1. Tulie: One of SLC’s most design-forward bakeries, the vibes at both Tulie locations are clean and well curated. Even the pastries' appearances adhere to this same elegant, no-frills approach, but go all in where flavor is concerned, meaning everything here truly does look as good as it tastes. And, while, thanks to an absurd degree of baking-know-how, you’d be hard pressed to find a dessert at this joint that isn’t delectable, the olive oil cake is one of the best bites in the city. Locations in 9th & 9th and 15th & 15th, hours vary
2. Gourmandise: A go-to for pastries and cookies that are truly, unequivocally dank, Gourmandise is all about creating the most decadent versions of dessert staples. From English bread pudding to French macarons to Baklava, the bakery covers all the worldly basics with aplomb, and also puts out a whole lineup of killer cakes and tarts. The German chocolate and the Tiramisu here are both solid picks, and the black and white cake is an absolute must for any and all mousse lovers. 250 S. 300 E., Mon. - Thurs. 7:00a - 10:00p, Fri. - Sat. 7:00a - 11:00p
3. City Cakes: While the sweets here are unquestionably solid, what really sets City Cakes apart is its selection of gluten-free, vegan desserts that are just as delectable as their dairy and wheat-based counterparts. The bakery almost always has plenty of options on hand to fit a wide range of dietary needs and also offers custom cake-work, if you’re looking for something particularly special. Chances are if you can dream it, they can bake it. 1860 S. 300 W. Ste D, Mon. - Sat. 8:00a - 8:00p, Sun. 9:00a - 4:00p
4. Les Madeleines: While this tidy little 500 South spot is renowned both locally and nationally for their Kouign Amann (trust us…after this crispy, flaky, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth piece of perfection, no other baked good will suffice), they also serve up a selection of tasty breakfast and lunch items, along with their case of pastries. The ham and cheese croissant (made with Creminelli meat) is a not-to-be-missed a.m. treat, but save room for the monkey bread or a butter toffee shortbread cookie. We won’t tell your fitness app if you don’t… 216 E. 500 S., hours vary
5. Eva’s Bakery: We’d be lying if we said the adorable, blue exterior of this State Street spot didn’t play some small factor in its landing on this list, but what’s inside is just as tasty. Eva’s whips up delicious breakfast, lunch, and sweets, but what they’re known for is bread. Delicious, soft-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside, baked-by-the-gods bread. The interior of this space is equal parts simple and effortlessly cool (très Français), and instead lets the wall of loaves, baguettes, and brioches—each made with local, organic flour—stand for a well-deserved round of applause. We’d say that calls for a toast. 155 Main St., Mon. - Sat. 7:00a - 6:00p, Sun. 9:00a - 3:00p