Top 3 Bakeries in Nashville, TN

Bakeries: An Overview

Nashville’s bakery scene has evolved into one of the South’s most vibrant, blending traditional Southern baking traditions with artisanal techniques from around the world. From flaky croissants and handcrafted sourdough to elaborate custom cakes, the city’s bakeries offer something for every palate and occasion.

Types of Bakeries

Nashville’s bakery landscape includes several distinct categories:

Artisan Bread Bakeries: Focus on traditionally made breads using quality ingredients, long fermentation times, and time-honored techniques. These bakeries often supply local restaurants and coffee shops with their products.

Pastry and Donut Shops: Specialize in sweet treats like croissants, danishes, donuts, and pastries. Many have developed signature items that draw customers from across the region.

Custom Cake Bakeries: Create made-to-order cakes for celebrations including weddings, birthdays, and special events. These bakeries often offer a range of flavors, fillings, and decorating styles.

Full-Service Bakery Cafes: Combine fresh-baked goods with coffee service and often light breakfast and lunch menus, creating neighborhood gathering spots.

Top 3 Bakeries in Nashville, TN

1. Five Daughters Bakery

Best For: Signature 100-layer donuts, families seeking quality treats, and those looking for specialty dietary options (paleo, vegan, keto).

Philosophy: Family-owned and operated by Isaac and Stephanie Meek along with their five daughters. Committed to making pastries from scratch daily, using non-GMO ingredients, and sourcing locally and organically when possible.

Specialty Items:

  • 100 Layer Donuts: A signature hybrid between a croissant and donut with 144 layers of flaky pastry. Available in staple flavors (vanilla cream, chocolate sea salt, maple glazed) and rotating specialty flavors.
  • Paleo Donuts: Grain-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Seasonal Offerings: Monthly rotating flavors including lemon blueberry, brown butter chai, and cookies and cream.
  • Additional Treats: Cinnamon buns, specialty cakes, cupcakes, and ice cream treats.

Nashville Locations:

  • 12 South: 1110 Caruthers Ave, Nashville, TN 37204 | (615) 490-6554
  • East Nashville: 1900 Eastland Ave, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37206 | (615) 891-1293
  • The Gulch: 602 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 | (615) 997-6990
  • 5th and Broadway: 5036 Broadway Pl, Suite C-213, Nashville, TN 37203 | (615) 997-6993
  • L&L Market (West Nashville): 3820 Charlotte Ave, Ste 128, Nashville, TN 37209 | (615) 457-2961

Hours: Monday through Friday: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM (or until sold out) | Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM (hours vary by location)

Contact: fivedaughtersbakery.com

Established: 2015

2. Dozen Bakery

Best For: Artisan bread lovers, those seeking high-quality pastries made with local ingredients, and anyone who appreciates sustainability-focused businesses.

Philosophy: Founded in 2009 by Claire Meneely as a one-woman holiday cookie pop-up. Committed to using high-quality, locally sourced, and organic ingredients. Climate Neutral certified as of 2024, with composting programs and waste-reduction practices in place.

Specialty Items:

  • Artisan Breads: Seasonal rotating selection of sourdough breads, baguettes, and specialty loaves made with long fermentation techniques.
  • Pastries: Chocolate croissants, herb croissants, seasonal danishes, and scones. The ginger cookie and pecan bar receive particular acclaim.
  • Savory Menu: Breakfast and brunch items including egg sandwiches and seasonal savory offerings.
  • Wholesale: Supplies pastries and bread to many Nashville restaurants and coffee shops.

Location: 2522 Grandview Ave, Nashville, TN 37211 (Woodbine/Berry Hill neighborhood)

Hours: Monday through Friday: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Contact: (615) 712-8150 | [email protected] | dozen-nashville.com

Pre-Orders: Available with 48-hour notice through online ordering system. Same-day holds available Monday through Friday by phone.

Established: 2009 (brick-and-mortar opened February 2, 2015)

3. Baked on 8th

Best For: Custom celebration cakes, wedding cakes, and those seeking beautiful specialty treats for events.

Philosophy: Fresh-baked approach to custom cakes and treats, focusing on quality ingredients and creative designs. Known for stunning visual presentation combined with exceptional taste.

Specialty Items:

  • Custom Cakes: Made-to-order cakes for birthdays, baby showers, engagements, weddings, and all celebrations. Available in sizes from 6 inches to 10 inches.
  • Signature Cakes: Chocolate Ganache cake and Vanilla Almond cake with buttercream are customer favorites.
  • Cookies: Custom iced cookies, chocolate chip cookies (“best in town”), and seasonal varieties.
  • Additional Treats: Brownies, dessert bars, pies, scones, muffins, sweet breads, cinnamon rolls, and rice crispy treats.
  • Dietary Options: Gluten-free and vegan options available (check availability).

Location: 1512 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 (Edgehill/Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood)

Hours: Monday through Saturday: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Contact: (615) 933-1100 | bakedon8th.com

Ordering: Online ordering available for same-day pickup on select items. Custom cakes should be ordered at least one week in advance by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How far in advance should I order a custom cake in Nashville?
For standard custom cakes, most bakeries recommend ordering at least one week in advance. For wedding cakes or elaborate designs, you should book 2 to 3 months ahead, especially during peak wedding season (spring and fall). Holiday seasons like Thanksgiving and Christmas require even earlier ordering. Same-day options are sometimes available for simple designs, but selection may be limited.

2. Do Nashville bakeries accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, many Nashville bakeries offer options for various dietary needs. Five Daughters Bakery offers paleo (grain-free) and vegan donuts. Dozen Bakery has vegan options on their savory menu and most breads are vegan. Baked on 8th offers gluten-free and vegan options. Always call ahead to confirm availability and discuss cross-contamination concerns if you have severe allergies. Note that most bakeries are not certified gluten-free or nut-free facilities.

3. What is a 100-layer donut?
The 100-layer donut (which actually has 144 layers) is Five Daughters Bakery’s signature creation. It is a hybrid between a croissant and a traditional donut, combining the flaky, buttery layers of croissant pastry with the sweet, glazed characteristics of a donut. The result is a light, airy pastry that melts in your mouth. It takes about three days to make each batch due to the laminating process required to create all those layers.

4. Can I visit Nashville bakeries without pre-ordering?
Yes, most Nashville bakeries welcome walk-in customers. However, popular items often sell out, especially on weekends. Dozen Bakery and Five Daughters Bakery operate on a “first come, first served” basis for weekend walk-ins. If you have your heart set on specific items, calling ahead (Monday through Friday) to place a hold or using online pre-ordering systems will ensure availability.

5. Do Nashville bakeries offer delivery or shipping?
Most Nashville bakeries focus on in-store pickup and do not offer standard delivery or shipping. Dozen Bakery does not work with food delivery services, though limited local delivery may be available for large orders (contact directly for details). Baked on 8th offers curbside pickup. For wedding cakes, many custom cake bakeries will deliver for an additional fee. Because pastries are made fresh without preservatives, shipping is generally not available.