Baraona’s Bakery
Why we love it: Since 1949, this Maple Heights bakery has brought seven decades of tradition, family recipes and exceptional quality to the table. What started as a small, family-run shop has grown into a local institution beloved for its Italian-inspired cakes and pastries. The bakery has built its reputation on consistency, using time-honored techniques and fresh ingredients to craft timeless desserts.
Try this: Indulge in the signature Italian-style cassata cake ($42/8 inch; $55/sheet) featuring layers of sponge cake filled with ricotta cheese, chocolate chips and maraschino cherries, all iced in whipped cream. Beyond cakes, Baraona’s offers a variety of cookies, nut rolls, cannolis, pies and more, all made from scratch daily.15842 Libby Road, Maple Heights, 216-662-8383, bakerycleveland.com
Bella Luna Bakery
Why we love it: This vibrant spot (formerly Half Moon Bakery) is known for authentic empanadas and Latin American pastries, featuring a golden, flaky crust filled with a variety of savory ingredients.
Try this: The strawberry cheesecake quesito ($2.99) is a sweet delight. “It is a puff pastry filled with a mixture of cream cheese, fresh strawberries and my own homemade strawberry jam,” says owner Lyz Otero. The dessert is baked fresh every morning, topped with a warm glaze and a touch of jam. 3460 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-400-6122, facebook.com/thehalfmooncleveland
Cleveland Vegan
Why we love it: Looking for a slice of plant-based perfection? Cleveland Vegan serves up a variety of both vegan and gluten-free pies that are as indulgent as they are kind to the planet. Initially founded in 2012 by Laura Ross and Justin Gorski, Cleveland Vegan has become a staple for the local vegan dining scene, known for its commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement. The shop's wide variety of treats includes doughnuts, cookies, scones and more. There are also fruit-forward pies like apple crumble and seasonal favorites such as pumpkin and pecan. Here, there’s a slice for everyone to enjoy.
Try this: The signature coconut cream and banana cream pies ($30/4 inch; $135/half sheet) swap out dairy for rich, luscious coconut cream, still maintaining the taste you know and love. Hand pies are also available as a special treat on Pi Day. 17112 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-0201, clevelandvegan.com
Confectionary Cupboard
Why we love it: Despite being best known for its incredible range of cupcake flavors, this bakery offers a delightful selection of pie-inspired treats, including its signature pie-flavored cupcakes and bite-sized cookie pies. The pie-flavored cupcakes feature a vanilla base filled with flavors like cherry, apple crumble and blackberry crumble, topped with vanilla buttercream and shortbread crumbs.
Try this: The shop's cookie pies have a sugar cookie crust and are filled with a variety of different pie fillings, providing a personal-sized indulgence. In addition, the unique Dirt Cookie Pie ($1.85) features a chocolate cream filling, vanilla buttercream, Oreo crumbs and a gummy worm topping. With flavors changing daily, Confectionary Cupboard ensures there’s always an option to satisfy your sweet tooth. 7300 Center St., Mentor, 440-205-5300, confectionarycupboard.com
Blackbird Baking Co.
Why we love it: Nestled in Lakewood, this spot has been a cornerstone of the community since 2009. Founded by husband-and-wife team Tom and Adria Clark, the bakery was born from Tom’s passion for artisan baking. Their vision was to create a gathering place — a “living room of the neighborhood” — where locals can enjoy handcrafted breads and pastries made from scratch daily.
Try this: The pecan sticky buns ($3.25) are a featured classic made with a flaky pastry croissant dough, embedded with cinnamon sugar and pecans. Pair any treat with a freshly brewed latte ($3.95) or tea ($1.70) for a cozy combo. 1391 Sloane Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-6599, blackbirdbaking.com
Mama Jo Homestyle Pies
Why we love it: Mama Jo Homestyle Pies has been baking from-scratch pies in Amherst for over 30 years with the same secret family recipe that started it all. Its dedication to freshness is unmatched; each pie is baked and sold on the same day for the ultimate flavor. With 36 pie flavors across three sizes, there are fruit-forward classics like cherry and strawberry-rhubarb and indulgent options like buckeye and turtle.
Try this: Treat yourself to a perfectly flaky crust, made using real lard. The unique butterscotch cream pie ($17.20/10 inch) features butterscotch pudding made from scratch and comes topped with melt-in-your-mouth meringue. Whether you’re buying for a holiday gathering or just because, Mama Jo’s delivers homemade comfort in every bite. 1969 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, 440-960-7437, mamajopies.com
Luna Bakery & Cafe
Why we love it: Growing to three locations since 2011, this has become a destination for artisanal pastries and cafe fare across Cleveland. Each menu is thoughtfully designed, offering everything from sweet and savory crepes to fresh salads and espresso drinks, all made from scratch with high-quality ingredients.
Try this: For a gluten-free option, the lemon meringue tart ($35) with fresh berries is a standout, and the chocolate tart ($35) with mocha cream offers a rich, satisfying bite. The pies highlight in-season favorites (prices range) like bourbon pecan and maple pumpkin. Any pie can be customized with gluten-free ingredients for an additional $10. These 9-inch creations serve eight and are the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Various locations, lunabakerycafe.com
Corbo’s Bakery
Why we love it: A trip to Corbo’s Bakery in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood is like stepping into a slice of Italian heaven. Established in 1958, this family-owned bakery has been serving Clevelanders for over 60 years with its authentic Italian pastries, cakes and cookies. More than a bakery — it’s an institution.
Try this: The lobster tail pastry ($7) is a showstopper, featuring a buttery, flaky dough filled with custard and whipped cream. Looking for more variety? Choose from over 25 different cookie options, including lemon biscottis, raspberry thumbprints, butter sprinkle cookies and more. 12210 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-421-8181, corbosbakery.net
Farkas Pastry Shoppe
Why we love it: For over 45 years, this Ohio City bakery has been a go-to for Cleveland’s Hungarian community, with signature hand-crafted European pastries made from original recipes brought from Budapest. What began in 1966 as Sandor Farkas baking Kremes (Napoleons) in his apartment for friends and neighbors has grown into a cherished bakery that offers a glimpse into the tradition, quality and flavors that remind so many of home.
Try this: Although it’s not a pie, the Napoleons, featuring layers of delicate vanilla custard and whipped cream between sheets of flaky puff pastry, are a must-try. The Apple Linzer ($4), reminiscent of an apple pie, includes tart apple filling wedged between two layers of buttery dough. Other highlights include Gerbeaud slices ($4) and nut rolls ($12) — each offering a taste of history. 12700 Lorain Ave., 216-281-6200, farkaspastries.com
Kevin Is Always Mixing
Why we love it: Comfortably located just outside of Chardon Square, this dessert shop is anything but ordinary. The innovative bakery is home to the signature “dessert in a jar” concept. Each jar offers a made-from-scratch indulgence, from coconut cream and Key lime pie to classic fruit flavors and much more. Traditional 9-inch and 6-inch pies are also available.
Try this: The French silk pie ($9-$12/jar) is a standout, made with high-quality dark chocolate. “Our French silk pie is by far our number one seller,” says owner Kevin Keough. “I melt down the chocolate and let it sit for three days before assembling the pie.” Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a treat to share, Kevin’s creations have a way of turning simple desserts into something special. 106 Cherry Ave., Chardon, 440-682-0514, kevinisalwaysmixing.com
Lizzie’s Bakery
Why we love it: Serving as a haven for those with peanut and tree nut allergies, owner Caroline Weingart ensures that everyone can enjoy delicious treats without worry. Inspired by her daughter Lizzie’s severe nut allergies, Weingart transformed her passion for baking into a mission-driven business. From her home kitchen to pop-up markets and now a brick-and-mortar location, Weingart's shop offers a wide variety of baked goods, including top-selling decorated sugar cookies, as well as espresso drinks, loose-leaf tea and breakfast items like scones, muffins and cinnamon rolls.
Try this: In addition to the classic baked goods, Lizzie’s Tarts ($5) are a great on-the-go option. Weingart’s pop tarts are made with fresh, roasted fruit fillings baked into a delicious homemade pie dough crust. The bakery also caters to customers with gluten restrictions, offering gluten-free options for cupcakes, cakes and brownies. 16614 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-230-2222, lizziesbakerynutfree.com
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Gray House Pies
Why we love it: Known for handmade, artisan pies with flaky, hand-rolled crusts, Gray House Pies offers a mix of sweet and savory options from locally sourced ingredients.
Try this: Indulge in the four berry pie ($24.99/8 inch) for fruity, sweet goodness, or sample the rich flavors of the chocolate bourbon pecan pie. For savory lovers, don’t miss the hearty mince meat pies. The famed salted honey cream pie ($26.99/8 inch) features a classic pastry cream sweetened with pure honey and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt and heaps of whipped cream. Vegan options are also available for select fruit pies. 26075 Detroit Road, Westlake, 440-360-7870, gray-house-pies.square.site
KB Confections
Why we love it: This family-owned bake shop is led by baker Karen Bosworth, whose childhood passion for cake decorating has come to fruition. The unique storefront in a restored greenhouse specializes in cakes, macarons, pastries and cookies, all handcrafted and made fresh in-house. Beyond the daily menu, specialty confections include custom cakes, wedding cakes and build-your-own dessert tables. These tables feature bite-sized mini tarts in flavors like lemon meringue and French silk chocolate. It also features limited breakfast items on Saturdays for a bright start to the weekend, including breakfast sandwiches, savory puff pastries and scones.
Try this: One of the bakery’s standout items is its whoopie pies ($2.50), which are a salted chocolate chip cookie filled with gooey marshmallow cream buttercream. 13519 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-227-2253, kb-confections.com
Reilly’s Irish Bakery
Why we love it: This traditional Irish Bakery offers a variety of savory breakfast pies and handheld pasties filled with meats like turkey, corned beef, chicken and roast beef. All dough and meats are made in-house using high-quality ingredients. Additionally, the bakery also sells sweet pies, like pumpkin, which are made to order. For those looking for Irish goods, the shop hosts an import section stocked with Irish staples like candy, beans and teas that are shipped directly from Ireland.
Try this: The popular shepherd’s pie ($8) is jam packed with ground beef, peas and carrots, with a creamy, golden mashed potato topping. 22570 Lorain Road, Fairview Park; 1979 West 25th St. Stand C-11, Cleveland, 440-915-2854,
reillysirishbakery.com
The Sweet Fix Bakery
Why we love it: What started as a home bakery in 2014 has blossomed into a go-to dessert destination. The Cleveland Heights bakery offers an array of indulgent treats, such as cake slices, dessert jars and ice cream sandwiches. With vegan and gluten-free options available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Each treat is made fresh with care, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as the last.
Try this: Here, the pies are as varied as they are delicious, with the sweet potato pie ($10.15/slice) and Oreo pie ($10.15/slice) leading the pack as customer favorites. They also offer classics like apple, pineapple supreme, Key lime and lemon meringue, all made fresh to order. For Pi Day, the bakery keeps a handful of pies in stock, so it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a slice (or two). 2307 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-371-9866, thesweetfixbakery.com
Slices Fabulous Cakes
Why we love it: This bakery has been delighting customers in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood since 1986 with dozens of cakes and cheesecakes made from scratch. Founder Efty R. Simakis brings a rich heritage of Mediterranean baking, inspired by her family’s roots on the Island of Crete. This independent bakery can be found all around town, outsourcing products to local restaurants. “That’s the core of our business,” says the owner’s son, Dean Simakis. “More than 90% is deliveries to restaurants, and we also sell some flavors by the slice Tuesday through Saturday.”
Try this: Topped with homemade whipped cream and graham cracker crust, the apple caramel cheesecake ($66/12 inch), with real apples and a butter crumble top, and the Key lime and cherry cheesecake ($66/12 inch) are bestsellers. 4190 Pearl Road, Cleveland, 216-398-0002, slicescak.es
Patterson Fruit Farm
Why we love it: Known for its charming farm market and pick-your-own apple orchards, this fan-
favorite fall destination also offers a quintessential taste of Northeast Ohio year-round. Visitors can enjoy farm-fresh produce, locally made jams, cider and other specialty goods, all while taking in the scenic countryside views.
Try this: The renowned bakery features freshly baked pies and donuts, available seven days a week. Its pie selection ($17.95-$20.95/9 inch) includes flavors such as Dutch apple, blueberry, blackberry, caramel apple nut, cherry, cranberry-apple, lemon crunch, mince, peach, pecan, pumpkin, strawberry-rhubarb, sugar-free apple, sugar-free cherry and wildberry. 11414 Caves Road, Chesterland, 440-729-1964, pattersonfarm.com
Rood Food
Why we love it: Most renowned for unique and unlikely flavor combinations, Rood blends innovative American cuisine with special attention to pies and other desserts.
Try this: Executive pastry chef Annabella Andricks develops each new recipe, pulling together her personal favorites. The best seller is the salt and honey pie ($8), while other flavor options rotate throughout the year. Another current standout item is the maple miso pie ($7) that features a pretzel sesame crust, maple miso custard and miso sesame caramel chantilly, topped with a sesame praline crumble. 17001 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-712-4506, eatatrood.com
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