Want to discover Florida’s sweetest hidden gems?
This road trip will guide you to 9 delightful bakeries serving up some of the best treats in the state!
1. Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village (Sarasota)
Tucked away in Sarasota’s Pinecraft neighborhood, Yoder’s is like stepping into a time machine – if that time machine was powered by butter and nostalgia.
This Amish-owned establishment has been serving up slices of Americana (and pie) since 1975.
As you pull into the parking lot, you’ll notice the quaint wooden building with its distinctive red awning.
It’s like your grandmother’s house, if your grandmother could feed a small army.
Inside, the aroma of freshly baked goods hits you like a warm, floury hug.
Now, let’s talk pie.
Yoder’s isn’t messing around – they’ve got more varieties than you can shake a rolling pin at.
But the real showstopper?
Their peanut butter cream pie.
It’s so good, it should probably be illegal in at least 12 states.
Creamy, nutty, and sweeter than a love letter from Mr. Peanut himself.
But don’t you dare leave without trying their famous fried chicken.
It’s crispier than a new dollar bill and juicier than the latest Hollywood gossip.
Pair it with a slice of pie, and you’ve got a meal that’ll make your cardiologist weep and your taste buds sing.
2. Alessi Bakery (Tampa)
Next stop on our sugar-coated journey is Alessi Bakery in Tampa.
This place has been around since 1912, which means they’ve survived two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the invention of the Cronut.
That’s some serious baking cred.
As you approach the bakery, you’ll spot the iconic green-roofed building that looks like it could be the set of a charming Italian movie.
Inside, it’s a carb lover’s paradise.
The display cases are packed tighter than a rush-hour subway, but instead of grumpy commuters, they’re full of cookies, cakes, and pastries.
Their Cuban bread is the stuff of legend – crusty on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and perfect for mopping up the last bits of your Cuban sandwich (which, by the way, is also fantastic here).
But the real star of the show?
The scachatta.
It’s like pizza and focaccia had a beautiful, saucy baby.
One bite and you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve even finished chewing.
3. Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop (Miami)
Hang onto your taste buds, folks, because we’re heading to Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, where Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop is about to set your mouth ablaze (in a good way, of course).
This place is as colorful as a box of crayons that melted in the Florida sun.
The walls are adorned with vibrant murals that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy.
But let’s be real – you’re here for the pie, not the decor.
Derek, the titular fireman-turned-baker, has created a menu that’s hotter than a five-alarm blaze.
The key lime pie is zestier than a salsa dancer on Cuban coffee, and the crack pie… well, let’s just say it lives up to its name.
One slice and you’ll be hooked faster than you can say “Just one more bite.”
But the real showstopper?
The s’mores pie.
It’s like your childhood camping memories got a glow-up and moved to South Beach.
Gooey, chocolatey, and with a torched marshmallow top that’s crispier than a firefighter’s abs.
4. Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe (Key West)
As we meander down to the southernmost point of the continental U.S., we find ourselves at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe.
It’s as green as the Wicked Witch of the West, but trust me, there’s nothing wicked about this place – unless you count the sinfully delicious treats.
The shop looks like it was decorated by a key lime that exploded, in the best possible way.
Green shutters, green awnings, and even a giant key lime pie slice sign that’s more photogenic than most Instagram influencers.
Now, you might think, “It’s just key lime pie, how good can it be?”
Oh, sweet summer child.
This isn’t just key lime pie – it’s a slice of Florida sunshine wrapped in a graham cracker crust.
Tart, sweet, and smoother than a con artist at a retiree convention.
But don’t stop at the pie.
Their key lime-dipped chocolate cookies are like little bites of tropical bliss.
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And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the key lime pie on a stick – it’s dipped in chocolate and frozen, making it the perfect treat for a hot Key West day.
It’s like a Popsicle grew up, got a job, and decided to live its best life.
5. The Upper Crust Pie & Bakery (Gainesville)
Next, we’re heading to Gainesville, home of the Gators and, more importantly, The Upper Crust Pie & Bakery.
This place is cozier than a kangaroo’s pouch and sweeter than a librarian’s smile.
From the outside, it looks like any other strip mall bakery.
But step inside, and you’re transported to pie heaven.
The aroma is so good, you’ll want to bottle it and wear it as perfume.
Their menu changes with the seasons faster than a chameleon on a disco floor.
But if you’re lucky enough to catch it, the bourbon pecan pie is a religious experience.
It’s like someone took the essence of the South, distilled it, and baked it into a perfect, flaky crust.
And let’s not forget about their savory pies.
The chicken pot pie is so comforting, it should come with a blanket and a hug.
It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm bath after a long day – except you can eat it, which is decidedly better.
6. Mike’s Pies (Tampa)
Back in Tampa, we’re stopping at Mike’s Pies.
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you – this place is to pies what Beyoncé is to pop music: absolutely legendary.
Mike’s Pies started in a garage, which is fitting because these pies are the Ferraris of the dessert world.
They’ve won more awards than Meryl Streep, and let me tell you, they deserve every single one.
The star of the show?
The Florida Key Lime Pie.
It’s so authentic, you half expect to find a tiny beach and some palm trees when you cut into it.
But don’t sleep on the Killer Chocolate Cream.
It’s richer than a tech mogul and smoother than a jazz saxophone solo.
7. The Pie Factory (Largo)
Our sugar-fueled journey takes us to Largo, where The Pie Factory is churning out slices of heaven faster than you can say “à la mode.”
This place looks like your favorite diner got a Pinterest makeover.
It’s retro, it’s cute, and it’s serving up more varieties of pie than you have fingers to count them on.
Their fruit pies are fresher than a daisy on a spring morning, but the real showstopper is the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Pie.
It’s like someone took your childhood dream of swimming in a pool of peanut butter cups and made it socially acceptable to eat in public.
And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent (and let’s face it, why else are you on a pie road trip?), try the Pie Shake.
It’s exactly what it sounds like – a whole slice of pie blended into a milkshake.
It’s either genius or madness, but after tasting it, you won’t care which.
8. Yalaha Bakery (Yalaha)
As we wind our way through central Florida, we stumble upon a little slice of Germany in the town of Yalaha.
Yalaha Bakery is like finding a lederhosen-clad unicorn in the middle of orange grove country.
The building looks like it was plucked straight out of a Bavarian fairytale, complete with a charming outdoor biergarten.
It’s so authentic, you’ll half expect to see Hansel and Gretel munching on a pretzel in the corner.
Their German apple strudel is flakier than a millennial’s commitment issues and more comforting than a hug from your Oma.
But the real star?
The bee sting cake.
It’s a honey-glazed, cream-filled masterpiece that’ll have you buzzing with joy.
And while we’re on a pie pilgrimage, don’t overlook their savory options.
The potato pancakes are crispier than a fall leaf and more satisfying than finally understanding the plot of Inception.
9. La Segunda Central Bakery (Ybor City)
Our final stop takes us to Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Cuban district, where La Segunda Central Bakery has been serving up carb-loaded delights since 1915.
From the outside, it looks like a no-nonsense, get-down-to-business kind of place.
But inside?
It’s a bread lover’s paradise.
The smell alone is enough to make you consider giving up your low-carb diet forever.
Their Cuban bread is the stuff of legend – crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, and long enough to use as a baseball bat (though we don’t recommend it).
It’s the foundation of a perfect Cuban sandwich, which, coincidentally, they also make here.
But we’re here for the sweet stuff, and La Segunda doesn’t disappoint.
Their guava turnovers are flakier than your flaky friend who always cancels plans at the last minute.
And the flan?
Smoother than a salsa dancer’s pick-up line.
From Amish delights to Cuban treats, Florida’s bakeries are a testament to the state’s delicious diversity.
Chart your course to flavor!
This map is your key to smooth travels and tasty discoveries.
So grab your stretchy pants and hit the road – your taste buds will thank you.
