Holiday Dessert Guide: Albany's best bakeries, shops, & more

Ah, the Holiday Season. A party or get-together every other day, endless treats in the office gathering place, and never enough time to get all of the shopping done AND create the perfect dessert to bring to your family's gathering. 

Don't worry! We can help you find the dessert you can order, pick up, or purchase that won't disappoint because even if you didn't make it, it is homemade with love... by someone. 

Pie - In my family, it's just not the holidays without pie. Pecan, pumpkin, apple, blueberry, peach, wheat (yes, wheat), you name it, it's probably on the table or somewhere near it. And don't forget the homemade whipped cream! If you don't have the time to bake the perfect pie for your next gathering, no worries! Try these local businesses:

• Goold Orchards: 

• Choose from their wide selection of pies! Call ahead to order 518-732-7317.
• Hours this week:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9 AM-5 PM, Thursday 9 AM-3 PM, Closed Friday, Re-Open Saturday, December 26, 11 AM-4 PM.

• Grandma's Pies:
• Taking pie orders in person or over the phone 518-459-4585.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6 AM-10:30 PM, Thursday, December 24 pie pick up 6 AM-3 PM, Closed Friday. 

Chocolate - For those who may not like pie, chocolate is usually a pretty good alternative. It also makes an incredible last minute gift for that selective person on your gift list. Luckily, the Capital Region is full of incredible chocolatiers.

• Krause's Candy:
• Chocolate covered nuts, fudge, petit fours, gift boxes, and so much more! Call for more info & to place an order ahead of time 518-869-3950.
• Hours this week: Monday-Wednesday open 10 AM-6 PM, Thursday 10 AM-4 PM, closed Friday & Saturday. 

• Uncle Sam's Candy:
• Uncle Sam's offer butter crunch favorites, roasted nuts, and your favorite chocolates, too! Call ahead at 518-608-4949.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8 AM-8 PM, Thursday 8 AM-6 PM, Closed Friday. 

ANYTIME Favorites - Whether it's doughnuts, cheesecake, cannoli, cookies, or whatever your family prefers to have as a sweet treat during the holidays you'll find it at these local places:

• Cider Belly Doughnuts: 
• Be the hero of the holidays by showing up with a box or two of your favorite doughnuts! Call ahead at 518-253-4640.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6:30 AM-3 PM, Thursday 6 AM-Noon, Closed Friday. 

• Bella Napoli: 

• Cookies, cheesecake, and all of the Italian goodies you can dream up. Call ahead at 518-783-0196.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6:30 AM-10 PM, Thursday 6:30 AM-10 PM, Closed Friday. 

• Schuyler Bakery: 
• If small-town bakery is what you desire, then Schuyler Bakery is your go-to place for bread, cookies, bars, cupcakes, and anything else you can think of. Call ahead if you wish 518-273-0142.
• Hours this week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 5:30 AM-5:30 PM, Thursday from 5:30 AM-3 PM.