A Sweet Tour: The Best Bakeries of the Twin Cities Gateway

The Twin Cities Gateway, a collection of vibrant communities north of Minneapolis and St. Paul, is brimming with hidden gems. While known for its beautiful parks, trails, and entertainment, the area also boasts a delectable bakery scene. From old-world European recipes to classic American donuts, let’s take a tour of the must-visit bakeries located only within the Twin Cities Gateway.

photo: Hans’ Bakery

Anoka: Historic Charm & Amazing Variety

As the “Halloween Capital of the World,” Anoka’s historic downtown is the perfect place to begin our sweet journey. It’s home to some of the region’s most-loved bakeries.

• Truffles & Tortes Dessert Cafe: This is a true dessert destination. As the name suggests, they are masters of decadent tortes, cheesecakes, and individual pastries. It’s the perfect spot to meet a friend for coffee and an elegant treat, or to pick up a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion.
• Ginny Bites: This is a must-visit for lovers of Southern baking. Ginny Bites brings the flavors of the South to Anoka with an incredible, rotating menu of pies (like Key Lime and Pecan), decadent cakes (think Hummingbird and Louisiana Crunch), and savory items like chicken salad.
• Hans’ Bakery: A true Anoka institution (also known as Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop), Hans’ is famous for its award-winning donuts. Whether you’re grabbing their giant “Texas Donut” or a classic glazed, you won’t be disappointed. They also offer a full selection of pastries, cookies, and fresh-baked bread.
• Krown Bakery & Eatery: For a taste of Scandinavia, Krown Bakery is a must. This Nordic-inspired bakery serves up delicious pastries made from sweet cardamom bread, delicate European-style cakes, and a variety of fresh breads like Swedish Limpa.

Blaine: A Taste of South America

Blaine’s bustling community, home to the National Sports Center, hosts this fantastic international bakery and market.

• Tres Leches Bakery EcuaMarket: This spot is a fantastic dual-threat: a market for authentic South American goods and a bakery all in one. As the name suggests, their Tres Leches cake is a star, but you can also find a wonderful variety of traditional Ecuadorian breads, pastries, and savory empanadas.

Coon Rapids: Custom Cakes & Local Favorites

In the heart of Coon Rapids, you’ll find this wonderful shop specializing in beautiful, custom creations.

• Something Sweet by Maddie Lu: This family-owned, from-scratch bakery is a go-to for gorgeous custom cakes, cupcakes, and a wide array of other desserts. With a Le Cordon Bleu-trained baker at the helm, their menu features everything from delicate macarons and cannolis to rich brownies and cookie sandwiches.

Fridley: A Taste of South America

Fridley offers another unique international gem that’s a must-visit for its authentic flavors.

• Charito Bakery & Pastry: This wonderful bakery brings the distinct and delicious flavors of Ecuador to the Gateway. Stop in for traditional pastries, sweet breads (like conchas), and empanadas. It’s also a fantastic lunch spot, offering savory items like tamales and incredible Ecuadorian-style roasted pork sandwiches.

New Brighton: Authentic Ethiopian Coffee & Pastries

New Brighton is home to this beloved local coffeehouse that also serves delightful sweet treats.

• Limu Coffee: This local, Ethiopian-owned coffee shop is a community hub, renowned for its authentic, rich coffee. It’s also the perfect place for a treat, offering a selection of fresh pastries like scones, banana bread, baklava, and croissants to pair with your latte or espresso.
• Giuseppe’s Italian Ristorante: While it’s a full-service restaurant, no list of New Brighton sweets is complete without Giuseppe’s. This long-standing local favorite is famous for its incredible, authentic desserts. It’s the perfect place to go for a divine Tiramisu or a classic slice of Spumoni.

 Ramsey: Elegant & Petite Pastries

The growing community of Ramsey is home to this spot for sophisticated, modern desserts.

• Allison’s Petite Pastries: If you’re looking for something elegant, this is your spot. Allison’s specializes in French-American desserts, including delicate macarons, petite cupcakes, custom cakes, and artfully decorated cookies. It’s the perfect place to find a sophisticated dessert for a special occasion.

From the decadent tortes of Anoka to the authentic Ecuadorian empanadas in Blaine and Fridley, the Twin Cities Gateway proves you don’t need to go downtown for world-class baking. What’s your favorite local bakery in the Gateway?