These Michigan Bakeries Are Baking Pastries Worth Every Mile Of The Road Trip
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when the open road calls.
The promise of new sights, hidden gems, and the unique charm of Michigan’s diverse landscapes. But what if your next great adventure wasn’t just about the scenery, but about a destination so utterly delicious, it justifies every single mile on the odometer?
Forget quick gas station snacks. We’re talking about a journey to discover Michigan’s most irresistible bakeries. Pastries so good they will haunt your dreams (in the best way possible) long after the last crumb is gone.
1. Pleasanton Bakery
Pleasanton Bakery transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary creations using traditional wood-fired ovens. Their naturally leavened sourdough breads develop complex flavors during long fermentation periods.
The bakery’s almond croissants deserve special mention. Flaky, buttery layers encase a not-too-sweet almond cream filling that pairs wonderfully with their house-roasted coffee.
Gluten-sensitive visitors appreciate the selection of alternative grain options made with the same attention to craft. Tucked away in Traverse City’s warehouse district, this bakery might require some navigation skills to find.
2. Crust
Crust has transformed the small town of Fenton into an unexpected culinary destination. The bakery produces over 120 varieties of artisan breads and pastries daily in their 5,000-square-foot facility.
Signature salted caramel pecan sticky buns have developed something of a cult following among Michigan pastry enthusiasts. I once drove two hours through a snowstorm just to stock up on these gooey masterpieces.
Besides sweet treats, Crust offers savory options like cheese-stuffed pretzels and herb-flecked focaccia that make perfect road trip snacks. The bakery’s commitment to all-natural ingredients and traditional methods results in pastries worth traveling for.
3. Zingerman’s Bakehouse
No Michigan bakery road trip would be complete without a stop at Zingerman’s Bakehouse in Ann Arbor. This nationally acclaimed establishment has been creating traditional European and American baked goods since 1992.
Their sour cream coffee cake delivers pure comfort with each cinnamon-laced bite. The chocolate cherry bread combines unexpected flavors into something uniquely delicious.
Bread enthusiasts marvel at their farm loaf, which uses just four ingredients to create something truly spectacular. The bakery offers baking classes for visitors wanting to learn trade secrets.
4. Presque Isle Farm Bakery
Nestled in Michigan’s remote Upper Peninsula, Presque Isle Farm Bakery offers pastries worth the scenic drive. Farm-to-table bakery operates seasonally, creating pastries from ingredients grown just steps from their ovens.
Their wild blueberry galettes showcase berries harvested from nearby forests. I stumbled upon this bakery during a camping trip and ended up extending my stay by two days.
I wanted to try everything that caught my eye. The bakery’s rhubarb custard bars balance tart and sweet notes perfectly, utilizing stalks grown in their garden beds.
5. Stone House Bread
Stone House Bread crafts European-style artisan breads in an actual stone house overlooking Lake Michigan. Their naturally leavened loaves develop complex flavors from long fermentation and baking in stone hearth ovens.
The bakery’s chocolate croissants achieve the perfect balance of buttery layers and rich filling. Visitors can enjoy these treats on an outdoor patio with sweeping water views.
Founded by a former auto industry executive who traded corporate life for bread-making, Stone House embodies Michigan’s entrepreneurial spirit. The bakery’s remote location becomes part of its charm.
6. Good Cakes And Bakes
If you’re craving treasures like red velvet cake or gooey butter cake that makes your eyes roll back in delight this is your place. Founded in 2013 by April and Michelle Anderson it has grown from a cozy Avenue of Fashion storefront to also having a downtown location in The District.
They serve up both sweet and savory goods. Think vegan treats, Southern-inspired sweets, and hearty items like breakfast quiches or savory biscuits.
The Livernois location was recently remodeled to add more production space and room for baking classes. Their mission includes using organic and locally-grown ingredients whenever possible.