Bakery Guide: Indianapolis, Indiana

Great bakeries with an extensive assortment of sweets and savories are essential to any neighborhood. And in Indianapolis, the city is blessed with a plethora of options for Hoosiers looking to satiate their sweet tooth. From local mom-and-pop shops to citywide chains, it all comes down to style and preference.

Whether it’s French patisseries you crave, moist doughnuts or a layered cake, Indy offers a slew of standout bakeries across the city with confectioners dedicating their bona fide sugar rush talents to comfort desserts.

The Flying Cupcake

Address: 423 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN

With five locations across the state, The Flying Cupcake is a heavenly staple among Indy residents. Voted as the “Best Cupcakes in Indy” for seven years in a row, the locally owned and operated cupcake haven is seriously a spot to check out. It’s no surprise too since their cupcakes are super moist and diverse in taste. While so many bakeries pride themselves on being different, The Flying Cupcake injects a dose of homestyle goodness with a well-rounded deliciousness. From dreamy treats with fun names like “Irish Car Bomb,” “Koo Koo for Coconuts” and the “Fat Elvis” (a personal favorite—with Nutella, folks!), this dessert retreat offers a daily selection of custom, gluten-free and vegan cupcakes.

The Dancing Donut

Address: 1134 E 54th St., Indianapolis, IN

The Dancing Donut is the quintessential place for doughnut connoisseur. With a super friendly atmosphere and a wide variety of creative flavors, these doughnuts are unique in every way. While a bit pricey as each doughnut ranges between $2.50 – $3.50, they’re worth every penny—especially the “The Copa Banana,” “The Arthur Murray,” and the “Éclair Huxtable,” which is a Bavarian cream filled doughnut with chocolate ganache. Can you say, yum? Touted one of the more inventive bakeries, this Broad Ripple oasis owned by Kate Drury of The Flying Cupcake consists of a daily menu with artful doughnuts made of yeast, cake, and gluten-free options.

The Cake Bake Shop

Address: 6515 Carrollton Ave., Indianapolis, IN

Get your pinkies up! This high-end bakery offering cakes, pastries, and high tea is a dazzling fantasy straight out of a storybook. Upon entering through the lavish French doors of this sweet 1940’s-esque cottage, the rich aroma of Parisian bakes captures your attention. With an interior heavily influenced by French culture, The Cake Bake Shop is even more spectacular in person. Open daily, guests can enjoy a quiet afternoon with unique pastries, European inspired lunch and a glass of champagne or wine. C’est magnifique!

Taylor’s Bakery

Address: 8395 E 116th St., Fishers, IN

Family-owned and operated, this 4th generation bakery made headlines last year when they created a smashed cellphone cookie and a “Deflate-cake” in honor of the Colts-Patriot game and the “Deflategate” controversy. Conveniently located, clean and well lit, Taylor’s Bakery boasts an incredibly congenial staff that is ready to help you with all of your dessert needs. While the doughnuts, cakes and cookies are super delicious, the éclairs and cinnamon rolls are to die for. Moist and melt in your mouth, both will make you realize why this oldest bakery in the Hoosier state is a native favorite and a standout among franchise chains.

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Amelia’s Bread

Address: 653 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, IN

Offering pastries and gourmet breads that look as good as they taste, Amelia’s pays homage to old-world Italian traditions with hearth-baked bread. From a full assortment of breads and other baked goods, their products can be found in nearly every trendy restaurant and farmer’s market in town. However, their Fletcher Place location downtown is stellar, full of delicious goods with a quaint selection of local meats, cheese, preserves and other yummies to pair with their lovely loaves—like the “Pullman Loaf,” a nod to the bakery’s Midwestern roots. But if you’re looking for something sweet with chocolate, check out their cocoa brownies. Seriously, you will thank yourself!

Long’s Bakery

Address: 2300 W 16th St., Indianapolis, IN

Noted by Thrillist as one of the “Best Donut Shops in America,” Long’s Bakery has been around forever. Located on both the west and south sides of the city, Long’s spans over 50 years and is an Indianapolis staple. Come rain or shine, Long’s is a sweet treat that generates extensive lines out the door and accepts only cash. Sure, the lines might seem a little intimidating at first, but once you get to try their preservative-free doughnuts that are about 50 cents each, and their wide variety of pastries that include cakes, cookies, and pies, you really won’t mind. Plus, with very friendly employees and amazing prices, expect quick service. Being a giant fan of blueberries myself, Long’s blueberry cake doughnut is utterly delicious. But so are their yeast doughnuts—and their German chocolate brownies.

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Do you live in Indianapolis or visit often? What are some of your favorite bakeries in and around the city? Let us know in the comments below.

Featured image: Instagram/seluj526