Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, y’all. Even though it holds the dear spot of fourth Thursday in November year after year, it still manages to sneak up on us (after all, didn’t Halloween just happen?!). This year, we’re encouraging our hostesses to give themselves a break. Once your appetizers are prepared, your turkey is basted and your table is set, let the professionals at Atlanta’s area bakeries handle the rest. Place an order ahead of time for a Thanksgiving dessert sure to be the icing on the cake … or should we say, the whipped cream on the pie?

The Little Tart Bakeshop

99 Krog St., Atlanta, GA 30307 (Plus three additional locations)
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Little Tart’s pastries have been an Atlanta staple since 2010. With several farmers’ market locations, you can find them all over town on any given weekend, however the most reliable spot to select your sweets is either at their OG location at the Jane or at their permanent stall at Krog Street Market. Harried hostesses can choose a selection of individual tarts, danishes and cookies for a delectable dessert spread, or if you’re a lady with a plan, peruse their special Thanksgiving menu. There you’ll find items like pumpkin caramel pie, maple pecan pie, apple galette, chocolate caramel tart and more. Orders can be picked up at several locations, but make sure you’ve secured your choice by Sunday, November 19.

The Little Tart’s Thanksgiving menu includes the likes of pumpkin caramel pie, maple pecan pie, and their special kouign amann. Image: Little Tart Bakeshop
The Little Tart’s Thanksgiving menu includes the likes of pumpkin caramel pie, maple pecan pie and their special kouign amann. Image: The Little Tart Bakeshop

Lucy’s Market

56 E. Andrews Drive NW, Ste. 15, Atlanta, GA 30305
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

With everything from rum cake to lemon squares and chocolate brownies to decorated cookies, Lucy’s Market comes to the rescue of hostesses in a pinch time and time again. Their assortment of pre-made desserts is tough to beat both in variety and in flavor; plus their prime location and helpful staff make shopping a breeze. Besides being a stress-free destination for overloaded cooks, Lucy’s is also perfect for those of us who might not be preparing the entire meal. Don’t show up empty-handed. Instead, volunteer to bring dessert and head to Lucy’s for one of their pumpkin pies complete with streusel. Place it on your grandmother’s cake plate for a stunning presentation and wow everyone upon arrival. Orders are due by Friday, November 17 at noon.

From pound cakes to Heavenly Bars (seen here), Lucy’s has your Thanksgiving dessert covered. Image: Lucy’s Market
From pound cakes to Heavenly Bars (seen here), Lucy’s has your Thanksgiving dessert covered. Image: Lucy’s Market

Proof Bakeshop

100 Hurt St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We fully recognize that there might be some pie naysayers among us, so a place that has stunning cakes, like Proof Bakeshop, is worth a mention. A sister restaurant to both Cakes & Ale and Bread & Butterfly, you can rest assured your bakery experience will be top-notch. The bakery offers a variety of baked goods ranging from croissants to brownies, but the real stars of the show are the fresh-baked cakes. There are classics like chocolate and carrot, but the seasonal varieties, including chocolate hazelnut and spiced caramel apple, are not to be missed. With the Thanksgiving rush, reserve your cake by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 20.

Wow guests this year with a Thanksgiving cake from Proof Bakeshop. Image: Amy Sinclair for Proof Bakeshop
Wow guests this year with a Thanksgiving cake from Proof Bakeshop. Image: Amy Sinclair for Proof Bakeshop

Southern Baked Pie Company

3145 Peachtree Road, Ste. 165, Atlanta, GA 30305 (Plus two OTP locations)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We would be remiss not to include a pie shop on this list, and Southern Baked takes the cake … err … pie. We fawn over their everyday flavors, but their seasonal specialties are worth a shout-out too. Owner Amanda Wilbanks jokes, “It would be a sin to have a Thanksgiving celebration without a pecan pie,” and try as we might, we just can’t help but agree. Southern Baked’s caramel apple pecan has our favorite flavors all rolled into one, and their pumpkin pie is the right balance of sweet and spicy. Another crowd favorite that might surprise you? Peanut butter pie. Frozen and ready for transporting across state lines, it’s pie perfection. The deadline for Thanksgiving orders at Southern Baked Pie is Wednesday, November 15.

Southern Baked Pie owner Amanda Wilbanks jokes, “It would be a sin to have a Thanksgiving celebration without a pecan pie.” Image: Nicole Letts
Southern Baked Pie Company owner Amanda Wilbanks jokes, “It would be a sin to have a Thanksgiving celebration without a pecan pie.” Image: Nicole Letts

Southern Sweets Bakery

186 Rio Cir., Decatur, GA 30030
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Decatur’s Southern Sweets Bakery is a staple for those looking to delve into a delicious dessert on Thanksgiving. The bakery offers a ton of choices ranging from just about every cake under the sun to a variety of cookies, tarts and cheesecakes. Their “deep dish” pies are the sweet stuff Sugar Plum dreams are made of, but we can’t help but drool over their sweet potato praline cheesecake because we’ve never met anything praline we didn’t love. Besides being absolutely delicious, we recommend Southern Sweets because they specialize in something that few other bakeries do: vegan and gluten-free options. With over 10 vegan-friendly selections and some gluten-free items too, you can be sure there’s a dessert for every guest at your table. If you want to add a Southern Sweets dessert to your spread, place your order by Friday, November 17.

With vegan and gluten-free options, Southern Sweets Bakery has a delectable sweet for every guest at your table. Image: Southern Sweets Bakery.
With vegan and gluten-free options, Southern Sweets Bakery has a delectable sweet for every guest at your table. Image: Southern Sweets Bakery

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At StyleBlueprint we take our taste buds seriously! For more food inspiration, check out our food section.

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About the Author
Nicole Letts

Nicole is a life-long Southerner and freelance journalist based in Atlanta who relishes sharing the stories of inspiring Southern businesses and residents. When she’s not weaving her next tale, you can find her stitching cheeky needlepoint canvases or perusing area antique shops.