8 Gluten-Free Bakeries In North Carolina You Have To Taste Once

Living with gluten sensitivity no longer means giving up the joy of indulgent baked treats. In fact, North Carolina’s bakery scene has blossomed into a haven for those seeking gluten-free options that don’t compromise on taste or texture.

From the mountains to the coast, I’ve spent months traveling the Tar Heel State, sampling everything from perfectly flaky pastries to rich, decadent cakes, each one completely free of gluten and full of flavor.

Whether you’re gluten intolerant, have celiac disease, or are simply exploring a gluten-free lifestyle, these standout bakeries prove that delicious baked goods are still very much on the menu.

1. Fount Coffee + Kitchen: Morrisville’s Gluten-Free Haven

My taste buds performed a happy dance the first time I bit into Fount’s cinnamon roll. The soft, pillowy texture convinced me I’d accidentally ordered from the regular menu!

Their 100% dedicated gluten-free kitchen eliminates cross-contamination worries, making it a celiac’s dream come true.

Beyond breakfast pastries, their sandwich bread holds together perfectly, a rare feat in gluten-free baking. The bright, modern space with its lively patio makes this Morrisville gem the perfect spot for both quick coffee runs and leisurely brunches. Their seasonal fruit tarts alone justify the drive from anywhere in the Triangle.

2. Plant Cakes Bake Shop: Wake Forest’s Vegan-Friendly Wonderland

“You made these without gluten AND without eggs?” I asked in disbelief after sampling Plant Cakes’ chocolate cupcake. The owner just smiled knowingly. This Wake Forest treasure specializes in the seemingly impossible: creating moist, flavorful baked goods without gluten, eggs, or dairy.

Their secret? Years of recipe testing and a passion for inclusive baking. The charming outdoor seating area transforms afternoon tea into a special occasion.

Don’t miss their signature lavender lemon scones, they convert even the most skeptical gluten-eaters. Fun fact: they started as a farmers market stand before opening their brick-and-mortar location.

3. Old Europe Pastries: Asheville’s Gluten-Free European Elegance

Stepping into Old Europe feels like teleporting to a Parisian café, except here, gluten-free isn’t an afterthought. Their display case of celiac-safe macarons, éclairs, and croissants made me tear up a little.

The secret to their exceptional pastries? Traditional European techniques adapted with modern gluten-free flours. Their macaron flavors change seasonally, but the pistachio remains my all-time favorite.

Located in downtown Asheville, this bakery’s elegant atmosphere makes it perfect for special occasions. The staff remembers regular customers by name and order. When you visit, pair your pastry with their house-made hot chocolate, a combination that’s utterly divine.

4. The Accidental Baker: Charlotte’s Italian-Inspired Gluten-Free Microbakery

“These can’t possibly be gluten-free,” muttered my Italian grandmother after biting into The Accidental Baker’s focaccia. Coming from her, that’s the highest praise possible.

This Charlotte microbakery specializes in Italian-inspired treats that honor owner Maria’s heritage while accommodating modern dietary needs. The tiramisu cookies transport you straight to Rome without the gluten or the airfare.

Operating primarily through pre-orders, scoring these baked goods requires planning ahead. Their Saturday pop-ups often sell out within hours. The limited availability makes each bite feel exclusive and special like being part of a delicious secret club that happens to be celiac-friendly.

5. Sunflour Baking Company: Charlotte’s Multi-Location Gluten-Free Empire

Chocolate chip cookies bigger than my palm greeted me at Sunflour’s counter. One bite revealed the perfect balance, crispy edges, chewy center, and not a hint of the grittiness that plagues many gluten-free treats.

With multiple locations throughout Charlotte, Sunflour has mastered the art of accessibility without sacrificing quality. Their dedicated gluten-free kitchen prevents cross-contamination while producing everything from breakfast pastries to wedding cakes.

Morning tip: arrive early for their gluten-free cinnamon rolls, which regularly sell out by noon. The East 7th Street location offers the most extensive gluten-free selection and a cozy corner perfect for working remotely while indulging your sweet tooth.

6. JP’s Pastry: Raleigh’s Certified Gluten-Free Bakery Pioneer

The birthday cake from JP’s Pastry brought my celiac friend to tears, it was her first proper cake in seven years. “It tastes like childhood,” she whispered between bites. As North Carolina’s first certified gluten-free bakery, JP’s has perfected classics that celiacs miss most.

Their kitchen produces everything from everyday sandwich bread to elaborate wedding cakes, all without a speck of gluten.

Owner JP himself often works the counter, sharing baking tips with curious customers. The bakery’s unassuming strip mall location in Raleigh belies the magic happening inside. Their gluten-free cinnamon rolls, pillowy, gooey, and generously frosted, are worth setting a weekend alarm for.

7. Baked Pie Company: Asheville’s Gluten-Free Pie Paradise

“Would you like a flight of pies?” asked the server at Baked Pie Company. My eyes widened at the concept, pie tasting, wine-flight style! This Asheville gem offers a rotating selection of gluten-free pies that change with the seasons.

Their separate gluten-free preparation area ensures safety while their innovative recipes ensure flavor never suffers. The gluten-free crust achieves the impossible: flaky, buttery texture without wheat.

The cozy mountain cabin atmosphere makes sampling their creations even more delightful. Their signature gluten-free apple pie with caramel drizzle has converted many skeptics. Owner Kirsten began baking gluten-free after her own diagnosis, turning dietary restriction into delicious innovation.

8. Imagine Baking: Wilmington’s Coastal Gluten-Free Escape

Sea salt caramel brownies with a texture so perfect I accused the baker of cheating. “No wheat, I promise!” laughed Sara, Imagine Baking’s founder, as she offered me another sample. This beachside Wilmington bakery infuses coastal flavors into gluten-free treats.

Their key lime tarts and coconut cream cupcakes taste like vacation in edible form. The small-batch approach ensures quality control that larger operations can’t match. Operating primarily through their website and local farmers markets, finding them requires planning.

Their Thursday pop-up at Wilmington’s Riverfront Market draws lines before opening. The bakery’s origin story, Sara’s quest to create gluten-free treats for her daughter, infuses every creation with love you can actually taste.