- Restaurant review: Late Summer Afternoon Tea at King Street Townhouse, Manchester - 8 August, 2023
- Meet our cover star: Lady Bushra - 28 January, 2023
- Film review: My Best Friend’s Exorcism (Amazon Studios, 2022) - 30 September, 2022
The sunshine state is a treat wherever and whenever you go. Some might say a holiday there is sweet enough. But Florida can get even sweeter – especially when you visit one of the many purveyors of delicious baked goods in the state.
From award-winning cupcakes to century-old establishments, from luxuriously sweet to heartily wholesome, we give you a round-up of the best bakes in Florida.
Award-winning Cupcakes
Open Tuesday through Saturday – although they may sell out early – the award-winning Blue Bird Bake Shop in Orlando is a must-visit for cupcake aficionados.
The Blue Bird Bake Shop has more than 50 cupcake recipes in its repertoire, including staples such as chocolate and red velvet, as well seasonal specials including chocolate pretzel, maple walnut and pumpkin.
For something completely different, try the vanilla black pepper, apricot ginger, or the peanut butter and jelly.
Cuban Traditions
In the vibrant and historic Tampa neighbourhood of Ybor City, you’ll find the gem called La Segunda Central Bakery.
Known for its traditional Cuban bread, this fourth-generation bakery has been in operation since 1915 and produces 18,000 hand-made loaves of Cuban bread every day. That’s right: 18,000!
Stop by the bakery to try guava turnovers, flan pudding and Tortica de Moron (Cuban sugar biscuits) – or even just sit down and tuck into a Cuban sandwich.
Amish Comfort Food
Sarasota’s Amish community is home to Yoder’s Restaurant. Yoder’s has been serving Amish homemade comfort food for the past 40 years. Its award-winning baked and cream pies have even starred on Man Vs. Food.
The restaurant serves more than two dozen different varieties of pie, all made from Mrs Yoder’s original recipes. Flavours include peanut butter cream pie, coconut cream, Florida key lime, chocolate pecan, cherry and pumpkin.
Beachfront Donuts
Enjoy donuts with a beachfront view at Thomas Donuts & Snack Shop in Panama City Beach.
A favourite for both locals and tourists, you should arrive early and be prepared to queue – because once they’re gone, they’re gone.
From original glazed donuts to fresh-baked cinnamon buns and savoury bakes, this locally-owned shop has been operating since 1971.
The Classic Key Lime Pie
Your trip to Florida wouldn’t be complete without a slice of Florida’s signature key lime pie.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmdvtOUFqQm/?hl=en&taken-at=1758240
Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe in Key West is said to serve the best key lime pie in the world – even Food Network and National Geographic think so. We’ve been lucky enough to try it for ourselves and can verify that claim.
You can try the traditional recipe or the strawberry key lime flavour, both of which can be served frozen, on a stick and dipped in chocolate. We’re salivating at the mere memory!
Look out for great deals like 2-4-1 mimosas, too!
For more information about Florida, see the Visit Florida website, SunshineMatters.org, Facebook and Twitter @FloridaTourism.
