Regardless of where I am in this world, I will find a good bakery. Fortunately, there’s no shortage in the Mohawk Valley, and there never has been.
I grew up “earning” a donut after attending Sunday Mass, and decades later, I created the same incentive program for my children, alternating between Holland Farms and Gingerbread Bake Shop.
Most of us have favorite go-to bakeries for particular things—who hasn’t debated Mohawk Valley’s best halfmoon? When we asked local bakeries about their top seller, each one rattled off at least three. Understandably, it’s a difficult question when you’re delivering multiple layers of deliciousness to the community.
These bakeries satisfy our collective craving for quality and freshness and give us reason to indulge. If there’s one on this list you haven’t tried, you may discover a new favorite. There’s nothing sweeter than having such a robust Bakery Beat right here in the Mohawk Valley.
The Friendly Bake Shop, Frankfort
Honeybun
It’s nearly impossible to pass this sweet storefront without your senses taking notice. I parked a block away and I could’ve found it with my eyes closed. Carrie Viti-Reiling told her second-grade teacher she would own the bakery one day. Thirty-five years later, she does and reports to work at 2:00 a.m. to bake everything fresh.
Mr. Buzz
Meat pies
Delroy Thomas has been baking since he was 14 years old. He started in his father’s bakery in Jamaica before coming to the United States and opening his own.
It’s a family affair here, like it was there, with homeland specialties and a whole array of cakes and cupcakes in nearly every flavor imaginable.
Cravings Bakery, Gloversville
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie
Ashley Alikhan credits her beloved grandmother, Mimi, for the bakery’s best seller. “There’s a trick to her oatmeal chocolate chip, and I’ve never found one like it,” she said.
Boulevard Diner, Whiteboro
Lobster Tail, Cannoli & Miniature Strawberry Cheesecake
It’s nearly impossible to pass Boulevard Diner’s bakery case without stopping for a closer look. Filled with pastries made from scratch, it adds something sweet to the Grimaldi family’s longtime tradition in Whitesboro. The flaky, cream-filled lobster tail, classic cannoli and miniature strawberry cheesecake are each worth saving room for—or taking home for later.
Schneider’s Bakery, Cooperstown
Old-Fashioned
Since 1887, Schneider’s has been the quintessential small-town bakery. A Cooperstown landmark, it has always enticed passersby with sweet temptations featured in its windows, many of which are made from original recipes—like the standout old-fashioned!
Gingerbread Bake Shop, Washington Mills
Halfmoon Cake
When Carrie Byrne Putello tried to describe how she feels about Gingerbread’s halfmoon cake, you could tell her mind was replaying her most recent experience. Eventually, she managed a “Sooooooo good”—as if no one should ever be left alone with one.
Shorebreak Bakery, Sylvan Beach
Bombolini
What’s a beach town without a bakery? Look for the “Moke” parked out front —a perfect reflection of the bakery’s adorable vibe. Their customers go crazy for their Nutella Bomolini. If chocolate isn’t your favorite, there’s a vanilla option too.
Daylight Donuts, New Hartford
Sour cream Donut
As we said in our July issue, Daylight is a village staple where many start their day. Their sour cream donuts are like a super-dense glazed donut—I can attest, they’re deeelicious.
The Brownie Company, Utica
S’more Brownie
Sam Arscott’s signature brownies were a parting gift at a party I attended. Let’s just say there wasn’t a crumb left by the time I pulled in my driveway. She has proven the versatility of an old favorite, and makes her mark with both her creativity and quality.
Salvatore’s Italian Bakery & Bagel Shoppe, Washington Mills
Chocolate & Cannoli Pustie
When the bakery came up for sale last year, Dan Ryan fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming a baker. His philosophy: don’t change what’s working. Ryan kept the staff and recipes that built the bakery’s reputation, and plans only to add to its legacy.
Five Kids Bakehouse, Gilbertsville
Cronut
“The baked goods rival any that I’ve had in NYC, Europe, and Asia—their cronuts might be the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted.” That’s one customer’s appraisal. Because the cronuts are a little fussy to make, they appear only on Saturday mornings. Between the picturesque village and the destination bakery, the cronuts are on my agenda.
Karam’s Middle East Bakery, Yorkville
Pita, Flatbread
The same spectacular dough comes in different shapes and sizes. It’s been a local legend for decades–the kind of thing worth making a special trip for. What more is there to say? Try it, you’ll understand.
Holland Farms, Yorkville
Jelly Bun
There is no better jelly donut (at least in my opinion). I try to keep the temptation isolated to the weekend, but the cow catches my eye multiple times a week as I drive by, practically calling out, “How about a jelly bun?”
Ferlo’s Original Bakery, Rome
Bread
Since 1896, Ferlo’s has been Rome’s go-to source for bread and remains the last bakery of its kind in the city. It’s a busy place, with trays upon trays of bread and a display of goodies to lure you in, even when you’re there to pick up a loaf of bread.
