Whether you’re a Valentine’s Day lover or feel a natural bitterness toward Hallmark this time of year, one thing’s for sure: it’s a great excuse to indulge. Luckily, Charlotte has sweet treats around every corner.
Here are a few dessert purveyors around town to follow to help inspire that V-day gift for your loved one (or, even better, yourself).
Sam Allen, The Crazy Baker
Owner of Wentworth & Fenn
We dare you to not crave something sweet after exploring Chef Allen’s beautiful Instagram feeds. The former executive pastry chef of The Fig Tree opened Wentworth & Fenn with her wife and is also an instructor at Sweet Spot Studio.
SAS Cupcakes
The sweet team at SAS Cupcakes always whips up the cutest treats for EVERY holiday. So you know they do it right for the holiday of love.
Michelle Thomas, The Secret Ingredient Is
Michelle doesn’t exclusively post desserts, but when she does… game over. You’ll immediately run to your local grocery store to pick up ingredients for her hot chocolate cookies, pumpkin pie cheesecake, or chocolate peanut butter cereal bars.
Bar Cocoa, The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte
Under pastry chef Hannah Neikirk, the Bar Cocoa team churns out gorgeous desserts year-round. Swing by this spot to pick up a cookie, macaron, or cakette for your sweetie.
Amelie’s French Bakery
You know the feeling you get when you approach Amelie’s glass case of macarons, French pastries, and all the delights? Feel that same love over and over again when you follow them on Insta.
Elizabeth Plybon, Cookie Decorator at Suárez Bakery
If you aren’t already following Suárez’s cookie master, what have you been doing? Every time you think she’s made your favorite design, she’ll post another and make you re-think everything.
Cookie Dough Bliss
Residents of Concord are lucky to have this edible cookie dough shop right down the street. Surprise your sweetheart with a few bowls of various flavors (fun fact: they serve vegan and gluten-free options, too.)
La Piccola Gabbia
Gabija Vecci opened La Piccola Gabbia in 7th Street Public Market last year and focuses on petite pastries. But there’s nothing petite about the beauty and flavor of her baked treats.
Potts Chocolate
Switch up your standard box of chocolates for a box of Potts homemade chocolates, truffles, caramels, you name it. Your sweetie will thank you.
Le Macaron
Say “love ya” with a box of pretty macarons or a cup of gelato from this French bakery at the Metropolitan.
The Percantile & Creamery
This 1920s-themed coffee and ice cream shop serves all kinds of goodies, like waffles, homemade brownies, truffles, and even this giant sundae. You’ll leave with a smile on your face and extra love in your heart.
Sunflour Baking Company
Homemade pop tarts, muffins, cookies, deli sandwiches, coffee drinks, and giant cheese biscuits. Just a few of the glorious things you’ll find at Sunflour.
Cupcrazed
Cupcrazed always brings it, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Tired of the standard “I love you” and “Be mine” messages? They’ll hook you up with something extra special for your loved one.
Renaissance Patisserie
Looking for a flaky, golden croissant or fabulous berry tarte? This French bakery offers treats of all varieties and will impress your lucky recipient.
Abbott’s Frozen Custard
Dreaming of summertime sweets? Abbott’s Frozen Custard will satisfy that craving all year long. Grab your darling and head to this kid-friendly spot for a few scoops, banana sundae, or custard chipwheel.
Chrissy’s Delights
Do your dreams consist of devouring tasty cupcakes and cinnamon rolls? Same. Follow Chrissy’s Delights for all that and more, including Nutella rolls and cookies ‘n’ creme rolls.
