Like Grandma Used to Make

The holidays are the sweetest time of year. All season long, wherever you go, an abundance of irresistible treats entice.

You don’t need to pull out the family archives to elicit memories of Mom and Grandma’s best cookie or cake recipe. Plenty of local bakers are happy to rise to the occasion.

“People want products like Grandma used to make,” said Mark Cross, who owns and operates Tasty Pastry with his siblings.

They are the second generation of a family-run bakery that has been preparing fruitcakes, cakes, cookies, rolls and bread since 1963. Their fruitcake, for one, is a recipe his dad devised when the bakery opened 60 years ago.

“People are looking for, and appreciate, traditional things,” Cross said. “We have a signature cinnamon roll that’s been the same recipe forever.”

Pound cake from The Cake Shop. Photo by Saige Roberts

Bakers understand that there’s something about holiday desserts that make them special.

They evoke “wonderful memories of an aunt, a grandma, a mother,” said Linda Richards, owner of The Cake Shop and a baker for more than 30 years.

“My mother always made a chocolate steamed pudding at Christmas,” Richards said. “She made it with a little chocolate sauce for us children, six of us, and that was a big deal. I make it during the holidays.”

“In November, people want pies,” said baker and chef Treva Pasquarelli, owner of Treva’s Pastries & Fine Foods. “In December, the No. 1 item is gingerbread cookies.”

Photo by Saige Roberts

Whatever you’re looking for this holiday season, chances are you’ll find it at your local baker.

Here’s a look at seven local Tallahassee bakeries. One tip: Call early if you have a large or custom order, so your favorite shop can handle your request.

The Cake Shop

» In her cozy shop, Linda Richards creates traditional holiday pastries including cakes, lemon bars, cupcakes, pies and cookies, and offers cookie kits for Christmas or Hanukkah.

1908 Capital Circle NE, (850) 386-2253

Decadent Delights

» Baker and shop owner Arkeba Bouie features a wide range of cupcakes, cakes, brownies, cheesecakes and cookies. Red velvet cupcakes are in demand all year but especially during the holidays. Four-layer cakes are a Decadent Delights specialty, offered in flavors hummingbird, carrot, red velvet and chocolate. You can also find Bouie’s baked goods at Southwood Sweets, Revel’s Meats & Groceries, Piggly Wiggly and monthly pop-ups at Governor’s Square mall.

1779 Apalachee Parkway, (850) 354-8702

Tasty Pastry

» This traditional bakery offers a wide range of items including homemade bread, pies, cakes, cookies, coffee cakes and party trays.

1355 Market St., (850) 893-3752

Artistic Confections

» Baker and shop owner Maria Streety is known for her custom cakes and also offers cookies, cookie-decorating kits, pies, special holiday goodies and, always, a cheesecake of the month.

3710 Austin Davis Ave., Unit 140, (850) 577-3000

Treva’s Pastries & Fine Foods

» Owner Treva Pasquarelli offers a lineup of artfully prepared cookies, cakes, pies, croissants and tarts along with buche de Noel. Also available are prepared savory to-go items.

2766 Capital Circle NE, (850) 765-0811

Au Péché Mignon

» Joseph and Lisa Gans, who have operated Au Péché Mignon since 1991, create French pastries and festive baked goods. Their signature holiday items include colorful macarons in seasonal flavors; decorative cookies; whimsical pastries shaped like snowmen, Christmas trees or wreaths; pies; rugelach, a small croissant-like pastry with flavorful filling; cakes; and cookies. They also create two versions of buche de Noel, or Yule log, a Christmas cake traditionally enjoyed in France and other regions.

220 N. Duval St., (850) 668-5533

The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery

» The shop, part of the local Seven Hills Hospitality Group, is known for its scratch-made breads and baked goods. Customers can preorder specialty items such as pumpkin-shaped sourdough loaves, assorted pies, cinnamon rolls and cookies.

1307 N. Monroe St., (850) 354-8275