Southern Sweets Bakery

Southern Sweets Bakery Family-owned bakery handcrafting classic southern desserts, including gluten-free and vegan treats. What is the secret to their success?
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In 2022, Southern Sweets Bakery celebrates 30 years of bringing fresh baked pies, cakes and wonderful southern edibles to its patrons. It is not hard to find the answer if you spend any time with the bakery’s owner Nancy Cole as her exuberant passion for baking permeates every conversation. It all started when she was just three-years old, a little Nancy Cole would pull herself up to stand on a s

tool alongside her grandmother “Nana” while she prepared luscious desserts for their large family. As Nana worked her magic sifting ingredients, stirring liquids and preparing pans, Nancy stood there quietly taking it all in. A young, wide eyed Nancy watched her grandmother’s labor of love and listened to her Nana sing and hum beautiful melodies. These memories and lessons are now key ingredients to Nancy’s success. Young and eager three year old Nancy paid close attention to her grandma as she shared her cooking secrets and love of baking. When Nancy was given her first Easy Bake oven, it ignited her passion for baking. At age twelve she cooked her first Thanksgiving dinner complete with stuffing, vegetables, and real cranberry sauce. Her passion only grew from there and as a young mother of three, Nancy would wake her children up early every Friday morning and they would bake twenty loaves of bread for family, friends, and neighbors. Nancy’s passion turned into profession when a friend who delivered fruits and vegetables to a prominent Atlanta steakhouse mentioned that they were looking for apple and pecan pies. Knowing Nancy’s perfected skills of baking from personally receiving some of the Friday delicious baked bread, her friend encouraged her to get in contact with the restaurant. Nancy, now in a place where her children were in school and having some free time on her hands decided why not. She took the opportunity and called the restaurant. To her surprise, they gladly accepted the invitation to sample some of her baked goods. This was a twist of fate for Nancy, although baking was her passion, she had never baked pies before. Not one to back down from a challenge, Nancy stayed up all night baking, but the apple pie continued to have a large unwanted space between the pie filling and the crust. With integrity at stake she refused to compromise on her quality and rescheduled the appointment. Determined to master this skill, she called her Nana who offered her a tip for the apple pie “steam the apples ahead of time to prevent the space between the apple filling and the crust.” The once again wide eyed Nancy put her Nana’s advice to work to achieve her signature pie. This tip is still used today at Southern Sweets Bakery along with many of her grandmother’s other tips. Nancy spent the next night baking and preparing for the meeting with the steakhouse. After a stressful tasting with the general manager and head chef, the restaurant ended up ordering six of each which soon grew to an order twice a week. Little did Nancy know where this would go but she was in business and that prominent steakhouse has been good to her over the years, continuing to be one of her best customers today. After this humble beginning, the bakery’s reach continued to grow. In 1992 Nancy found a great out of the way building in Decatur, just blocks from the DeKalb Farmers Market to set up shop. Baking for over 20 restaurants and several hotels in the metro area she wanted to expand and offer their tasty delights to the public. A wonderful commercial baking kitchen was installed and the retail area with its lemon yellow walls and twirling ceiling fans was ready to greet the new retail customers. The bakery was making its weekly deliveries to restaurants, hotels, and businesses throughout the area and serving its growing walk in customers, but one day Nancy was challenged again. Many of the people working in the area who stopped in for a treat would ask about “real food”. There were just not a lot of options for them to grab a bite to eat in the vicinity. In response to this quest, the Southern Sweets Bakery began serving soup and sandwiches for lunch in 1998 and the bakery’s offerings continue to grow as today they have an extensive lunch menu and in 2012 they began serving great southern breakfasts like the fan’s favorite lox and bagels and Uriah’s buttermilk pancakes. With this introduction the bakery began to open earlier and expanded to seven days a week. Remember those kids Nancy used to wake up every Friday morning to bake the bread? Well, two of them caught the baking bug and today her daughter Ashley heads up the wedding cake department and son David manages the operations of the retail area at Southern Sweets Bakery. When talking about family, we must not forget the other employees who have assisted in making this company a success. Southern Sweets Bakery’s employees are considered family and this positive working environment is the other key ingredient to the bakery’s success. Nancy heart fully shared this statement: “We are grateful for being able to continue baking for the Atlanta community and could not have done it without our wonderful present and past employees.”
Today, 20 years later, Southern Sweets Bakery still operates the bakery in the remote Decatur warehouse district near the DeKalb Farmers Market and you can find Southern Sweets Bakery desserts on prominent restaurant menus all over the metro Atlanta area. Some of them quietly serve the scrumptious morsels and some of them having no qualms about sharing their dessert secrets. Anyone who stops by the Decatur bakery often can easily spot their signature creations throughout the community. Over the years they have added to the humble menu of apple and pecan pie and now they have something for virtually every sweet palette. Pies, cakes and treats which are gluten free or vegan can be found whole or by the slice. Visitors are always in for a treat at Southern Sweets Bakery. You are cordially invited to stop in and help us celebrate 20 years of baking in the Atlanta community. Enjoy our fresh, made to order, southern home-style morning or lunch fair. Whether you grab-n-go or linger over the last bite as you breath in the delectable aromas of the bakery, you are sure to enjoy what Nancy and her staff have prepared for you as they continue baking under the motto she learned from her Nana: “"Perfect Ingredients, Simple Preparation". All with a broad smile… come in and see us.

We are closed today in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen Tuesday, May 26 at 8am. Thank you for your continued s...
05/25/2026

We are closed today in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen Tuesday, May 26 at 8am. Thank you for your continued support

Mother's Day Specials available online and in store, reserve yours today 🌸
05/10/2026

Mother's Day Specials available online and in store, reserve yours today 🌸

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL 🌸Half Dozen Cupcake BoxPerfect size for a sweet surprise! 💗Available online and in store
05/07/2026

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL 🌸

Half Dozen Cupcake Box
Perfect size for a sweet surprise! 💗

Available online and in store

Celebrating the sweetest moms with the sweetest treats 💕 This Mother's Day, show her she's the icing on your life. Avail...
05/05/2026

Celebrating the sweetest moms with the sweetest treats 💕 This Mother's Day, show her she's the icing on your life. Available for pre-order now! 🌸

🐰✨ Happy Easter from all of us at Southern Sweets Bakery!Wishing you a day filled with sweet moments, cherished memories...
04/05/2026

🐰✨ Happy Easter from all of us at Southern Sweets Bakery!
Wishing you a day filled with sweet moments, cherished memories, and maybe an extra slice of pie.

We're taking today to spend time with our families, but we'll be back in the kitchen Monday morning at 8am!

Looking for a vegan option this Easter? 🥕🌸 Our Easter Carrot Cake is made completely from scratch with no shortcuts. Ava...
04/02/2026

Looking for a vegan option this Easter? 🥕🌸 Our Easter Carrot Cake is made completely from scratch with no shortcuts. Available now for Easter order

Looking for a vegan option this Easter? 🥕🌸 Our Easter Carrot Cake is made completely from scratch with no shortcuts. Ava...
04/02/2026

Looking for a vegan option this Easter? 🥕🌸 Our Easter Carrot Cake is made completely from scratch with no shortcuts. Available now for Easter orders. Link in bio!

Spring means fresh starts and favorite flavors 🌸 Our amaretto butter cake has that warm almond sweetness that just hits ...
04/01/2026

Spring means fresh starts and favorite flavors 🌸 Our amaretto butter cake has that warm almond sweetness that just hits different this time of year. Perfect for Easter brunch, afternoon coffee, or honestly just because it's Tuesday. Stop by and grab a slice (or a whole cake, we won't judge).

Some things just belong on the Easter table 🥥🌸 Our Coconut Cake has been one of our most beloved desserts for as long as...
03/30/2026

Some things just belong on the Easter table 🥥🌸 Our Coconut Cake has been one of our most beloved desserts for as long as we can remember. Available by the slice in or the whole, link to order in bio

Our Peep Cake is available now!🐣🌈 Three layers of funfetti cake packed with funfetti filling, topped with rainbow frosti...
03/23/2026

Our Peep Cake is available now!🐣🌈 Three layers of funfetti cake packed with funfetti filling, topped with rainbow frosting and your favorite Easter marshmallow friends. Link in bio to order! 🛒

Cheers to the luck of the Irish! 🌈 Our March exclusive Bailey’s Irish Cream Cake is officially the guest of honor this m...
03/17/2026

Cheers to the luck of the Irish! 🌈 Our March exclusive Bailey’s Irish Cream Cake is officially the guest of honor this month. Stop by the bakery and grab yours before the luck runs out!

π may be irrational… but celebrating Pi Day with pie makes perfect sense. 🥧
03/14/2026

π may be irrational… but celebrating Pi Day with pie makes perfect sense. 🥧

We’ve been loving the vintage inspired look lately, this heart-shaped beauty is one of our recent favorites from the kit...
03/12/2026

We’ve been loving the vintage inspired look lately, this heart-shaped beauty is one of our recent favorites from the kitchen.

Planning a special day? Visit our site to inquire and share your vision with us.

Coming this April... something sweet is hatching.🪺
03/11/2026

Coming this April... something sweet is hatching.🪺

☘️ March Special: Irish Cream Cake is Back!Two layers of rich, moist chocolate cake are filled and frosted with our silk...
03/06/2026

☘️ March Special: Irish Cream Cake is Back!

Two layers of rich, moist chocolate cake are filled and frosted with our silky Irish cream buttercream, finished with a smooth chocolate ganache drip. It’s indulgent, cozy, and the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Stop by and treat yourself to one of our most requested seasonal favorites 😍

Looking to score some major brownie points this Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered. 🤎📍Fudge and Blondie Cookie cakes...
02/11/2026

Looking to score some major brownie points this Valentine’s Day? We’ve got you covered. 🤎
📍Fudge and Blondie Cookie cakes available online and in-store now

A Heart of Gold (and Plenty of Butter) 💛
02/04/2026

A Heart of Gold (and Plenty of Butter) 💛

THEY’RE BACK! 🍫💖 Our beloved Mini Chocolate Hearts have returned to the menu and are staying all month long!These aren't...
02/02/2026

THEY’RE BACK! 🍫💖 Our beloved Mini Chocolate Hearts have returned to the menu and are staying all month long!

These aren't just any chocolates. We craft each one with our signature old-fashion chocolate and top them with a silky layer of rich ganache. They are the perfect "sweet little something" for your partner, your besties, or your own afternoon coffee break.

🚨 NEW CAKE ALERT! 🚨Say hello to our February "Showstopper" : White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake!This monthly exclusive...
02/02/2026

🚨 NEW CAKE ALERT! 🚨

Say hello to our February "Showstopper" : White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake!

This monthly exclusive is a total vibrant flavor explosion. Served perfectly chilled, the tangy raspberry pair beautifully with our rich, velvety white chocolate for a refreshing treat.

It’s only here for February, so don't wait to fall in love! 💖

📍 Available in store or 📲 Shop our full Valentine's Collection Online

01/25/2026
A quick update: we’re closed Thurs & Fri for the holiday.Phone and website ordering will be back after the holiday — all...
11/23/2025

A quick update: we’re closed Thurs & Fri for the holiday.

Phone and website ordering will be back after the holiday — all items are stocked and available in-store. We appreciate your understanding

Friday, 11-21 last day to pre-order Thanksgiving desserts!🍁🦃
11/16/2025

Friday, 11-21 last day to pre-order Thanksgiving desserts!🍁🦃

A twist on our beloved classic featuring buttery crust, toasted pecans, and chocolate glaze. Share the love this holida...
11/12/2025

A twist on our beloved classic featuring buttery crust, toasted pecans, and chocolate glaze. Share the love this holiday season with our chocolate pecan tart 💛

🚨 New Cake Drop! Say hello to our Caramel Apple Cheesecake Sweet, spiced, silky, and drizzled with caramel perfection! A...
11/07/2025

🚨 New Cake Drop! Say hello to our Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Sweet, spiced, silky, and drizzled with caramel perfection! Available all November, but it’s especially perfect for sharing on Thanksgiving 🥧

Thanksgiving preorders are live! 🦃 Let us take care of dessert while you make memories.This month’s cozy additions: Cara...
11/04/2025

Thanksgiving preorders are live! 🦃 Let us take care of dessert while you make memories.

This month’s cozy additions: Caramel Apple Cheesecake, Ginger Layer Cake

Address

186 Rio Cir
Decatur, GA
30030

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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