Local sugary sweets to melt your teeth and your heart, and a lot more besides
Rows upon rows of goodies – and suddenly you’re struck with the deadly question, what to choose? Not between the goods themselves, mind you – the choice between eating everything and suffering the consequences, or somehow restraining yourself. Today we’re here to make that choice a little bit easier for you, whichever way you swing. Looking for places to satisfy a deadly sweet craving? Here’s your guide. Looking to live vicariously through others and escape a few extra pounds? That’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make for you. Let’s dive in!
The Artisan Cakery
At last, a bakery offering cake by the slice – an opportunity I will certainly not take to eat only a single slice! I person- ally can’t help but stick to a guilty pleasure: cheesecake. In this case, the Cakery offers a caramel cheesecake which I doubt I could resist (even if I tried to, which I definitely did not). A warm, bright atmosphere awaits you as you find a nice spot to sit back, relax, and try a few new delicacies with a cup of coffee or tea. And if anyone asks, just say you’re taste-testing for the upcoming Thanksgiving gather- ing you’re about to host—whether or not it’s true!
Bearden | 5803 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 | theartisancakery.com
VG’s Bakery
VG’s Bakery might be based out of their flagship location in Farragut, but the place to find VG’s is at farmer’s markets. There’s just something about a fresh pastry in the open air, with the buzz of the market in full swing; they also have some specialty items they only sell at the market, like their breakfast kolache (though you can cheat and sneak one at Capybara Coffee at UT, though you didn’t hear that from me). Regardless of where you get your VG’s fix, you can be certain of finding some- thing to your liking. For me, that’ll be a peanut butter cookie, or maybe an old-fashioned snickerdoodle.
Farragut | 11552 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934 | vgsbakery.com
Art of Cakes Bakery
For those among us who are a little south of Northshore when the hankering for a sweet treat hits, the Art of Cakes Bakery is the perfect spot. It’s another award-winner, too, with Trip Advisor’s “Best Bakery in Tennessee” title to their name. Most of Art of Cakes’ offerings are custom made-to-order cakes, and they are busy, so if you’re looking for something for a special occasion, don’t wait to place your order. But for those of us just having a hankering, they have plenty of options in the storefront as well. I personally have a love for snickerdoodles, but white chocolate macadamia is a joy as well.
Maryville | 1909 Sevierville Road, Maryville, TN 37804 | artofcakesbakery.com
Marble City Sweets
I’m afraid I don’t have enough special events in my life to justify all the cus- tom-order cakes on this list, but I’ll do my best, just for Marble City Sweets. This minority-owned bakery in Market Place off Kingston Pike promises sweets that are truly over the top, and they make good on that promise. For those of us who haven’t yet found that excuse for a custom order, you can never be entirely sure what you’ll find waiting for you in the case, but you can rest assured you won’t regret the first bite or the last.
Cedar Bluff | 9307 Kingston Pike B, Knoxville, TN 37922 | marblecitysweets.com
Heidi’s Bakery
Heidi’s is the place for cakes of all shapes and sizes. You’ll see on Heidi’s website that they advertise their wares as being perfect for special occasions—like that holiday get-together—but sometimes the special occasion is simply “because I want one.” Heidi offers both ready-made and custom-made items; as I don’t have the room in my stomach for a full dozen custom cupcakes, I stuck to a single key lime cupcake to satisfy my love for citrus during my visit, but just about every one of those specialty fondant cupcakes looked tempting… seems to me like a perfect excuse to host a holiday gathering!
East Knox | 4505 Greenway Drive, Knoxville, TN 37918 | heidishomecooking.com
Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company
The cookies have spread! Theoretically, you could pay a visit to all three of their locations for three times the cookies. Since I don’t want to be a bad influence on your diet, I won’t recommend doing this, but I did want to mention it just in case…And in case you do pay them a visit (or three), there are enough options to keep you satisfied each time. Their Caramel by the Sea cookie was once named Best Cookie in Tennessee, which was enough reason for me to give it a try. I might be picking up a box on my way to Thanksgiving dinner—the family needs to try these.
Farragut, Bearden, & Fountain City | moonshinemountaincookies.com
Wild Love Bakehouse
We’re hardly the first publication to put this downtown spot on a list—in fact, Wild Love Bakehouse has previously been dubbed the Best Bakery in America. If the fact that
a bakery has managed to snag this title from among all the bakeries in the country isn’t enough to entice you to give it a try, then perhaps you can take my humble word for it. This bakery was a regular haunt for me back when I worked downtown, and it wasn’t just for my sweet tooth. Their lunch options are unique and savory. The menu is always in flux, but you won’t regret getting it—especially during those last minute holiday shopping trips downtown.
Downtown | 1625 N Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37917 | wildlovebakehouse.com
Ham’N Goody’s
This one’s another three-location wonder; if you want me to lay out another route so you can visit all three, please let me know. But in the meantime, let’s talk about the food. I’ll be honest, even though the cookies are front and center on their website, “bakery” was rarely my first thought when it came to Ham’N Goody’s, and I think that’s because of the delectable sandwiches (and the biscuits’n gravy, though it’s been a while since I’ve indulged that particular fancy). Build yourself one of their classic sandwiches (and they have vegetarian options!), or get one of their specialties, and dig in! And then give the pound cake a try – there’s a reason I’ve reconciled Ham’N Goody’s as a bakery these days.
Northshore, Cedar Bluff, & Downtown | hamngoodys.com