10 Ohio Cream-Puff Bakeries Locals Swear Are The State’s Best-Kept Secret
I’ll never forget the first time I bit into a real cream puff at a tiny bakery tucked away in Columbus—the pastry shell shattered perfectly, and the custard filling was so rich I nearly cried.
Ohio has some seriously underrated bakeries that specialize in these delicate treats, and sadly, many of them fly under the radar even for folks who’ve lived here their whole lives.
Whether you’re a dessert fanatic or just someone who appreciates a good pastry, these eleven spots deserve a spot on your must-visit list.
1. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus – Columbus, OH
Most folks wander into Schmidt’s for the bratwurst and sauerkraut, but they’re missing out on one of Columbus’s best-kept dessert secrets.
Tucked right next to the savory menu items sits a pastry case that could make any sweet tooth weep with joy.
Their cream puffs are legendary among those in the know, featuring a light, airy choux pastry that practically melts on your tongue.
Located at 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, this iconic German Village spot has been serving Ohioans for generations.
What sets Schmidt’s apart is their commitment to traditional German baking techniques passed down through generations.
The custard filling is made fresh daily, and you can taste the difference—it’s silky smooth without being overly sweet.
They strike that perfect balance between indulgence and restraint that so many bakeries struggle to achieve.
I stumbled upon these cream puffs by accident during a family dinner last summer.
My aunt ordered one for dessert, and I figured I’d just steal a bite. Big mistake—I ended up ordering three more to take home.
The atmosphere at Schmidt’s adds to the experience, with its German Village charm and friendly staff who genuinely seem to care about every customer.
You can grab a cream puff to go or sit down and enjoy it with a strong cup of coffee.
Either way, you’re in for a treat that’ll make you question why you ever settled for grocery store pastries.
Pro tip: arrive early on weekends because these beauties sell out fast, especially during Oktoberfest season when the crowds descend on German Village.
2. Resch’s Bakery – Columbus, OH
Family-owned since 1960, Resch’s has been quietly perfecting their cream puff recipe while the rest of the world chases food trends.
Walking into this bakery feels like stepping back in time—in the best possible way.
The smell of fresh-baked goods hits you the moment you open the door, and suddenly you’re a kid again, begging your parents for just one more cookie.
Located at 4061 E Livingston Ave, Columbus, OH 43227, this iconic east-side bakery continues to deliver the kind of old-fashioned craftsmanship you rarely find anymore.
Their cream puffs are old-school in all the right ways.
No fancy flavors or Instagram-worthy decorations here—just pure, unadulterated pastry perfection.
The shells are golden brown and crispy, providing the ideal contrast to the cool, creamy filling inside.
What really impressed me about Resch’s was their consistency.
I’ve been there probably a dozen times over the past few years, and every single cream puff has been exactly as good as the last.
That kind of reliability is rare in the bakery world, where quality can fluctuate based on who’s working that day.
The staff treats regulars like family and newcomers like old friends.
They’ll happily chat about the history of the bakery or recommend other treats to try.
Beyond cream puffs, their entire selection is worth exploring—though I always end up grabbing at least two cream puffs before I leave.
Parking can be tricky during rush hours, but it’s absolutely worth circling the block a few times.
This is the kind of neighborhood gem that makes you feel lucky to live in Columbus.
3. Golden Delight Bakery – Cleveland, OH
Cleveland’s Golden Delight Bakery proves that great things really do come in small packages—both the bakery itself and their perfectly portioned cream puffs.
This hidden gem sits quietly at 12014 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111, known mostly to locals who guard its location like a precious secret.
The moment you taste one of their cream puffs, you’ll understand why people are so protective of this spot.
European baking traditions run deep here, with recipes that have been refined over decades.
Their cream puffs feature a delicate pastry shell that somehow manages to be both crispy and tender at the same time.
The vanilla custard filling is generously piped in, ensuring you get custard in every bite rather than ending up with hollow disappointment halfway through.
I discovered Golden Delight during a particularly stressful work week when I desperately needed something to lift my spirits.
One cream puff later, and suddenly my problems didn’t seem quite so overwhelming.
That’s the power of truly great pastry—it can genuinely shift your whole mood.
The bakery also offers seasonal variations on their classic cream puff, incorporating flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and even pumpkin spice during autumn.
But honestly, the original vanilla version remains unbeatable in my book.
Sometimes you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when it’s already rolling perfectly.
Fair warning: their hours can be unpredictable, so call ahead before making a special trip.
Trust me—showing up to find them closed is heartbreaking.
4. Kennedy’s Bakery – New Philadelphia, OH
Small-town bakeries hit different, and Kennedy’s in New Philadelphia is proof of that concept.
This isn’t some trendy spot trying to go viral on social media—it’s a genuine community staple located at 102 N Broadway St, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, serving incredible pastries for generations.
Their cream puffs are the kind that make you understand why people drive from three counties away just to grab a box.
What makes Kennedy’s special is their attention to detail and their refusal to cut corners.
They could easily switch to cheaper ingredients or mass-production methods, but they haven’t budged from their original approach.
Each cream puff is made with real butter, fresh eggs, and pure vanilla extract—you can taste the quality in every component.
The size of their cream puffs deserves special mention because they’re absolutely massive.
We’re talking two-handed eating situation here, folks.
You’ll need plenty of napkins and possibly a bib if you want to maintain any dignity while devouring one of these beauties.
During my last visit, the owner’s daughter was working the counter, and she shared stories about learning to make cream puffs alongside her grandmother.
That kind of generational knowledge transfer is becoming increasingly rare, which makes places like Kennedy’s even more valuable.
They’re preserving baking traditions while the rest of the world moves toward automation and convenience.
New Philadelphia might not be on everyone’s Ohio travel itinerary, but Kennedy’s Bakery is reason enough to plan a detour.
Grab some cream puffs, explore the charming downtown area, and thank me later.
5. Belle’s Bread – Columbus, OH
Belle’s Bread somehow manages to be both a serious artisan bakery and a fun, approachable neighborhood spot.
Located at 1168 Kenny Centre Mall, Columbus, OH 43220, this Japanese-inspired bakery may be known for its sourdough loaves and crusty baguettes, but its pastry game is just as strong—especially when it comes to cream puffs.
These aren’t your grandmother’s cream puffs, though she’d probably approve anyway because they’re just that good.
The pastry chefs at Belle’s bring a creative twist to the classic cream puff without slipping into gimmick territory.
Their shells are perfectly baked with a satisfying crunch, and the fillings rotate seasonally to showcase local ingredients.
I’ve tried their lavender honey version, their brown butter variation, and their classic vanilla—all of them knocked my socks clean off.
One rainy Tuesday, I ducked into Belle’s to escape a sudden downpour and left with four cream puffs I definitely didn’t plan on buying.
The staff was so enthusiastic about their pastries that I couldn’t help but get caught up in their excitement.
That’s the kind of genuine passion that makes a bakery memorable.
Belle’s also takes its sourcing seriously, working with local farms and suppliers whenever possible
. Knowing that the cream in your cream puff came from happy Ohio cows just makes it taste better somehow. Sounds silly, but it’s true.
The space itself is bright and welcoming, with big windows that flood the bakery with natural light.
It’s the perfect spot to linger over coffee and a cream puff while watching the neighborhood bustle by outside.
6. Michael Angelo’s Bakery – Broadview Heights, OH
Italian bakeries understand pastry on a molecular level, and Michael Angelo’s Bakery in Broadview Heights is no exception.
Located at 8035 Broadview Rd, Broadview Heights, OH 44147, this beloved spot crafts cream puffs—sometimes referred to as their Italian-style bignè—that are nothing short of divine.
The Italian influence shines through in the pastry shell, which is lighter and more delicate than what you’ll find in most American bakeries.
Walking into Michael Angelo’s feels like stepping into a relative’s home where you’re immediately offered seventeen different desserts.
The display cases are packed with temptations, but the cream puffs always catch my eye first.
They’re dusted with a delicate layer of powdered sugar and filled with custard perfected through decades of practice.
I once made the mistake of buying just one cream puff here, thinking I’d demonstrate some restraint.
I ate it in my car before even leaving the parking lot… then marched right back in for three more.
The staff kindly pretended not to notice my total lack of self-control.
Beyond cream puffs, Michael Angelo’s offers a stunning selection of Italian cookies, cannoli, cakes, and pastries worth exploring.
If you’re a cream puff purist like me, though, you’ll want to beeline straight to those golden beauties.
They even do custom orders for weddings, parties, and celebrations—meaning you can show up with a tray of cream puffs and instantly become everyone’s favorite host.
Broadview Heights might feel a little out of the way, but trust me: when pastry tastes this good, the drive becomes part of the adventure.
And after indulging, the surrounding neighborhood is perfect for a slow, satisfied stroll.
7. Holtkamp Patisserie – Cincinnati, OH
French technique meets Ohio hospitality at Holtkamp Patisserie in Cincinnati, and the result is nothing short of magical.
Located at 2136 Losantiville Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45237, this long-standing institution has been delighting pastry lovers since the 1960s, with cream puffs that continue to define their reputation.
Each bite feels like a masterclass in refined baking tradition.
The attention to detail here borders on obsessive—in the best possible way.
Every cream puff is uniform in size, perfectly golden, and filled with silky pastry cream balanced to perfection.
They never skimp on the filling, but they also avoid the overstuffed, messy downfall that plagues lesser bakeries.
My first visit to Holtkamp was supposed to be a quick birthday cake pickup for a friend. Instead, I walked out with a whole box of cream puffs bought purely on impulse.
No regrets.
The pastry cream features notes of real vanilla bean, and the shell has that elusive French texture—light, airy, and somehow still structurally sound with every bite.
What truly sets Holtkamp apart is their consistency across the board.
Whether you’re grabbing cream puffs, éclairs, petit fours, or elaborate special-occasion cakes, everything adheres to the same high standards.
In a world where shortcuts are everywhere, Holtkamp’s commitment to doing things the right way feels refreshing and rare.
The shop itself is charming without being pretentious.
There’s a sense of pride in the craftsmanship, but never snobbery.
Prices are more than fair considering the quality, though fair warning—you’ll want more than one cream puff, so plan accordingly.
8. Aglamesis Bro’s – Cincinnati, OH
Since 1908, Aglamesis Bro’s has been a Cincinnati treasure, best known for its unforgettable ice cream—but quietly crafting some of Ohio’s most underrated cream puffs.
Located at 3046 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209, this charming old-school parlor feels like stepping into a time capsule, complete with marble counters, pink décor, and a vintage soda fountain straight out of the early 20th century.
The nostalgia draws you in, but it’s the pastries that make you a lifelong fan.
Here’s the twist: Aglamesis offers two types of cream puffs—the traditional custard-filled kind and a brilliant ice-cream-filled version made with their own house-made ice cream.
Yes, an ice cream cream puff. It sounds wild until you try one, and then suddenly it feels like the most natural pairing in the world.
I started with the classic cream puff because — tradition.
The pastry was crisp and delicate, the custard smooth and lightly sweet, and the whole thing vanished faster than I’d like to admit.
Then I braved the ice cream-filled version, and that’s when everything changed.
Cold ice cream against warm pastry?
It’s chaotic perfection, and now I understand why locals whisper about it like a town secret.
Aglamesis has stayed family-owned for four generations, preserving original recipes and old-fashioned craftsmanship in a world that’s quick to cut corners.
You can taste that commitment in every bite—nothing rushed, nothing artificial, everything made the way it should be.
Expect crowds, especially on warm nights and weekends.
But the line moves quickly, and between the handcrafted chocolates, nostalgic décor, and buzzing atmosphere, you won’t mind waiting.
Come with an appetite, leave with a smile, and probably plan your next visit before you even hit the parking lot.
9. Luna Bakery & Café – Cleveland, OH
Luna Bakery & Café brings a modern sensibility to classic pastries, and their cream puffs show exactly what happens when traditional technique meets contemporary creativity.
Located at 2482 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106, this neighborhood gem sits right in the heart of Cleveland’s vibrant food scene and has built a loyal following among pastry lovers who crave innovation and quality.
The pastry chefs at Luna aren’t afraid to experiment.
I’ve seen cream puffs filled with coffee-infused custard, topped with glossy chocolate ganache, and even used in elaborate dessert towers for special events.
Yet they still offer a classic vanilla version for those who prefer tradition over trend.
What impressed me most is Luna’s ability to maintain everything a great cream puff needs—an airy, delicate shell, a rich and balanced filling, and flawless proportions—while still putting their creative stamp on every batch.
Plenty of modern bakeries chase style over substance, but Luna delivers both without compromise.
The café itself makes Luna the perfect place to actually sit down and enjoy your cream puff (instead of devouring it in your car like a pastry renegade).
The coffee program is strong, the atmosphere blends cozy warmth with a clean contemporary vibe, and it’s equally ideal for catching up with friends or quietly people-watching over dessert.
Luna rotates their cream puff flavors seasonally, so there’s always something new worth hunting for.
I’ve become one of those people who asks, “What’s today’s flavor?” the moment I walk in—much to the staff’s amusement.
10. Patisserie Lallier – Powell, OH
Authentic French patisseries are rare finds in Ohio, which is why Patisserie Lallier in Powell feels like stumbling upon a hidden portal to Paris.
Located at 77 Village Pointe Dr, Powell, OH 43065, this elegant little shop is the creation of owner and pastry chef Pascal Lallier, who trained in France before bringing his considerable expertise to central Ohio.
His cream puffs—properly known as choux à la crème—are the real deal. If you’ve ever wondered what cream puffs taste like in a true French pâtisserie, this is your chance to find out without boarding a plane.
The technique here is flawless.
The choux pastry achieves that perfect balance of a crisp exterior and airy interior that only disciplined French baking can produce.
The pastry cream filling is made fresh daily using traditional methods, and you can taste the craftsmanship in every spoonful of velvety, vanilla-rich perfection.
I’ll admit I was skeptical before my first visit—plenty of bakeries claim French authenticity without delivering. But one bite of a Lallier cream puff erased every doubt.
The texture, the flavor, the proportions—everything was textbook perfect.
I may or may not have had a small emotional moment in the parking lot afterward, but let’s keep that between us.
The magic doesn’t stop at cream puffs. Patisserie Lallier offers croissants with shattering layers, jewel-like macarons, and stunning entremets that look like they belong behind glass in a Paris museum.
Choosing just one item feels impossible, so I usually surrender and leave with a box full of pastries I “didn’t plan” on buying.
Powell might seem like an unexpected place for a world-class French patisserie, but the location works beautifully—easy parking, a charming shopping area, and a steady flow of devoted regulars who know they’ve found something special.
Pascal and his team have brought a slice of France to Ohio, and once you taste it, you’ll understand exactly why locals guard this spot like a treasure.