McFarlan Bake Shop

For nearly a century, McFarlan Bake Shop has been more than just a place to buy sweets; it is a Hendersonville, North Carolina institution. Located prominently on North Main Street, this bakery has been a fixture in the community since the 1930s, preserving a sense of nostalgia and tradition that is increasingly rare in the modern world. North Carolina locals who walk through its doors often comment on the familiar atmosphere, noting that it feels "exactly the same" as it did when they were children. This consistency and commitment to the past are central to the shop’s enduring appeal.

McFarlan Bake Shop prides itself on making all its products the "old-fashioned way"—from scratch. This dedication to traditional baking methods means they use base ingredients that are recognizable, like butter, sugar, and eggs, to create their delectable offerings. Recipes that date back to the 1930s are still in use today, ensuring that customers can taste a genuine piece of Hendersonville history with favorites like the Old Fashioned 8-Layer Pound Cake and the classic Chocolate Cake with Fudge Icing. This commitment to quality and tradition is what makes McFarlan's a celebrated cultural touchstone in Western North Carolina.

The bakery offers a truly overwhelming and irresistible variety, encompassing everything from morning pastries and donuts to elaborate custom cakes and seasonal pies. While some customers, as with any busy establishment, may occasionally note minor inconsistencies in service or may not be thrilled with every single item—one review mentioned that the "rest was just okay" outside of the chocolate chewy cookie—the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding their signature items. Best-sellers like their "to die for" cinnamon rolls, amazing donuts, apple fritters, and the rich, historic 8-Layer Pound Cake keep local customers and visitors lining up, often carrying the bakery's signature white boxes down Main Street.

McFarlan Bake Shop caters to every sweet need, whether you are picking up a quick breakfast treat or planning a major life celebration. They offer an array of customization options for cakes and convenient service choices like takeout and in-store pickup. This combination of deep tradition, unparalleled variety, and practical service makes McFarlan Bake Shop a must-visit destination for anyone in the North Carolina region seeking authentic, homemade baked goods.

McFarlan Bake Shop holds a cherished spot in the heart of downtown Hendersonville, NC, at 309 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA. Its central location makes it highly visible and easily accessible for North Carolina residents and tourists visiting the historic downtown area. The bakery operates from Tuesday through Saturday, typically opening early at 7:00 a.m. and closing at 5:30 p.m., catering perfectly to both morning commuters and afternoon shoppers.

For an establishment steeped in history and located in an older downtown setting, the bakery is attentive to modern accessibility needs:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensures that all members of the community can comfortably enter and enjoy the shop's offerings.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: While the primary parking in the downtown area is paid street parking, this designation suggests accessible spots are maintained nearby or available for convenient drop-off.
• Paid Street Parking: Parking is available along North Main Street, common for downtown commercial areas, which adds to the convenience of a "quick visit."

The ease of locating the shop on Main Street and its commitment to accessibility make it a hassle-free choice for a delightful stop during any visit to Hendersonville.

McFarlan Bake Shop offers a focused set of services that maximize convenience and cater to both daily cravings and special event planning.

• In-store Pickup: Easily collect pre-ordered custom cakes, large pie orders, or bulk pastries, minimizing wait time.
• Takeout: All products are available for quick takeout, perfect for grab-and-go treats for breakfast or a mid-day snack.
• Custom Cake Orders: The staff works with customers to create personalized cakes for all occasions (weddings, birthdays, retirement), offering a choice of batter (White, Yellow, Red Velvet, etc.), filling (Lemon, Raspberry, Chocolate Custard, etc.), and icing (Fudge, Cream Cheese, Buttercream).
• Special Order Notice: Customers should note that a minimum of 24 hours is required for special order cakes 6"-8" and 48 hours for cakes 9" or larger, ensuring freshness and quality.
• Breakfast Options: The bakery is classified with a "Breakfast" dining option, highlighting its array of early-morning staples like donuts, cinnamon rolls, and coffee.
• Payment Convenience: Accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments ensures a fast and flexible transaction experience.

The charm and success of McFarlan Bake Shop are rooted in its unique features that draw North Carolina patrons back time and again.

• Decades of Tradition: Operating since the 1930s, the bakery offers a highly nostalgic and authentic experience, with many recipes dating back to its founding.
• “Made From Scratch” Commitment: The core highlight is the dedication to traditional baking methods, focusing on simple, high-quality, recognizable base ingredients.
• Famous Best Sellers: Must-try items include the "to die for" cinnamon rolls (a number one seller), glazed donuts, fast-selling apple fritters, and the historic Old Fashioned 8-Layer Pound Cake.
• Iconic Cookies and Sweets: The case is filled with over 100 items daily, including popular chocolate chewies, the iconic clown cookies, and a vast assortment of cookie flavors (like Ginger and Molasses, Teaballs, Scottish Shortbread, and Key Lime).
• Extensive Pie Menu: Specializing in classic pies, including Lemon Meringue, Coconut Meringue, and seasonal delights like Georgia Peach Pie, they offer a perfect centerpiece for any North Carolina meal or holiday.

For North Carolina residents who wish to place a custom cake order, inquire about daily specials, or confirm product availability, the bakery encourages contact via phone during business hours.

Address: 309 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA

Phone (Best way to reach): (828) 693-4256

Mobile Phone: +1 828-693-4256

Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Closed Sunday and Monday)

McFarlan Bake Shop is unequivocally worth choosing for North Carolina patrons seeking a truly authentic, high-quality, and historically resonant bakery experience. While there may be other bakeries in the region, few can boast a continuous, nearly century-long legacy of using "made from scratch" recipes passed down through generations. This deep tradition guarantees a flavor profile that is both consistently delicious and nostalgically comforting—a genuine "taste of yesterday, baked fresh today."

Choosing McFarlan’s means you are choosing an establishment where the staff are creating over 100 items daily with skill and dedication. You get access to proven best-sellers that the community raves about, like the legendary cinnamon rolls and the decadent 8-Layer Pound Cake. This is not a bakery that relies on pre-mixes; it’s a commitment to the hard way being the best way. The extensive menu, from seasonal pies to customizable cakes and a wide range of unique cookies, ensures that McFarlan’s can fulfill every sweet need, from a quick morning coffee and donut to the most important wedding cake. For the North Carolina resident who values tradition, exceptional flavor, and supporting a cherished local icon, following the "white boxes" of McFarlan Bake Shop down Main Street is a non-negotiable part of the Hendersonville experience.

McFarlan Bake Shop

309 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792, USA