This Pennsylvania Bakery’s Sticky Buns Taste Just Like Childhood Memories
There are some tastes that do more than just delight your palate; they whisk you away on a magic carpet ride straight back to childhood. For many, that journey begins and ends with the warm, comforting embrace of a truly exceptional sticky bun.
Imagine the aroma of sweet cinnamon, rich caramelized sugar, and buttery dough wafting through the air, instantly conjuring images of Sunday mornings, grandparents’ kitchens, or special holiday treats. This isn’t just a nostalgic fantasy; it’s the tangible reality waiting for you at The Pennsylvania Bakery.
Their sticky buns aren’t merely baked goods; they are edible time capsules, promising a delicious return to those cherished, innocent days of youth and the comforting feelings of home.
Family Roots Run Deep
Ken and Michelle Schenk planted the seeds of sweetness when they opened The Pennsylvania Bakery in 1986 at 1713 Market Street in Camp Hill. What began as a modest family operation has blossomed into a beloved institution over decades of dedicated service.
The 1990s marked significant expansion as the Schenk daughters-Rachelle, Hillery, and Kendall-joined the family business, adding their own talents to the mix. Their collective passion for baking excellence has created a true family legacy.
Three generations of know-how now infuse every creation that emerges from their ovens, ensuring traditions pass from one set of skilled hands to another.
Scratch-Made Goodness In Every Bite
Unlike many modern bakeries that rely on pre-made mixes and shortcuts, The Pennsylvania Bakery stays true to traditional methods. Every single item is crafted from scratch on the premises-from mixing raw ingredients to proofing dough and baking to golden perfection.
Their Camp Hill location at 1713 Market Street houses both the retail shop and production kitchen where the magic happens daily. Customers can often catch glimpses of bakers working their craft behind partial glass dividers.
This commitment to authentic preparation is increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world, making their dedication to quality all the more remarkable.
Sticky Bun Varieties That Satisfy Every Craving
The bakery’s sticky bun menu offers something for every sweet tooth and occasion. Their mini sticky buns, sold by the dozen, make perfect party treats or family breakfast indulgences that disappear in seconds—I still remember fighting my siblings for the last one during Sunday breakfasts growing up.
For those seeking a more substantial treat, their large pecan sticky buns deliver an impressive individual portion guaranteed to satisfy. The variety doesn’t end there.
Catering trays feature assortments of plain, pecan, walnut, and raisin-studded options, ensuring everyone finds their perfect match whether hosting brunch or treating the office.
The Sensory Magic That Triggers Memories
The sticky bun experience begins with appearance-golden-brown spirals glistening with amber syrup that pools in delicious puddles. One bite reveals layers of tender dough separated by cinnamon-sugar ribbons that pull apart in satisfying strands.
Their signature caramel coating strikes the perfect balance between buttery and sweet, while optional additions like crunchy pecans or plump raisins add textural contrast. The aroma alone can fill a room with warmth and anticipation.
As one long-time customer puts it: “The smell takes me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen-it’s not just a pastry, it’s time travel through taste.”
Award-Winning Local Institution
The Pennsylvania Bakery hasn’t just survived for over three decades-it has thrived as a central Pennsylvania institution celebrated in countless regional media features. Local newspapers regularly highlight their seasonal specialties and enduring popularity.
Their trophy case includes numerous “Best of” awards from area publications, cementing their reputation as the go-to bakery for quality and consistency. The bakery maintains an active social media presence where generations of loyal customers share memories and photos.
A quick browse through their Facebook page or Yelp listings reveals thousands of five-star reviews from families who have made their treats part of traditions spanning decades.
The Secret Behind Perfect Sticky Buns
Creating the perfect sticky bun is equal parts science and art. The process begins with a sweet yeast dough that must be mixed and kneaded to precise consistency before being rolled thin with generous layers of cinnamon and brown sugar.
After careful rolling and slicing, the buns are placed in pans lined with the signature caramel mixture. I once watched a baker carefully arrange each one, explaining how proper spacing affects the final texture.
Following proofing to double their size, they’re baked until golden, then immediately inverted while hot so the gooey caramel cascades over every curve—a technique that guarantees that perfect sticky-sweet coating.
Bringing Home The Sweet Memories
Taking home these nostalgic treats is simple with several purchase options. Mini sticky buns sold by the dozen make perfect family breakfast treats, while individual large pecan buns satisfy more substantial cravings.
For special occasions, their catering trays offer variety that pleases every palate. To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven experience at home, gently warm the buns for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes in a 300°F oven.
The bakery recommends consuming their sticky buns within two days for optimal freshness, though they can be frozen for up to a month. Just thaw and warm before serving to revive those childhood memory-making flavors.