5 Underrated Bakeries in Downtown, Appleton WI Worth Trying
Updated 05 October 2026 · 12 bakeries in Downtown, Appleton WI considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This is a short guide to five underrated bakeries and cafes around Downtown Appleton, Wisconsin. A business qualified if it is rated 4.4 or higher on Google but has fewer than 400 reviews, and twelve qualifying businesses were considered. The five here are ranked by rating, weighted by review count. It is useful if you want a custom cake, fresh bread or a cafe breakfast away from the busiest names. Check each address and the hours before visiting.
#1
Hope’s Sweet Treats
★ 5 (26 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Hope's Sweet Treats is a bakery and cake shop on East Broadway Drive in Appleton, rated 5 from 26 reviews. Google does not list its hours, so contact the shop before visiting. Reviewers mention cakes and cupcakes for a baby shower and a baptism, cookie cakes, fresh and beautiful treats, and friendly service. Regulars point to the baker's ability to turn a customer's vision into a finished cake.
Best for: Custom cakes, cupcakes and cookie cakes
- Address
- W3130 E Broadway Dr Unit 8, Appleton, WI 54913, United States
- Hours
- hours not listed
#2
Moon Water Cafe
★ 4.8 (240 Google reviews)Cafe
Representative photo, not of this business.
Moon Water Cafe is a cafe on North Lawe Street in Appleton, rated 4.8 from 240 reviews. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm, Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm, and closed Monday. Reviewers mention vegan avocado toast on house-made bread, breakfast sandwiches, a spicy dirty chai, a vintage and artsy feel, outdoor seating and a wine selection. They also mention that the space is small, so patience helps.
Best for: Breakfast, house-made bread and coffee drinks
- Address
- 606 N Lawe St, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri 9 am–3 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 9 am–3 pm; Sun 9 am–1 pm; Thu 9 am–3 pm; Tue 9 am–3 pm; Wed 9 am–3 pm
#3
Appleton Bundt House
★ 4.8 (91 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Appleton Bundt House is a bakery and cake shop on West College Avenue in Appleton, rated 4.8 from 91 reviews. It is open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm and closed Friday to Sunday. Reviewers mention bundt cakes, bundt bites for sampling flavors, a gluten friendly chocolate velvet option, friendly owners, drinks, gift boxes and candles and cards for celebrations such as baby showers and weddings.
Best for: Bundt cakes for birthdays and showers
- Address
- 207 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, United States
- Hours
- Fri Closed; Mon 10 am–6 pm; Sat Closed; Sun Closed; Thu 10 am–6 pm; Tue 10 am–6 pm; Wed 10 am–6 pm
#4
Breadsmith of Appleton West
★ 4.8 (85 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Breadsmith of Appleton West is a bakery on North Westhill Boulevard in Appleton, rated 4.8 from 85 reviews. It is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm, and closed Sunday. Google lists delivery and in-store pickup. Reviewers mention flavorful honey whole wheat and multigrain loaves, cinnamon swirl bread, a cranberry orange muffin and lemon cookies. One reviewer mentions bread donations to nonprofits and food pantries.
Best for: Everyday loaves, muffins and cookies
- Address
- 670 N Westhill Blvd, Appleton, WI 54914, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–6 pm; Mon 8 am–6 pm; Sat 8 am–4 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 8 am–6 pm; Tue 8 am–6 pm; Wed 8 am–6 pm
#5
Breadsmith of Appleton East
★ 4.7 (127 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop$10–20 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Breadsmith of Appleton East is a bakery on Van Roy Road in Appleton, rated 4.7 from 127 reviews. It is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm, and closed Sunday. Google lists delivery, takeaway, coffee and free parking. Reviewers mention good bread, small loaves sized for one person, cookies, muffins, specialty dinner rolls and sauces, and knowledgeable, friendly staff.
Best for: Small loaves, rolls and regular bread runs
- Address
- W3165 Van Roy Rd, Appleton, WI 54915, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–6 pm; Mon 8 am–6 pm; Sat 8 am–4 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 8 am–6 pm; Tue 8 am–6 pm; Wed 8 am–6 pm
How we made this list
We looked at 12 bakeries in Downtown, Appleton WI with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 05 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Tips before you go
- For an early start, Breadsmith of Appleton West opens at 8 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated bakery on this list?
Hope’s Sweet Treats ranks first, with a Google rating of 5 from 26 reviews. Moon Water Cafe is second at 4.8 from 240 reviews.
Which bakeries in Downtown, Appleton WI are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Appleton Bundt House, at 6 pm.
How much does it cost at these bakeries?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Breadsmith of Appleton West $20–30; Breadsmith of Appleton East $10–20. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Breadsmith of Appleton East.
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