This year has been one straight out of a science-fiction movie, but we can still admit that life is pretty sweet here in Washington, and sometimes celebrating a victory or a milestone, or even surviving a long and treacherous Wednesday calls for a delicious celebration. But be warned, the moment you try treats from these places, there’s no going back to grocery store desserts.
5. Sweet Life Cakery (Kingston)
This place is in a charming little town in Kitsap County, a common destination of the Edmonds Ferry, and the owner/artist Methia Gordon brings 27 years of baking experience to this local treasure. These irresistible eats are hand-crafted from scratch and made with quality ingredients, which are local and organic when possible. The most popular treat here, by far, is the Sweet Bliss, which Methia describes as an organic Ding Dong.
4. Spokane Cheesecakes (Spokane)
There are two types of dessert lovers in this world, those who love cheesecake, and those who have simply not yet had the right cheesecake. Every day they start the cheesecake-making process bright and early and the decadent desserts here are so addictive that they have the power to persuade even those who claim not to have a sweet tooth. The next time you find yourself in the Lilac City, stop by and see what we mean.
3. Barb’s Pies And Pastries (Ferndale)
While special occasion cakes have their time and place, it’s the everyday pastries such as donuts, pies, danish, cookies, and their Cutie Pies. They specialize in hand crafted, made from scratch desserts; using fresh local ingredients to create beautiful and tasty delicacies.
2. Chocolate Necessities (Bellingham)
The owner, Kevin Buck, has dedicated years to researching and tasting chocolates from around the world, which honestly sounds like a dream job. The chocolate-makers pay close attention to using ideal amounts of cocoa butter so the chocolate will melt properly. A box of chocolates from Chocolate Necessities makes the perfect gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. They even sell milk chocolate with more than 65% cocoa solids, which is nearly unheard of.
1. Bakery Nouveau (Seattle)
As one review said ‘No discussion of Seattle’s best bakery omits Bakery Nouveau’, so we would be remissed if we did not mention them on this short list. They are a quaint counter-service bakery-cafe for French breads, sandwiches, quiches & pastries. The owner, William Leman, has over 20 years experience in pastry, bread and chocolates, and as the captain of the 2005 Bread Bakers Guild Team USA, where he led his team to victory at the Coupe du Monde de Boulangerie (World Cup of Baking), William Leaman’s Bakery Nouveau has become a Seattle icon.
