There are people I know, who might be related to me, who follow The Great Canadian Baking Show with the same kind of fervour I’d attach to a World Cup or a Super Bowl. And, in the fourth season of the CBC baking showdown, Edmonton’s Larry Harris proved himself to be the wiz of bread-making and pretzels. There were broken hearts in the home when he was eliminated, but it was a surprise to no one when he opened Bonne Vie Bakery after his run on the show. Go to the website, check what’s coming on the next “bake day,” and order ahead. Look for Harris’s twists to sourdough bread — and, yes sometimes there are pretzels, too. And, yes, there are sweet treats on offer, too. Hey, it’s fun to order from a celebrity. – Steven Sandor
286 Heath Rd., NW, 780-619-4231, BonneVieBC.com
Birdhouse Bakeshop is a sweet tooth’s dream. Elizabeth Ho started the business out of her home in 2020 as a pandemic side job because she wanted to explore her passion for baking. She specializes in small batch, made-to-order cakes, cookies and squares that have gained a social following and have been reposted by Food Network Canada. What sets Birdhouse Bakeshop apart from other bakeries is the experimental flavours like raspberry, pink peppercorn and white chocolate sablé cookies and brown butter Earl Grey cake with raspberry rosewater jam and coconut white chocolate buttercream icing. With no physical storefront, these viral-worthy sweet treats are only available to order on social media. – Katrina Turchin
Birdhouse Bakeshop’s Instagram page
As is now the norm for many, home-based Söta Saker opened during year one of the pandemic. The difference is, as far as owners Jenna Marsh and Pontus Ullberg know, it’s the only bakery offering Scandinavian-style sweets in the Edmonton area. The treats are lighter and crispier than most North American baked goods, and use less sugar. Instead, they use airier cardamon, for things like Kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) and Kardemummakaka (cardamon cake), which is like a North American coffee cake. It’s a great place to go change things up while still satisfying your sweet tooth. – Cory Schachtel
68 Akins Drive, St., Albert, 780-399-0444, SotaSakerYEG.Square
