake specialist with vegan & gluten-free options is known for its quirky vibe.”

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

“Compact spot for sweet and savory pastries such as croissants and quiches, along with coffee.”

“Snug, cheery bakeshop offering colorful macarons, elegant custom cakes & a variety of pastries.”

“Cupcake bakery shop also serving other desserts, plus vegan options, cookies and candies.”

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

“Bakery offering cakes, cupcakes, and other treats, plus decorating classes.”

“Bakery/cafe known for a big menu of decadent cakes & also serving salads, soups, sandwiches & wine.”

“Small shop specializing in house-made and imported chocolates, as well as coffee drinks.”

“Enduring candy factory & store with a chocolate waterfall & boxes of confectionery seconds.”

“Posh boutique featuring handcrafted treats from Lebanon in milk, dark & white chocolate, plus gifts.”

“Macarons & other French delicacies are served at a bakery sharing space with a lively tapas bar.”

“Artisanal chocolate shop & factory known for its tour where visitors can design their own bars.”

“Quaint shop serving desserts like tarts and cupcakes, plus custom cakes.”

“Bright locale for donuts in flavors such as maple, blueberry and vanilla bean, plus coffees.”