5 Must-Try Bakeries in Long Beach: A Local’s Sweet (and Flaky) Guide

Long Beach is packed with charm, creativity, and—if you know where to look—some truly unforgettable bakeries. I’m Beatrix Whipple, your local guide (and avid baker), and today we’re taking a delicious tour through five of my favorite spots for pastries, artisan bread, and sweet nostalgia.

Whether you’re a full-on foodie or you just love supporting small businesses with big heart, this list will leave you inspired… and a little hungry.

Five must-try bakeries that capture the flavor and creativity of Long Beach.

1) Moonbridge Donut Studio (creative donuts with heart)

Moonbridge donuts feel like art first—and a treat second (in the best way).

Moonbridge Donut Studio is where edible art meets deep meaning. Opened by Annabelle Brown and Kim Gross in early 2024, this spot blends creativity, tradition, and a personal story that comes through in every detail.

What makes it special

Moonbridge is inspired by a visual symbol: a semicircle bridge reflected by the moon in the water becomes a full circle—just like a donut. For the owners, it represents a “full circle” journey and a bridge between past and present.

What to order

• Vietnamese coffee donut

• Blueberry pie

• Campfire pancake

• Must-try: almond citrus poppy seed old-fashioned (bright + comforting)

2) Colossus Bakery (croissants + cult-favorite pastries)

Colossus is the “show up early” bakery—because the best stuff goes fast.

If you love laminated pastries, Colossus is the kind of place you’ll daydream about later. Founded by Kristen Rodriguez, this woman-owned bakery built a cult following through farmers markets before expanding into two beloved locations.

Why locals line up

Everything is thoughtfully crafted, with a long fermentation process that gives their pastries and breads extra flavor and depth.

What to order

• Queen Aman (legend status)

• Seasonal pastries

• A fresh loaf (because that smell alone is worth it)

3) Hey Brother Baker (sourdough + a true Long Beach origin story)

From a garage oven to one of Long Beach’s most-loved loaves.

Hey Brother Baker started out of Jesse Helen Lloyd’s garage, and Long Beach foodies swear by it for a reason: the sourdough is exceptional, the craftsmanship is real, and the story is pure local grit.

Jesse’s baking journey kicked off after tasting life-changing sourdough at Outerlands in San Francisco. He taught himself, started building ovens, sold at farmers markets, and grew from there—one loaf at a time.

Coming soon (and very exciting)

A brick-and-mortar space with a small café up front and bread-making in the back—so you can literally watch the magic happen.

What to order

• Sourdough loaves

• Laminated pastries (if you catch them)

4) OBRA Hand Bakery (oven-baked empanadas + Latin flavor)

Flaky, savory, and baked fresh—OBRA is a must for empanada lovers.

Ready for something savory? OBRA is known for oven-baked empanadas and signature “OBRA balls,” created by Chef Caesar and LSE in a warm, welcoming spot that celebrates heritage and community.

Originally a Latin American restaurant, OBRA evolved into a bakery locals adore for authentic flavors and cozy vibes.

What to order

• Fresh baked empanadas (the thing they’re famous for)

5) Frosted Cupcakery (the sweetest Long Beach institution)

A Long Beach classic—sweet, nostalgic, and worth the line.

Frosted Cupcakery has been part of Long Beach since 2005, and it’s one of those places that feels like a celebration the moment you walk in. Their cupcakes are handmade daily with velvety buttercream and cream cheese frostings—and locals consistently line up for the classics.

Personal note (because it’s true)

When I was pregnant, I came in for a cupcake every day—so yes, Frosted is genuinely close to my heart.

What to order

• The iconic s’mores cupcake (graham + cake + milk chocolate + buttercream + toasted marshmallow)

Why they’ve lasted 20 years

They’ve stayed committed to ingredients—never skimping, even when costs rise—because quality is the point.

Quick map-friendly recap

• Moonbridge Donut Studio → creative, whimsical donuts

• Colossus Bakery → croissants, Queen Aman, artisan breads

• Hey Brother Baker → sourdough + local legend energy

• OBRA Hand Bakery → baked empanadas + Latin flavor

• Frosted Cupcakery → cupcakes + Long Beach nostalgia

Final bite

Exploring these bakeries is a reminder of what makes Long Beach special: passionate makers, creative flavors, and businesses that become part of our memories.

If you try one, tell me which bakery you loved most—and if you want more Long Beach tours and local favorites, subscribe and follow along for the next adventure.

Want more local guides (and real estate insight) from The Whipple Group?
Reach out anytime—we’re always happy to connect.