13 Indiana Bakeries People Plan Day Trips Around
Hoosiers know a thing or two about good baking, and scattered across Indiana are bakeries so beloved that people drive hours just to get their hands on a warm donut or a flaky pastry.
These aren’t just places to grab breakfast on the go, they’re destinations worth planning your entire day around.
From Amish country delights to urban sweet spots, Indiana’s bakery scene offers everything from buttery cinnamon rolls to artisan sourdough that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Whether you’re a local looking for your next food adventure or a visitor wanting to taste the real Indiana, these thirteen bakeries are calling your name.
1. Long’s Bakery – Indianapolis
Since 1955, this family-owned gem has been cranking out donuts that inspire devotion bordering on obsession.
Long’s Bakery operates two locations in Indianapolis, with the original on North Tremont Street serving as a pilgrimage site for donut enthusiasts.
The second location on East Southport Road ensures south-side residents don’t miss out on the magic.
Walk in early and you’ll witness the beautiful chaos of fresh glazed donuts tumbling down the line, still warm enough to melt in your mouth.
Their signature yeast donuts have a texture so light and airy they practically float off the tray.
The prices remain remarkably reasonable, making it easy to buy a dozen without breaking the bank. Lines form before dawn on weekends, with devoted fans willing to wait for that perfect morning treat.
Location: 1453 N Tremont St, Indianapolis, IN 46222 and 2301 E Southport Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46227
2. Titus Bakery & Deli – Westfield
Nestled in the growing suburb of Westfield, Titus Bakery & Deli has become the community’s sweetheart since opening its doors.
This isn’t your typical strip-mall bakery, it’s a full-service operation where the smell of fresh baked goods greets you from the parking lot.
While donuts and classic bakery items are customer favorites, the shop also offers a rotating selection of breads and pastries alongside its popular deli menu.
The deli side offers phenomenal sandwiches piled high on their house-made bread, but the real stars are the morning pastries.
Their cinnamon rolls and donuts are especially popular with locals, often selling out on busy mornings.
Their cinnamon rolls have achieved legendary status among Hamilton County residents, with some folks driving from neighboring towns specifically for weekend batches.
The staff treats everyone like family, remembering regular orders and greeting customers by name.
Location: 17409 Carey Rd, Westfield, IN 46074
3. Taylor’s Bakery – Indianapolis
On the north side of Indianapolis sits a bakery that’s been quietly perfecting its craft while bigger names grab headlines.
Taylor’s Bakery is best known as a long-running local favorite offering a wide variety of cakes, pastries, cookies, and baked goods, rather than focusing exclusively on European-style desserts.
Their almond croissants boast a perfect balance of buttery pastry and sweet almond filling that borders on addictive.
Wedding cakes are another specialty here, with custom designs that taste even better than they look.
But you don’t need a special occasion to visit, their daily selection of cookies, tarts, and Danish pastries provides plenty of reasons to stop by.
The cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for catching up with friends over coffee and sweets.
Locals appreciate the consistency; you can count on the same excellent quality whether you visit on Tuesday or Saturday.
Location: 6216 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46220
4. Rise’n Roll Bakery & Deli – Middlebury
Few bakeries inspire road trips quite like Rise’n Roll, where Amish baking traditions meet modern cravings.
Their cinnamon caramel donuts have achieved cult status across the Midwest, with people planning entire vacations around a stop at this Middlebury location.
The donut features a yeast base topped with cinnamon and drenched in gooey caramel that somehow manages to be sweet without being cloying.
Beyond the famous donuts, their deli sandwiches and fresh-baked bread keep the lunch crowd happy.
The homemade pies showcase seasonal fruits, and their dinner rolls fly off the shelves faster than they can bake them.
Expect crowds, especially during tourist season when RV travelers descend on Amish country.
The efficient staff keeps lines moving despite the constant stream of customers filling boxes with goodies to take home.
Location: 1065 N 1150 W, Middlebury, IN 46540
5. Leviathan Bakehouse – Indianapolis
Urban sophistication meets traditional baking techniques at this College Avenue treasure that’s redefining Indianapolis’s bread scene.
Leviathan Bakehouse focuses on naturally leavened sourdough crafted with careful attention to fermentation and technique.
The bakery emphasizes long, thoughtful processes that produce bread with complex flavors and crisp crusts.
Their rotating selection includes everything from classic country loaves to innovative flavors incorporating herbs, cheese, and seasonal ingredients.
Morning pastries lean toward the rustic, think rough-hewn scones and galettes that embrace imperfection as part of their charm.
The minimalist space reflects the philosophy: quality ingredients, time-honored methods, and letting the bread speak for itself.
Serious bread nerds appreciate the attention to detail, while casual visitors simply enjoy some of the best toast they’ve ever tasted.
Location: 1101 N College Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202
6. Rene’s Bakery & Deli – Indianapolis
European elegance comes to Indianapolis’s north side through this delightful bakery that feels like a secret only locals know about.
Rene’s combines Old World techniques with Midwestern hospitality, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.
Their strudels showcase paper-thin pastry wrapped around fruit fillings that taste like grandma’s kitchen, assuming your grandma was a European pastry master.
The tortes and layer cakes display an artistry that makes choosing just one nearly impossible.
Savory options include quiches and meat pies that make perfect lunch solutions for nearby office workers.
Weekend mornings bring a steady stream of regulars picking up treats for family gatherings or simply indulging themselves.
Because the bakery keeps limited hours, many regulars plan visits carefully to make sure they don’t miss out.
Location: 6524 N Cornell Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220
7. Heidelberg Haus Café & Bakery – Indianapolis
Authentic German baking traditions thrive at this east-side establishment that’s been serving the Indianapolis community for decades.
Heidelberg Haus transports visitors straight to Bavaria with its selection of authentic German pastries, breads, and cakes.
Their Black Forest cake layers chocolate sponge with cherries and cream in perfect harmony, while stollen during the holidays becomes a seasonal obsession.
The pretzel rolls achieve that elusive combination of chewy exterior and soft interior that defines great German baking.
Breakfast offerings include pastries you won’t find at typical American bakeries, introducing adventurous eaters to new favorites.
The café side serves hearty German meals, but the bakery case is where magic happens.
Locals with German heritage appreciate the authenticity, while newcomers discover why these traditions have endured for centuries.
Location: 7625 Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis, IN 46226
8. Square Donuts – Terre Haute
The name says it all, these donuts break the mold, literally, by embracing their four-cornered glory.
Square Donuts has been a Terre Haute institution since the 1960s, proving that round isn’t the only way to achieve donut perfection.
The unique shape isn’t just a gimmick; it actually provides more surface area for glazes and toppings.
Their maple bacon donut showcases sweet and savory flavors in perfect balance, while classic glazed varieties maintain simplicity that lets the quality shine through.
The cake donuts are dense and satisfying, perfect for dunking in morning coffee.
Students from nearby Indiana State University fuel late-night study sessions with boxes of these angular treats.
Visitors from out of town often stop by specifically because they’ve heard about the square sensation that makes Terre Haute special.
Location: 935 Wabash Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47807
9. Parlor Doughnuts – Evansville
Gourmet donuts get the spotlight at this Evansville hotspot that’s elevating what a donut can be.
Parlor Doughnuts takes the craft seriously, using high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations that surprise and delight.
Their layered donuts feature multiple textures and flavors in a single bite, making each one an adventure.
Seasonal offerings rotate regularly, ensuring there’s always something new to try alongside beloved classics.
The Nutella-filled varieties ooze rich chocolate hazelnut cream, while fruit-topped options provide lighter alternatives without sacrificing indulgence.
The modern, Instagram-worthy interior attracts younger crowds, but the quality keeps everyone coming back regardless of age.
Evansville residents feel fortunate to have such an innovative bakery in their city, and visitors from Louisville and beyond make the trip specifically for these extraordinary donuts.
Location: 301 N Green River Rd, Evansville, IN 47715
10. Schmidt Bakery – Batesville
Small-town charm meets serious baking chops at this Batesville favorite that’s been feeding the community for generations.
Schmidt Bakery represents everything wonderful about hometown bakeries, consistency, quality, and treats that taste like childhood memories.
Their cookies come in dozens of varieties, from classic chocolate chip to frosted sugar cookies decorated for every holiday.
The birthday cakes here have graced countless celebrations, with buttercream frosting that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and rich.
Donuts sell out quickly on weekend mornings when families stock up for breakfast.
Locals know to call ahead for special orders during busy seasons, but the daily selection always offers plenty of temptation.
The bakery’s location in Batesville Shopping Village makes it a convenient stop, though many would drive much farther for these homestyle treats.
Location: 125 Batesville Shopping Village, Batesville, IN 47006
11. Marilyn’s Bakery & Café – Hobart
Northwest Indiana’s hidden gem serves up sweetness with a side of genuine hospitality that keeps customers loyal for years.
Marilyn’s Bakery & Café combines the best of both worlds, a full bakery case and a comfortable café where you can enjoy your selections.
Their cupcakes achieve bakery perfection with moist cake and frosting that doesn’t overwhelm.
Breakfast pastries range from simple muffins to elaborate Danish varieties that showcase technical skill.
The lunch menu features sandwiches and soups, but most people can’t resist adding a cookie or brownie to their order.
Custom cakes for special occasions receive the same attention to detail as daily offerings, with designs that impress without relying on fondant.
While the Hobart shop remains a community favorite, Marilyn’s also operates a second Northwest Indiana location.
Location: 8960 E Ridge Rd, Hobart, IN 46342
12. Blue Gate Bakery – Shipshewana
Right in the heart of Shipshewana, this bakery captures the essence of Amish baking traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Blue Gate Bakery sits on Van Buren Street, perfectly positioned for tourists exploring this charming northern Indiana town.
Their pies showcase simple perfection, flaky crusts filled with seasonal fruits that taste like summer preserved in pastry form.
The whoopie pies are legendary, with soft cake-like cookies sandwiching sweet cream filling. Fresh bread emerges from the ovens throughout the day, filling the shop with an aroma that makes resistance futile.
Cinnamon rolls the size of dinner plates provide enough sweetness to fuel hours of antique shopping.
The bakery’s connection to the larger Blue Gate complex makes it easy to combine your pastry pilgrimage with other Shipshewana attractions.
Location: 195 N Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN 46565
13. Das Dutchman Essenhaus Bakery – Middlebury
Part of a sprawling Amish country complex, this bakery operates on a scale that allows them to serve thousands while maintaining quality.
Das Dutchman Essenhaus Bakery produces an staggering variety of baked goods daily, from towering layer cakes to dozens of pie varieties.
Their cream pies feature silky fillings topped with meringue piled impossibly high.
The dinner rolls are so popular that people buy them by the bagful to take home and freeze.
Cookies range from simple sugar varieties to elaborate frosted creations that delight children and adults alike.
While the bakery is a favorite stop for travelers along US-20, visitors should note that it operates on a limited weekly schedule and is typically closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Many visitors plan their trips specifically to coincide with lunch at the restaurant followed by serious bakery shopping for the road ahead.
Location: 240 US-20, Middlebury, IN 46540