As the birthplace of Krispy Kreme and Moravian cookies, Winston-Salem knows a thing or two about sweets. The local bakery scene delivers all day long, from early morning pastries and mid-day treats to after-dinner desserts. Rooted in Moravian tradition yet shaped by modern creativity, these bakeries blend time-honored techniques with fresh ideas, dietary-friendly options, and standout flavors. Below, you’ll find a curated guide to bakeries across the greater Winston-Salem area, each offering its own delicious take on something sweet.

Sweet Stops in the Heart of the City

Bobby Boy Bakeshop
A James Beard Award semifinalist, this beloved bakery is known for fresh artisan breads and photo-worthy pastries. Bobby Boy now has two locations: the original Reynolda Road bakery and a larger space at Salem Bottleworks near Old Salem. In 2025, Southern Living named Bobby Boy one of the Top 16 Bakeries in the South, the only North Carolina bakery to make the list, cementing its reputation for exceptional croissants, seasonal pastries, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

Camino Bakery
With two downtown locations, local favorite Camino is all about community. Whether you stop by the original Fourth Street bakery or the cozy Brookstown spot, you’ll find fresh-baked treats, inviting patios, and plenty of good vibes. A full espresso and coffee menu, seasonal baked goods, and casual outdoor seating make it an easy all-day stop.

Cheesecakes By Alex
A dessert destination in downtown Winston-Salem’s Arts District, Cheesecakes by Alex is known for its wide selection of handcrafted cheesecakes, cakes, muffins, and other sweets, with around 20 classic and seasonal flavors available by the slice or whole cake. The cozy Trade Street location’s espresso drinks and later evening hours make it a popular post-dinner stop or sweet date-night option, with favorites ranging from rich chocolate to white chocolate raspberry.

Louie & Honey’s Kitchen (West End)
From their stylish West End café, a mother-daughter duo draws inspiration from family recipes, local ingredients, and European baking traditions. Specialties include Amish cinnamon rolls and salted honey pie. Warm hospitality and an inviting café atmosphere make it a neighborhood favorite for brunch-style pastries and sweets.

Lot 63 (Old Salem)
Housed in a beautifully preserved 1867 building in the heart of Old Salem, Lot 63 is one of the area’s newest gathering spots. Known for serving coffee by day and local brews by night, it is especially beloved for its lineup of sweets, including Moravian sugar cake, Lovefeast buns, and classic Moravian cookies. (Read more about the city’s collection of Moravian bakeries below.)

Sweet Treats Around Town

Dough-Joe’s (Reynolda)
This cozy bakery in historic Reynolda Village was recently named one of America’s Top 50 Doughnut Shops on Yelp. Each doughnut comes out fresh and warm with customizable options like cinnamon sugar or chocolate glaze with Oreos. Fans say the made-to-order doughnuts and rotating seasonal flavors make it a perfect reward after a walk through nearby Reynolda Gardens.

Copain Bakery (Thruway area)
Run by local culinary legend Chef Jim Noble, this French-inspired, boulangerie-style bakery focuses on organic, naturally leavened breads. Located on Knollwood Street next to Rooster’s, Copain’s pastries, quiche, sandwiches, and coffee offer Parisian charm with indoor and outdoor seating, plus a selection of gourmet provisions to take home.

Ginger Bread Man Bakery (Ardmore)
Opened in 2024 in the Ardmore neighborhood, just a few miles west of downtown, this all-vegan bakery puts a playful spin on classic treats. You’ll want to try everything (and everything is fantastic, even the ice cream) but start with a gingerbread man cookie sandwich. Other favorite options include the cupcakes, cookie sandwiches, brownies, and variety of seasonal specialties. 

Natabelles Desserts (Ardmore)
Tucked in a strip mall near Miller Park, Natabelles is a hidden gem turned social media star, thanks to its world-famous sweet potato brownies and other scratch-made desserts. Fans especially love enjoying the sweet potato brownie warm with pecans, and the daily-changing menu keeps locals coming back.

To Your Health Bakery (Hanes Mall Blvd)
This 100-percent gluten-free and peanut-free facility offers vegan, keto, and paleo options. Located on Hanes Mall Boulevard, it’s operated by award-winning baker and Food Network standout Anna Simeonides. Known for accommodating a wide range of dietary needs, the bakery’s handcrafted goods prove that better-for-you treats can still be full of flavor.

Favorite Spots Around Forsyth County

Ava’s Cupcakes (Clemmons)
Founded by Cupcake Wars winner Michelle Spell, Ava’s draws fans for gourmet cupcakes, seasonal flavors, and a newly expanded coffee bar. With more than 30 rotating options, from classic chocolate to key lime and banana guava, the cupcakes are known for moist cake and balanced frosting. Custom cakes, macarons, and dessert bars make it a reliable choice for celebrations.

Ketchie Creek Bakery & Café (Clemmons)
Known for special-occasion cakes since 1983, Ketchie Creek’s Clemmons location opened in 2020 with a full coffee bar, deli sandwiches, and irresistible sweets. The menu includes decorated cakes, muffins, cookies, pound cakes, espresso drinks, salads, and seasonal pies. Locals appreciate the inviting atmosphere and easy blend of bakery treats and lunch options. (Clemmons)

Abby's Bakes (Kernersville)
Tucked along East Mountain Street in Kernersville, Abby’s Bakes opened in 2025 and quickly earned a following for made-from-scratch pastries and cakes with depth of flavor. Standouts include guava-cream cheese pastries and a richly spiced carrot cake, with custom orders available for weddings and special celebrations.

Cake And All Things Yummy (Kernersville)
This boutique bakery in downtown Kernersville specializes in celebration-worthy custom cakes and beautifully decorated cupcakes. Choose from more than 30 rotating flavors, including orange creamsicle, red velvet, key lime, and sea salt caramel, with macarons available by special order. It’s a go-to when milestone moments call for something memorable.

La Mejor Bakery (Kernersville)
A neighborhood panadería in Kernersville, La Mejor Bakery serves authentic Latin-style pastries, sweet breads, and seasonal cakes with bold flavors. Favorites include flaky conchas, creamy fillings, and fruit-topped specialties rooted in classic pan dulce traditions. It’s a welcoming stop for morning pastries or celebratory sweets.

Moravian Morsels: Time-Honored Tastes

Wilkerson’s Moravian Bakery
Wilkerson’s continues five generations of hand-baked tradition, serving sugar cake, cheese straws, and other irresistible treats from its Stratford Road location. Family-owned and operated, the bakery is a local favorite for time-honored recipes, friendly service, and consistently delicious Moravian classics.

Dewey’s Bakery
Pick up a fresh Moravian sugar cake or their signature cookies at two bakery locations in town, or find products at select grocery stores around the country. Dewey’s has been baking classic Moravian sugar cakes, cookies, and cheese straws since 1930, and its thin Moravian cookies were featured on Oprah’s “O List.”

Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies
This family-owned business still makes its world-famous cookies by hand, including best-sellers Sugar and Ginger Spice. Visitors can tour the factory, enjoy free samples, and browse the onsite gift shop. Set along the semi-rural southwestern edge of Winston-Salem, the bakery feels like a destination in itself and offers a behind-the-scenes look at a beloved Moravian tradition that has endured for generations.

Winkler Bakery
America’s oldest continuously operating bakery, this Old Salem landmark dates to 1799. Stop in to chat with period-dressed staff, browse the gift shop, and pick up fresh-baked treats made from centuries-old recipes, including revered Moravian sugar cake still prepared in a traditional wood-fired brick oven.

Save Room for More

This list offers just a small taste of Winston-Salem’s bakery and sweets scene. From new favorites to frozen treats to long-standing classics, there’s plenty more to discover across the city. Ready to explore more? Head to our Food & Drink page for dining guides, featured stories, and searchable listings. You can also check out out guides to Winston-Salem’s Best Brunch Spots  for some rise-and-dine favorites, and our A Coffee Lover’s Guide to fuel up.