Cookies, croissants, and cupcakes, oh my! For the lovers of baked goods among us, there’s no shortage of Chattanooga bakeries in the area, many of which are locally owned or family operated. Serving up mouthwatering pastries, fresh breads, and delectable desserts, stop by any of these bakeries to satisfy your sweet tooth or grab a loaf of bread for tonight’s dinner.
Federal Bake Shop
Known for their cakes and thumbprint cookies, Federal Bake Shop is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Located just north of Chattanooga in Hixson, Tennessee, this quaint bakery has been owned and operated by the Ainsworth family since 1974. Still using original family recipes, Federal Bake Shop boasts a large menu, offering everything from decorated cakes and pastries to savory options and more.
The Bread Basket
Another popular option among locals, The Bread Basket has five locations in the Chattanooga area, with one in Riverview, East Brainerd, Hixson, Cleveland, and on Signal Mountain. This family-owned business began as a kitchen startup before purchasing their first storefront in 1989. The Bread Basket offers a selection of specialty breads, cakes, muffins, and other sweet treats, as well as a variety of party and catering trays.
Cupcake Kitchen
Cupcake Kitchen, a family-run bakery, has been serving up delicious cupcakes since Helene Grzybowski opened her first store in 2011. Located in downtown Chattanooga, at the corner of East 5th and Broad Street, this bakery offers more than just cupcakes—customers can peruse a selection of cakes, cookies, cheesecake, and so much more. Cupcake Kitchen also offers many gluten- and dairy-free baked goods for those with food intolerances and allergies.
Jackson Bakery
This family-owned and operated bakery is located in the Brainerd Village Shopping Center off of Brainerd Road. With made-from-scratch offerings, Jackson Bakery sells homemade donuts, danishes, cookies, pies, and so much more. In addition to taking orders for custom birthday and wedding cakes, Jackson Bakery also sells cake by the slice, so make sure to check out their Facebook page to see what they have to offer each day.
Bread and Butter
Bread and Butter is an artisan bakery in Red Bank, just 10 minutes north of downtown Chattanooga. While the bakery specializes in European and West Coast style breads, they also offer an expansive menu of baked goods, including scones, muffins, tarts, and more. At Bread and Butter, each loaf is mixed, shaped, and scored by hand, and all of the shop’s baked goods are made with fresh, local, and in-season ingredients.
The Better Bakery
Also in Red Bank, The Better Bakery is a residential bakery that specializes in vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and dye-free baked goods. At their storefront, The Better Bakery offers coffee and pastries as well as a weekend cupcake bar where customers can order a build-your-own cupcake, choosing the cake, frosting, and toppings. For custom cake, cupcake, and cookie orders, interested customers can fill out an order form on the bakery’s website.
Niedlov’s Bakery & Cafe
A fan-favorite in Chattanooga, Niedlov’s is a cafe and bakery located off of Southside’s East Main Street. In regards to baked goods, Niedlov’s offers artisan bread loaves that are prefermented, kneaded, and shaped by hand as well as a variety of pastries, from European-style croissants to American classics such as muffins and sticky buns. If you’re looking for a full meal, Niedlov’s cafe offers an expansive menu including breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads, coffee, and much more.
Chatta-Cakes Bakery
Located in Hixson, Tennessee, Chatta-Cakes Bakery opened their doors to the Chattanooga area in 2013. In the store, customers can choose from a mouthwatering selection of cookies, chess bars, brownies, and other sweet treats. This family-owned and operated bakery also offers a variety of pre-made cakes, and they take orders for personalized cakes for any occasion.
Gordo’s Bakery
Located off of Brainerd Road, Gordo’s Bakery is a family-run business that offers a wide variety of Mexican and Guatemalan baked goods, including traditional bread, churros rellenos, orejas, conchas, cortadillos, and so much more. Gordo’s also specializes in custom, tiered cakes for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. To place an order, customers can stop by the bakery or request a quote on the bakery’s website.
Vine Street Market
Located off of Hanover Street in Chattanooga’s Northshore, Vine Street Market is a local cafe and bakery. In addition to serving lunch items like soups, salads, and sandwiches, Vine Street Market offers a variety of baked goods, including pies, cakes, homemade rolls, dessert bars, cookies, and much more. Guests can take their purchases home or choose to enjoy them al fresco in the market’s outdoor dining area.
Bluff View Bakery
Bluff View Bakery offers a wide variety of breads that are made fresh daily, including sandwich loaves, baguettes, sweet breads, and more. While the bakery itself isn’t open to customers, Bluff View Bakery’s baked goods can be purchased at Rembrandt’s Coffee House in the Bluff View Art District or on Sundays at the Chattanooga Market. For those looking to plan ahead, all of Bluff View Bakery’s products are available by special order at no additional cost. Interested customers can call Rembrandt’s to place a bread order.
