Henry's Sweet Retreat & Bakery

Henry's Sweet Retreat & Bakery: Your Destination for Sweetness in Bethesda

For residents and visitors of Montgomery County, Maryland, finding a truly exceptional spot for desserts, treats, and unique gifts can be a delightful journey. Henry's Sweet Retreat & Bakery in Bethesda stands out as a unique local gem, offering much more than just baked goods. It is a vibrant, one-stop shop that proudly identifies as a women-owned business and a welcoming, LGBTQ+ friendly space, aiming to bring joy to patrons of all ages—from one to 100 years young, as they say. This local establishment seamlessly blends the charm of a classic bakery with the excitement of a modern candy market and dessert bar.

Since opening its doors, Henry’s Sweet Retreat has cultivated a loyal following by focusing on high-quality, homemade goods and a truly engaging customer experience. The atmosphere is consistently described as colorful, inviting, and filled with the delicious aromas of fresh-baked treats. While one customer noted the shop felt more like a candy store than a traditional bakery, it's this expansive and diverse inventory that makes the retreat a compelling destination. From finely crafted chocolates and ice cream sundaes to custom-made cakes and healthier options like Acai bowls, there’s a sweet selection for every craving and occasion. For those in the Maryland region looking for a delightful indulgence or planning a special event, Henry's Sweet Retreat & Bakery is a must-visit.

Location and Accessibility in Bethesda, MD

Conveniently situated in a prime area of Bethesda, Henry's Sweet Retreat & Bakery is easily accessible for anyone in the greater Montgomery County area. Its precise location places it in the heart of local activity, making it an excellent stop during a quick visit or a planned dessert run.

The shop is located at: 4823 St Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.

For customers driving to the location, paid street parking is available nearby. The establishment is also committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy their treats, offering high marks for accessibility. The location features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, making it inclusive for all members of the Maryland community.

Current operating hours generally extend into the evening, providing ample opportunity to satisfy a late-day sweet tooth. From Monday to Thursday, the hours are typically 11 am to 8 pm; on Fridays and Saturdays, they are open from 11 am to 9 pm; and on Sundays, hours are 12 pm to 8 pm. It’s always best to call ahead for confirmation on holidays or special occasions.

Services Offered at Henry’s Sweet Retreat & Bakery

Henry's Sweet Retreat & Bakery is not limited to one specialty; it's a multi-faceted dessert destination that offers an incredible array of products and services to the Maryland community. They strive to be a complete resource for sweet celebrations and daily indulgences.

Key services and product types available include:

• As a Bakery and Cake Shop: They offer a wide menu of homemade items, including classic and specialty cakes (like the Peanut Butter Bombe and Salted Caramel), cookies, bars, scones, muffins, and a variety of whole pies and cheesecakes (Key Lime, Banana Cream, Pumpkin Pie, and many more). They also offer Gluten Free Cookies for those with dietary restrictions.
• As a Cupcake Shop: Daily offerings typically include Chocolate, Vanilla, and Sweetfetti cupcakes, with a host of other specialty flavors like Salted Caramel and Cookies & Cream available, often by pre-order.
• As an Ice Cream Shop and Dessert Restaurant: Patrons can indulge in premium, scooped ice cream from brands like Graeter’s and Moorenko’s, or choose from incredible signature Sundaes such as The Granddaddy Sundae (warm brownie and black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream) and the Salty Viking Sundae (salted caramel with pralines).
• As a Candy Store and Fine Chocolatier: The selection is extensive, featuring candy by the pound, nostalgic candy, specialty fine chocolates, including Birnn Truffles and various sea salt caramels, and store-made fudge in over 12 flavors.
• As a Popcorn Store: The shop offers kettle corn and popcorn, often incorporated into gift baskets or available for general purchase.
• For Party and Event Services: They operate as a Children’s Party Service by offering in-store birthday party packages with activities like cookie and cupcake decorating, games, and optional pizza. They also provide customizable Gift Baskets for holidays, birthdays, and corporate appreciation.
• For Convenience and Retail: Services include curbside pickup, delivery, and in-store pickup. They also offer Bake at Home options, like frozen cookie dough balls and pop tarts, for enjoying the retreat's flavors at home.
• For Beverages: The shop serves Coffee (drip and espresso), hot tea, milkshakes, malts, and a large selection of bottled sodas and seasonal drinks like hot chocolate and lemonade.
• For Healthier Options: They offer several variations of Acai Bowls (Classic Crave, Nutty Crave, Ultimate Crave) and Coconut Bowls, topped with granola, fresh fruit, and other ingredients for a quick, wholesome, and sweet meal.

Key Features and Highlights

Henry's Sweet Retreat & Bakery is distinguished by several unique features that elevate it beyond a standard sweet shop, establishing it as a dynamic part of the Bethesda local business scene.

• Diverse Menu and Offerings: The store's unique combination of a bakery, fine chocolate shop, and ice cream parlor means they cater to virtually every type of sweet craving. Highly-rated items include their homemade Cookies (especially the Salted Toffee cookie praised by customers), Cake Pops, and rich Bars.
• Customized Celebrations: They excel at custom and personalized cakes and cupcakes for birthdays and events. The options extend beyond just dessert, with full Birthday Party Experiences—including themed games and activities—available both in-store and as at-home packages.
• Emphasis on Fine Confections: Beyond baked goods, the shop is a notable candy and chocolate source, carrying quality items like Birnn Truffles of Vermont, which are gluten-free and often kosher certified, alongside house-made fudge, chocolate-covered pretzels, and sea salt caramels.
• Commitment to Inclusivity: The business explicitly identifies as LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring a welcoming and comfortable environment for all patrons in the Maryland community.
• Convenient Service Options: The bakery has adapted to modern customer needs with multiple service options: Delivery, Curbside Pickup, In-Store Shopping, and In-Store Pickup, ensuring that getting your favorite treats is always easy.
• Business Identity: Henry's Sweet Retreat is proudly a women-owned business, contributing to the diversity and strength of the local Montgomery County business landscape.

Contact and Location Information

To plan your visit, place a custom order, or inquire about party packages, here is the essential contact information for Henry's Sweet Retreat & Bakery.

• Address: 4823 St Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
• Phone: (240) 483-0485

For accessibility, customers should note the available wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot. When visiting, remember that paid street parking is the primary option. The shop accepts modern payment methods including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, and offers Wi-Fi for customer convenience.

What is Worth Choosing at Henry's Sweet Retreat & Bakery

Henry's Sweet Retreat & Bakery is worth choosing for Maryland locals because it's more than just a place to buy a dessert; it’s a full-service dessert and celebration venue. For residents in Bethesda and the surrounding areas, the retreat offers an unparalleled level of variety and convenience, making it the ideal choice for several key reasons.

If you are looking for a quick treat, the sheer number of options—from the highly-rated Salted Toffee Cookies and fresh Acai Bowls to creamy Milkshakes and premium Graeter's Ice Cream sundaes—means there’s always something new to try. Customers consistently praise the friendly service and the vast inventory, recognizing it as a small store that packs a huge punch. While some customers may occasionally find the buttercream or ice cream base to be mild, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the richness of the ice cream and the quality of their best-selling baked goods.

For families, the venue is a lifesaver. It serves as a full-fledged Children's Party Service, taking the stress out of planning with structured, fun activities like cookie and cupcake decorating. The ability to source custom cakes, party favors, and the party experience all in one place—supported by a welcoming and community-focused women-owned business—is a significant draw. Whether you need a sophisticated adult gift basket filled with fine chocolates and sea salt caramels, a fun basket for a child’s birthday, or a simple slice of the Cake of the Day, Henry's Sweet Retreat provides quality, variety, and a sense of local community that keeps people coming back. For your next celebration or just a quick moment of indulgence, remember this beloved Bethesda institution.

Henry's Sweet Retreat & Bakery

4823 St Elmo Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA