The Grocery Store Bakery Shoppers Say Is A 'Hidden Gem' For High-Quality Cookies, Pies, And Cakes

If you're missing a dedicated bakery in your neighborhood and fresh bread, artisan cakes, cookies, pies, or pastries are must-haves, you'll often turn to a grocery store bakery out of necessity or convenience. Grocery chains that focus more heavily on prepared foods are often known for a more eclectic bakery selection, but it might surprise you to know that Publix ranks among the best grocery store bakeries, according to customers. From the most basic goods like baguettes or brownies, to bakery items so tasty they call to you in the middle of the night, Publix has high-quality baked goods that consistently eclipse the competition.

According to fans on Reddit, this hidden gem among supermarket bakeries stands out for its customizable cakes for all occasions (including weddings) and bread. Then there are the rich, delectable sweets, such as New-Orleans based Chantilly cake, and chocolate ganache supreme cake.

The answers were deliciously varied when a Redditor asked Publix fans which one bakery item they'd choose. Key lime and pecan topped the pie category, while Raspberry Elegance, tres leches, and ganache were among the fan-favorite cakes. S'mores Decadent cookies also made the list. One commenter took it old school with the simple response, "the warm chocolate chip kids cookie that's still on the rack." Glazed croissants, cinnamon buns, and tiramisu also got mentions, while freshly baked rye bread came as no surprise, as Publix bakery breads have been touted as one of the reasons the chain's Pub subs are so beloved.

With such a large assortment of baked goods at Publix, there are plenty of reasons to try your favorite treats. But if you aren't in the market for an entire cake or a dozen donuts, Publix offers cake by the slice, including red velvet cream cheese, carrot cake cream cheese, vanilla buttercream, and chocolate ganache. Mini pies? Yes, please. You can find seasonal options like mini pumpkin cream cheese and mini eggnog pie, as well as mango key lime and cookies and cream.

If you can't live without cookies, choose from traditional options like oatmeal raisin or chocolate chip, and specialty cookies such as Linzer tart and black and white. One Redditor says, "My favorites are the Heath bar cookies ... I've already eaten 4 of them today. 10/10." 

Meyer lemon, carrot cake cookies, and cranberry orange also got top mentions, although some customers found a couple of varieties too sweet. One commenter in the r/Publix subreddit said, "The cookies and cream has me in a chokehold. It's absolutely divine!!!" but called the celebration cookie "disgustingly sweet" and said "the decadent chocolate was too rich." Sugar preferences aside, patrons agree that the bakery at Publix holds its own when it comes to quality and selection.