When you want fresh donuts, croissants, and everything in between, you cannot go wrong with a trip to Geraldine’s Bakery. Located in the heart of Asheville, this bakery serves as the ultimate spot to start your day and find sweet treats on the double. It’s a favorite of tourists and locals alike, and for good reason.
Owners Fred and Rosemary Dehlow go big on quality, making every last item using the best ingredients and proven baking techniques. The result? The croissants are light and flaky. The donuts are packed with flavor. And even the fresh-baked bread is truly special, with its rich crust and soft, airy crumb. Your sandwiches will never be the same after you’ve had them with Geraldine’s bread.
Fred named the bakery after his mother, intent on honoring her memory through every interaction. He greets every patron as if they were family and strives to make everyone feel right at home as soon as they walk into the shop. So, it’s no surprise that many longtime patrons feel overwhelming nostalgia wherever they visit. The warm, inviting atmosphere and scent of fresh baked goods transport them back to simpler times.
When you visit, you’ll find between 35 and 100 tempting items in their bakery case, ready for you to enjoy. They’re also happy to whip you up a full meal if you prefer. On any given day, they offer breakfast croissants, bagels topped with all the fixings, and a selection of lunchtime sandwiches.
If you’re thirsty, you won’t find a huge drink selection here. But they do have fresh drip coffee going all day long. Plus, you can get soda, juice, and other drinks out of the cooler near the front counter.
Although individual guests are this bakery’s bread and butter, they also serve many local restaurants. When you’re dining out, ask your server where they get their rolls, croissants, and bread, and you might be delighted to hear they come from Geraldine’s Bakery.
Get these scrumptious treats:
Donuts
If you want to start your day off right, stop by bright and early for the full selection of donuts. Their selection ranges from classic glaze delights to inventive PB&J donuts. But for the holy grail of donuts, don’t miss the Boston Crème. It’s absolutely stuffed with custard, which goes beautifully with the lightly sweet dough and chocolate glaze over top.
Croissants
Although Geraldine’s croissants come in only two flavors—plain and chocolate—each one offers a truly satisfying experience. The plain croissant lets the rich, buttery layers and flaky texture stand out beautifully. The chocolate croissant elevates those flavors even more, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
Cinnamon Rolls
If nothing else will do but pure sweetness in every bite, don’t hesitate to order the cinnamon rolls. Available in classic and Nutella flavors, these treats are endlessly indulgent. The soft, gooey layers of dough are swirled with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar, with the Nutella version adding a chocolate hazelnut kick.
If you’re planning a big bash, order a cake from Geraldine’s a few days in advance. They make cakes in nearly every flavor imaginable, including chocolate, red velvet, and carrot cake. Want to celebrate Mardi Gras in style? Call to order a king cake at least a week before the holiday.
Insider Tips:
-Whether you’re stopping by for a single item or planning a bulk order, you’ll want to stock up when you can. The most popular goodies sell out fast, with donuts often disappearing well before midday arrives.
-Ask about the potato donuts when you come in. They’re not available every day, but they’re well worth checking for again and again.
-Plan to take your treats to go if possible. The bakery has limited seating, so if you can grab a spot, you’re quite lucky indeed.
-The Facebook page for Geraldine’s is the best place to get the inside scoop on their daily menus, shop closures, and when their popular items sell out.