12 Indiana Bakeries People Drive Hours Just to Try
Indiana might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of world-class baked goods, but the Hoosier State is hiding some seriously delicious secrets.
From flaky croissants to legendary donuts, these bakeries have earned cult followings that extend far beyond their zip codes.
People plan road trips around these spots, wake up before dawn, and wait in lines that snake around the block all for a taste of something truly special.
1. Long’s Bakery
Since 1955, this Indianapolis institution has been cranking out donuts that make grown adults weep with joy. The glazed long johns are legendary, but honestly, you cannot go wrong with anything here. Lines form early, though the bakery generally keeps its posted hours even if certain items sell out.
What makes Long’s special is not just the donuts but the experience. The smell hits you half a block away, drawing you in like a cartoon character floating toward a pie on a windowsill.
Cash only, so hit the ATM first unless you want to experience the heartbreak of being next in line with only plastic in your wallet.
2. Titus Bakery
Titus Bakery is known for its award-winning donuts and pastries rather than traditional German baking, with locations in Lebanon, Westfield, and Atlanta, Indiana. Their strudels are flaky perfection, filled with real fruit that actually tastes like fruit—imagine that!
The bread selection is outstanding, with crusty European-style loaves that put grocery store bread to absolute shame. This family-run spot has been perfecting recipes for decades. Their pretzels are the real deal, soft and chewy with just the right amount of salt.
Pro tip: grab a few extra pastries for later because you will regret not buying more. The prices are shockingly reasonable for the quality you get here.
3. Le Croissant French Bakery
Greenwood struck gold when this authentic French bakery opened its doors. The croissants here are buttery, flaky masterpieces that transport you straight to Paris—no passport required.
Each layer shatters perfectly when you bite into it, releasing that unmistakable butter aroma that makes carbs absolutely worth it.
Beyond croissants, their macaron game is strong. These delicate cookies come in flavors that change seasonally, so there is always something new to try. The quiches are also fantastic for lunch. Warning: visiting once will turn you into a regular faster than you can say “bonjour.”
4. Marilyn’s Bakery & Café
Hobart and St. John locals guard this gem like a state secret, but word has gotten out. Marilyn’s serves up scratch-made goodies that taste exactly like what your grandmother would bake if she had professional training.
The cinnamon rolls are dangerously good—soft, gooey, and generously topped with cream cheese frosting that should probably be illegal.
Their decorated sugar cookies are works of art, almost too pretty to eat. Almost. The café side offers excellent sandwiches and soups, making this a perfect lunch spot too. Everything here screams comfort and quality, from the friendly staff to the cozy atmosphere.
5. Rise’n Roll Bakery
Rise’n Roll has achieved cult status across Indiana and beyond, thanks largely to their cinnamon caramel donuts. These sticky, sweet creations have inspired pilgrimages from neighboring states. People set alarms for ungodly hours just to snag them fresh.
One bite explains why—the combination of tender dough, cinnamon swirl, and caramel glaze is pure magic.
But sleeping on their other offerings would be a mistake. The pies are phenomenal, especially during fruit season. Their dinner rolls fly off shelves faster than you can grab a dozen. Multiple locations now exist, but the original Middlebury spot still draws the biggest crowds and longest waits.
6. Macri’s Italian Bakery & Trattoria
Macri’s brings genuine Italian baking to South Bend, and the results are magnifico. Their cannoli shells are fried to crispy perfection and filled to order with sweet ricotta that is never soggy. Biscotti comes in flavors that would make any nonna proud, perfect for dunking in espresso or eating straight up.
The Italian cookies here are small, delicate, and absolutely addictive. You will buy a dozen thinking that is plenty, then find yourself back the next day. Their bread is also exceptional, with crusty exteriors and soft, airy interiors. The attached trattoria means you can carb-load savory before hitting the sweets.
7. Bao’s Pastry
Bao’s Pastry offers something completely different from traditional American bakeries, and thank goodness for that. Their pork buns are fluffy clouds of dough wrapped around savory filling that hits all the right notes.
The egg tarts have that perfect custard wobble and buttery crust that makes them dangerously easy to demolish by the half-dozen.
Bubble tea here is also top-notch, with real fruit flavors and perfectly chewy tapioca pearls. The pineapple buns are sweet without being cloying. Everything is made fresh daily, and prices are incredibly reasonable. This spot showcases the diversity of Northwest Indiana’s food scene.
8. Blue Gate Bakery
Nestled in Amish country, Blue Gate Bakery serves up homestyle baked goods that define comfort food. Their pies are legendary—flaky crusts filled with fruit so good you will wonder if they have a secret orchard somewhere. The peanut butter cream pie has converted countless skeptics into believers.
Cookies here come in enormous sizes, soft and loaded with chips or chunks. The bread selection includes everything from white sandwich loaves to hearty whole grain options. Get there early on weekends because tour buses know about this place.
The attached restaurant makes this a full-day destination worth the drive through beautiful countryside.
9. Crumble Coffee & Bakery
Crumble combines excellent coffee with outstanding baked goods, creating the perfect storm of deliciousness. Their scones are not the dry hockey pucks you might fear—these are tender, flavorful, and come in creative flavors that change regularly. Pair one with their expertly pulled espresso drinks for breakfast perfection.
The cookies here live up to the bakery’s name, with edges that crumble just right. Seasonal offerings keep the menu exciting, so regulars never get bored. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making this an ideal spot to camp out with a laptop or catch up with friends over lattes and pastries.
10. Rene’s Bakery
Rene’s has been a Broad Ripple neighborhood staple for years, churning out celebration cakes that actually taste as good as they look. Their buttercream frosting strikes that elusive balance between sweet and rich without being greasy.
Custom cake orders are their specialty, but the daily pastry selection should not be overlooked. Cupcakes here are moist and generously frosted—none of that sad, dry cake nonsense. The cookies are thick and chewy, exactly how cookies should be.
Prices are fair, especially considering everything is made from scratch. This is the bakery you call when you want your event dessert to impress without breaking the bank.
11. Amelia’s Bakery
Amelia’s proves that Indianapolis artisan bread and pastry bakery can compete with any big-city operation. Their donuts are made fresh daily using recipes that have been perfected over years. The glazed varieties are simple but spectacular, while filled donuts burst with real cream or fruit filling.
Bread here is baked the old-fashioned way, with actual time and care. The dinner rolls are perfect for holiday meals, and their sandwich bread makes store-bought versions taste like cardboard in comparison.
The staff treats everyone like family, remembering regulars and their usual orders. This is community baking at its finest.
12. Designer Desserts
Designer Desserts takes baking to an artistic level that borders on ridiculous—in the best possible way. Their custom cakes are edible sculptures that look almost too beautiful to cut into. Almost. Once you taste them, any hesitation vanishes because these creations deliver on flavor as impressively as they do on appearance.
Cupcakes here are gourmet, with unexpected flavor combinations that somehow work perfectly. The attention to detail is obsessive, from perfectly piped frosting to elegant decorations.
Yes, prices reflect the premium quality, but for special occasions, Designer Desserts delivers showstopping centerpieces that guests will photograph and remember long after the last crumb disappears.