If there’s one thing we’ve noticed over the past several years, it’s how much bakeries have stepped up their game. Some embody a personal expression of a baker’s identity, while others push the envelope beyond expected flavor combinations; all excel at a time when “little treat” culture is at its peak.

A woman in a mesh shirt garnishes a pie in a brightly-colored kitchen
A slice of pie is set on a plate
A selection of pastries in a box from Diljān
A circular pastry with cream and pistachio
Cube pastries receive a squiggle of cream
Parachute’s chef garnishes pastries in the kitchen
A gif of streusel being dusted on custard tarts
A tray of sugar-dusted cardamom croissants
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