The 4 Best Bakeries in Bradenton and Sarasota

We're all busy these days, so when it comes to baking, few of us have the time it takes to turn out a scrumptious cake, an artistic batch of cupcakes or a golden loaf of bread. That said, most of us have a yen now and then for a taste of freshly baked goods, so what's the answer? How about visiting a local bakery and sampling a fresh croissant or a delicious slice of tangy key lime pie? Here are several recommendations for you to explore, within convenient driving distance of your Sarasota or Bradenton apartment home.

C'est la Vie!
1553 Main St., Sarasota

As the name implies, C'est la Vie is French owned and operated. C'est la Vie offers customers a mouth-watering array of authentic French pastries, along with its menu of bistro fare. You'll think you've been magically transported to France when you taste the freshly baked breads and pastries. If you happen by during the holidays, try Buche de Noel, a traditional yule log all gussied up with cream, fruit, chocolates and more. 

Floribbean Flo's Tropical Bakery
7644 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

New to Florida? You must try Key lime pie – it's Florida's state dessert. Flo's Key Lime pie is everything it should be – a subtle interplay of tart and sweet, smoothly creamy, light as a tropical breeze. Another must is the acclaimed and award-winning HoneyBell Orange Cake, evoking Florida's fabled orange groves. Other Floribbean (yes, that's a cross between Florida and the Caribbean) fusion dessert specialties are coconut bundt cake and Jamaican rum cake.

Matt and Dom's
3737 Manatee Ave., Bradenton

Just when you think you've seen everything in custom cakes, along comes Matt and Dom's. Their wedding cakes are widely celebrated for their freshness, taste and beauty, but if you're not getting married any time soon, choose a clever theme for your novelty cake. Matt and Dom are wizards when it comes to bringing your ideas to life on the cake palette. They also offer cookies, tarts, brownies and mini cheesecakes all just 10 minutes away from Springs at Palma Sola. 

Jim's Small Batch Bakery
2336 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota

Customers say Jim's baked goods rank with the best in France and New Orleans. Items are baked twice daily, and include fresh breads, croissants and such specialties such as lavender crème brûlée, key lime coffee cake and bread pudding with whiskey sauce. Another too-good-to-be-true confection: French chou puffs with vanilla bean cream, stacked atop white chocolate. 

Retrobaked
933 12th St. W., Bradenton

Retrobaked, as the name implies, evokes nostalgia with its artfully retro designs but flavors and ingredients are attuned to modern sensibilities, especially for those with allergies: the desserts are without dairy, eggs, cholesterol, GMO products, high fructose corn syrup, animal gelatin, preservatives or hydrogenated oils. Choose from a selection of beautiful and tasty cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more.

If you've been roaming the neighborhood in search of yummy baked goods, why not share your findings in the comment section?