7 Ohio Cream‑Puff Bakeries Even Locals Miss

Everyone loves a good cream puff – that delicate pastry shell filled with sweet, creamy goodness.

Ohio is home to some incredible bakeries that have perfected this treat, but even longtime residents often overlook these hidden gems.

Last summer, I took a pastry tour across the Buckeye State and discovered these seven spectacular spots that deserve way more attention than they get.

Trust me, these places will change how you think about cream puffs forever!

1. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus: German Tradition Meets Sweet Indulgence

You wouldn’t expect a place famous for bratwurst to create heavenly cream puffs, but Schmidt’s in Columbus will blow your mind! Their secret? A 150-year-old family recipe straight from Bavaria that balances airy pastry with rich, vanilla-bean custard.

I nearly fainted when I bit into one last July – the contrast between the crisp exterior and cool, silky filling was pure magic. The staff even showed me how they pipe each puff by hand!

What makes these cream puffs special is their unexpected hint of citrus zest folded into the cream. While everyone lines up for their famous half-pound cream puffs, locals know to ask for the mini versions, which offer the perfect ratio of pastry to filling.

2. Resch’s Bakery: Time-Honored Perfection Since 1912

Holy moly, the cream puffs at Resch’s Bakery knocked my socks off! This East Columbus institution has been crafting these delights for over a century, and boy, does that experience show.

During my visit, I watched in awe as third-generation baker Willie Resch demonstrated their technique – the same one his grandfather used. The pastry shells puff up to extraordinary heights in their vintage ovens, creating pockets perfect for their signature filling.

Unlike modern bakeries that cut corners, Resch’s still uses real cream, real vanilla, and absolutely zero preservatives. The result? A cream puff that tastes like it was made in heaven. Pro tip: they sell out by noon most days, so get there early or call ahead to reserve yours!

3. Golden Delight Bakery: The Hidden Jewel Of Cleveland’s West Side

Tucked away on a quiet Cleveland street sits Golden Delight, a bakery I stumbled upon purely by accident while lost on my way to a friend’s house. Thank goodness for wrong turns! Their cream puffs feature a chocolate-dipped shell that cracks satisfyingly with each bite.

Owner Maria Kovač learned the recipe from her Croatian grandmother and added her own twist – a hint of honey in the choux pastry. The filling isn’t your standard vanilla either – it’s infused with a touch of lavender that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Golden Delight only makes cream puffs on Thursdays and Saturdays, and locals guard this information jealously. No website, minimal social media – this place relies entirely on word-of-mouth, which makes discovering it feel like finding buried treasure.

4. Kennedy’s Bakery: New Philadelphia’s Sweet Secret

Forget what you know about cream puffs until you’ve tried Kennedy’s version! This New Philadelphia bakery has been serving the community since 1925, and their cream puffs have achieved legendary status among those in the know.

My first bite revealed why these treats inspire such devotion – Kennedy’s fills their puffs with a combination of pastry cream AND fresh whipped cream. The dual-texture experience is mind-blowing! Their pastry shells remain impossibly crisp even hours after being filled.

What really sets Kennedy’s apart is their seasonal variations. Summer brings strawberry-infused cream, fall features pumpkin spice, winter offers peppermint, and spring showcases local maple syrup. The bakery’s quaint location in a historic building adds to the charm – I felt like I’d stepped back in time when I visited.

5. Belle’s Bread: Japanese-Inspired Cream Puff Paradise

Cream puffs with an Asian twist? Absolutely! Belle’s Bread in Columbus blew me away with their Japanese-style cream puffs that are lighter than air. The first time I tried one, I actually laughed out loud at how impossibly delicate it was.

Owner Satomi Nishihara trained in Tokyo before bringing her skills to Ohio. Her choux pastry contains a secret ingredient – a touch of matcha powder – that adds complexity without overwhelming the vanilla bean custard inside.

Belle’s offers a rotating selection of fillings beyond the traditional vanilla – black sesame, yuzu, and hojicha tea are local favorites. The bakery’s bright, modern interior might not scream “hidden gem,” but true pastry enthusiasts know this place deserves a spot among Ohio’s elite cream puff destinations. Visit on Wednesdays when they experiment with new flavor combinations!

6. Michael Angelo’s Bakery: Italian Craftsmanship In Every Bite

Great scott! The cream puffs at Michael Angelo’s in Cleveland literally made me weak in the knees. This family-owned Italian bakery has been perfecting their recipe since 1955, and the results speak for themselves.

During my visit, I watched in fascination as they filled each puff to order – no pre-made pastries sitting around here! The filling is a mascarpone-based cream that’s lighter than traditional custard but more substantial than whipped cream. It’s a textural masterpiece.

What makes Michael Angelo’s special is their commitment to quality over quantity. They make limited batches daily and when they’re gone, they’re gone. The bakery’s old-school vibe, complete with checkerboard floor and vintage display cases, adds to the experience. Their cream puffs are slightly smaller than others, but pack more flavor per square inch than any I’ve tried.

7. Holtkamp Patisserie: European Elegance In Cincinnati

Last summer, I nearly drove past Holtkamp Patisserie in Cincinnati – a mistake that would have been tragic! This unassuming storefront houses cream puff perfection crafted by Dutch-trained pastry chef Martijn Holtkamp.

Unlike American-style cream puffs, Holtkamp’s creations lean European – slightly smaller, more delicate, and filled with a silky crème diplomat (pastry cream lightened with whipped cream). The shells shatter delightfully with each bite, creating a textural symphony that’s utterly addictive.

Martijn sources ingredients meticulously – local eggs, European butter, and Madagascar vanilla beans. The bakery only makes cream puffs on Fridays and Saturdays, and they’re often sold out by noon. Locals know to place orders days in advance. Bonus: they offer miniature versions perfect for parties, though good luck sharing these treasures once you’ve tasted them!