No matter where you visit in Florida, you’re never far from a delicious snack. Indeed, The Sunshine State is home to some of the best pedigree dough-punchers in America. And that saying something since no one does sugar-laden carbohydrates better than the Yanks. So whether you’re looking for award-winning cupcakes or bakery institutions, here’s where to find some of Florida’s best baked goods.
BEACHFRONT DOUGHNUTS
Enjoy donuts with a beachfront view at Thomas Donuts in Panama City Beach. A favourite for both locals and tourists, arrive early and be prepared to queue your sugar fix 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.
AWARD WINNING CUPCAKES
Open Tuesday through Saturday – or until they sell out of cupcakes – the award-winning Blue Bird Bake Shop in Orlando is a must-visit for cupcake lovers. With more than 50 cupcake recipes in its repertoire, you’ll find staple cupcake flavours such as chocolate and red velvet, as well seasonal specials including maple walnut and pumpkin OR for something completely different, try the vanilla black pepper, apricot ginger or the PB&J.
AMISH PIES
Located in Sarasota’s Amish community, Yoder’s Restaurant 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 25 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.
CUBAN BREAD
In Ybor City, one of Tampa’s most vibrant and historic neighbourhoods, you’ll find La Segunda Central Bakery. Known for its Cuban bread, this fourth-generation bakery has been in operation since 1915 and produces 18,000 hand-made loaves of Cuban bread every day. Stop by the bakery to try guava turnovers, flan pudding and Tortica de Moron (Cuban sugar biscuits) or sit down and tuck into a Cuban sandwich.
THE CLASSIC KEY LIME PIE
No trip to Florida is complete without a slice of Florida key lime pie. 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. 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.