10 Illinois Bakeries Serving Unforgettable Sweet Treats
Illinois is full of bakeries that turn simple ingredients into extraordinary sweets.
These ten spots have mastered the art of creating pastries, cookies, and cakes that linger in memory long after the last bite.
Locals flock to them for flavors that are both comforting and inventive, while visitors quickly understand the buzz.
Every treat is crafted with care, making each visit a delightful adventure and proving that Illinois knows how to satisfy any sweet tooth.
1. Lost Larson (Chicago)
Cardamom buns so good they’ll make you weep with joy. That’s the reputation Lost Larson has built in Chicago, and honestly, the hype is real.
Owner Ben Larson channels his Scandinavian roots into every pastry, creating buttery, flaky masterpieces that sell out faster than concert tickets.
The cardamom bun is legendary, but don’t sleep on their seasonal fruit galettes. Grab a coffee and settle in because you’ll want to savor every crumb of these beautifully crafted treats.
2. Sweet Mandy B’s (Chicago)
Walking into Sweet Mandy B’s feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen, if your grandmother happened to be a baking wizard.
The cupcakes here are legendary, towering with swirls of buttercream that could make a grown adult giggle.
Their sugar cookies are decorated so perfectly you might feel guilty eating them. Might. The bakery has been a Lincoln Park staple since 2002, serving up nostalgia with every bite.
Pro tip: the chocolate cake with chocolate frosting is dangerously addictive.
3. Mindy’s Bakery (Chicago)
Since 1956, Mindy’s has been cranking out wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and everything in between for Chicago’s South Side.
Their butter cookies are the stuff of local legend, crispy on the edges and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Family-owned and operated, this bakery keeps things traditional and delicious. The buttercream frosting is rich without being overwhelming, which is a rare talent.
People drive across the city for their custom cakes, and one bite will tell you exactly why they make the trip.
4. Hoosier Mama Pie Company (Chicago)
Pie is serious business at Hoosier Mama, where every crust is rolled by hand and every filling is made from scratch. Owner Paula Haney left a career in fine dining to chase her pie dreams, and we’re all better for it.
The salted caramel apple pie will ruin you for all other pies. Their chess pie is a Southern classic done to perfection, sweet and custardy with a buttery crust.
Seasonal flavors rotate, so there’s always something new to try alongside the classics.
5. Hewn (Evanston)
Bread nerds, this one’s for you. Hewn takes sourdough seriously, using wild yeast and long fermentation times to create loaves with complex flavors and perfect crusts.
But don’t overlook their morning buns, which are basically cinnamon rolls’ cooler, more sophisticated cousin.
Owners Ellen King and Julie Matthei are passionate about grains, sourcing locally whenever possible.
Everything here is made with intention and care, and you can taste the difference in every single bite they produce.
6. Bennison’s Bakery (Evanston)
Operating since 1938, Bennison’s is an Evanston institution that’s been feeding generations of North Shore residents. Their chocolate chip cookies are thick, chewy, and loaded with chips in every bite.
The European-style pastries show off serious technique, from flaky croissants to delicate fruit tarts. It’s the kind of place where regulars have their usual orders, and the staff knows everyone by name.
Grab a box of their famous brownies and prepare to become a regular yourself.
7. Incredibly Delicious (Springfield)
With a name like Incredibly Delicious, you’d better bring your A-game, and this Springfield bakery absolutely delivers.
Their cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and topped with creative frosting flavors that change with the seasons.
The red velvet cake is a customer favorite, rich and tangy with cream cheese frosting piled high. Custom cakes are their specialty, decorated with impressive detail and artistic flair.
Everything is baked fresh daily, so you know you’re getting the good stuff every single time you visit.
8. Trefzger’s Bakery (Peoria Heights)
Trefzger’s has been a Peoria area favorite since 1861, which means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their recipes. Their pershing cookies are a local obsession, soft and cake-like with a generous layer of frosting.
The German chocolate cake stays true to traditional recipes, with coconut pecan frosting that’s not too sweet.
Wedding cakes, donuts, cookies, and pastries all get the same careful attention.
This is old-school baking done right, with recipes passed down through generations of bakers.
9. Kruta’s Bakery (Collinsville)
Kruta’s has been baking for the Collinsville community since 1929, specializing in Czech kolaches that’ll transport you straight to Central Europe.
These pastries are pillowy soft, filled with fruit, poppy seed, or cream cheese.
Their donuts are also worth the trip, fried fresh and dusted with sugar or glazed to perfection. It’s a no-frills kind of place where the focus is entirely on quality baking.
Get there early because locals know the best stuff sells out fast, especially on weekends.
10. DeEtta’s Bakery (Naperville)
DeEtta’s is Naperville’s go-to spot for celebration cakes that taste as amazing as they look. Their decorating skills are next-level, creating custom designs for weddings, birthdays, and everything in between.
But even their everyday treats shine, from buttery croissants to decadent brownies. The staff is friendly and helpful, making the ordering process easy even for complicated custom requests.
Whether you need a show-stopping cake or just a Tuesday afternoon cookie, DeEtta’s has you covered with style and flavor.