I Traveled Through Small-Town Indiana To Check Out 6 Donut Shops (And Found 3 That Deserve The Hype)

I maintain that donuts are the purest form of regional archaeology. Every town in Indiana seems to hide a beloved, often misspelled, bakery.

So, armed with a roadmap, a stomach conditioned for maximum saturation, and a truly unsettling amount of wet naps, I launched my mission. Over four days, I traversed cornfields and county lines, tasked with sampling six of the state’s most highly-touted shops.

Was this journalistic integrity? Absolutely. Was it also an excuse to consume an entire square foot of glaze before noon? Let’s just say some of those places were worth the ensuing sugar coma.

1. Rise’n Roll – Middlebury (Deserves The Hype)

The moment you walk into Rise’n Roll, the sweet aroma of their famous Cinnamon-Caramel donut hits you like a warm hug. This signature treat, playfully nicknamed “Amish crack” by locals, combines caramel icing with cinnamon sugar in a way that’s worth every mile of the drive.

What began as a humble Amish-style bakery has expanded to multiple locations while maintaining traditional methods. I watched in amazement as customers purchased these donuts by the dozen, and after one bite, I understood why.

My advice? Set your alarm early. Their best offerings vanish quickly, with most locations opening around 7am and the original Middlebury shop closing on Sundays.

2. Heyerly’s Bakery – Ossian (Deserves The Hype)

Stepping into Heyerly’s Bakery feels like time traveling to your grandparents’ era. This nearly century-old establishment in tiny Ossian crafts donuts with the kind of care that’s becoming increasingly rare in our fast-paced world.

Their classic glazed donuts achieve that perfect balance-light, airy interior with a subtle sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm. The shop itself is modest in size, creating an atmosphere where regulars chat with staff and newcomers quickly feel welcome.

During my visit, I noticed locals planning their entire morning schedules around Heyerly’s operating hours. When products consistently sell out despite being in a town of just 3,000 people, you know they’ve mastered their craft.

3. Concannon’s Bakery Cafe – Muncie

Concannon’s strikes the perfect balance between hometown bakery and modern cafe. Unlike some of the more specialized shops on my journey, this Muncie mainstay offers a comprehensive menu that extends beyond pastries to sandwiches and specialty coffee drinks.

My grandmother used to say that places that do too many things rarely do any of them well, but Concannon’s proves that theory wrong. Their donuts maintain consistent quality despite the expanded offerings.

While you won’t find wildly experimental flavors or Instagram-bait creations here, their classic varieties deliver reliable satisfaction. The apple fritter particularly impressed me-crispy exterior giving way to a tender, cinnamon-spiced interior that paired perfectly with their house blend coffee.

4. Schmidt Bakery – Batesville (Deserves The Hype)

Schmidt Bakery has achieved legendary status thanks to their seasonal Cherry Thing-A-Ling. This fritter-style creation transforms the quiet town of Batesville into a donut pilgrimage site every February, with visitors traveling hours just for a taste.

Even outside Thing-A-Ling season, Schmidt’s standard offerings showcase their baking expertise. Their glazed donuts feature a distinctly airy texture that separates them from mass-produced alternatives.

What impressed me most was watching the staff’s choreographed rhythm—as trays emptied, fresh batches emerged from the kitchen in a continuous flow. This dedication to freshness explains why Schmidt has maintained its reputation across generations of Indiana donut lovers.

5. Henze’s Bakery – Valparaiso

Family-run since the mid-20th century, Henze’s Bakery embodies Valparaiso’s German heritage through its pastries. The modest storefront doesn’t prepare you for the impressive array of hand-crafted treats waiting inside.

Apple fritters deserve special mention-substantial without being heavy, with genuine apple pieces distributed throughout rather than the artificial filling found in chain bakeries. The old-fashioned donuts showcase a distinctive crackly exterior that provides satisfying textural contrast.

While solid overall, Henze’s falls just shy of the transcendent experience offered by my top three picks. That said, their commitment to traditional methods and consistency makes them a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring northwest Indiana’s culinary landscape.

6. Titus Bakery & Deli – Lebanon/Westfield area

Titus Bakery operates as both a donut destination and community gathering spot. Unlike strictly traditional bakeries, they embrace creativity alongside classics-maple bacon donut features real bacon pieces rather than mere bacon bits.

The Lebanon location buzzes with energy from sunrise, filled with regulars who greet staff by name. What separates Titus from similar establishments is their balanced approach to innovation-they experiment without abandoning what makes classic donuts satisfying.

While their donuts were enjoyable, they lacked the distinctive character that would earn them a spot in my top three. However, their combination of reliable quality, extended hours, and diverse menu (including excellent sandwiches) makes them an ideal stop when traveling with companions who might not share your donut obsession.