Who knew Ohio was hiding a treasure trove of sugar-coated delights?
From whimsical wonderlands to gluten-free havens, these eight bakeries are proof that the Buckeye State knows how to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth1
1. The Fat Apple Bakery (Bridgeport)
Imagine stumbling upon a life-sized dollhouse, but instead of plastic furniture, it’s filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods.
That’s The Fat Apple Bakery for you, folks!
This pink confectionery paradise in Bridgeport is like Barbie’s dream house, if Barbie had a serious addiction to sugar and carbs.
The exterior is a sight to behold, with its cotton candy-colored facade and a vintage red truck that looks like it drove straight out of a 1950s postcard.
But the real magic happens inside, where the display cases are bursting with an array of treats that would make Willy Wonka jealous.
The bakery’s reputation suggests a wide variety of sweets and savories that keep locals coming back for more.
It’s the kind of place where calories don’t count, and diet plans go to die – in the most delicious way possible.
2. Pistacia Vera (Columbus)
If Marie Antoinette were alive today and living in Columbus, Pistacia Vera would be her go-to spot for a royal sugar fix.
This elegant patisserie in the heart of German Village is where sophistication meets sweetness, and boy, do they make a delectable pair!
The storefront, with its sleek design and inviting windows, gives you a tantalizing peek at the artisanal delights within.
It’s like the Louvre of pastries, where each creation is a masterpiece worthy of its own exhibit.
Pistacia Vera is known for its European-inspired pastries and confections.
It’s the kind of place where you might feel compelled to extend your pinky while sipping your coffee, even if you’re wearing sweatpants and haven’t brushed your hair.
3. Schneider’s Bakery (Westerville)
Schneider’s Bakery in Westerville is like that reliable friend who’s always there for you – especially at 1 AM when you’re craving something sweet.
This no-frills, old-school bakery has been serving up comfort in the form of baked goods for generations.
The exterior, with its classic red awnings, looks like it could be the set of a heartwarming sitcom about a family-run bakery.
It’s the kind of place where you half expect to see Norman Rockwell sketching in the corner.
4. Brezel (Columbus)
Brezel in Columbus’s North Market is where pretzels go to fulfill their destiny of becoming the best versions of themselves.
It’s like a pretzel spa, where the dough is twisted, stretched, and pampered into delicious submission.
The stand itself is a work of art, with its chalkboard menu and industrial-chic design.
It’s the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever settled for those sad, mass-produced pretzels at the mall.
Brezel is known for its creative takes on the classic pretzel.
It’s the kind of place where you might find yourself saying, “I never knew a pretzel could do that!”
And trust me, that’s a good thing.
Walking into Brezel is like entering a carb-lover’s paradise.
The air is thick with the aroma of freshly baked dough, and you can practically hear your arteries clogging – but in the best way possible.
It’s a testament to human ingenuity that someone looked at a pretzel and thought, “You know what? We can make this even better.”
And boy, did they succeed.
The pretzel has evolved from a humble snack to a work of art here.
5. Cherbourg Bakery (Bexley)
Cherbourg Bakery in Bexley is like the Switzerland of bakeries – neutral territory where gluten-free folks and gluten-lovers can coexist in harmony.
This charming little spot proves that “gluten-free” and “delicious” are not mutually exclusive terms.
The bakery’s exterior, with its cheery teal awning and Parisian-style outdoor seating, looks like it was plucked straight from a quaint French village.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to don a beret and practice your “ooh la la.”
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Cherbourg is renowned for its gluten-free creations that taste anything but.
It’s the kind of place where you might find yourself saying, “Are you sure this is gluten-free?”
And that, my friends, is the highest compliment a gluten-free bakery can receive.
Walking into Cherbourg is like entering a parallel universe where gluten never existed, and yet, miraculously, everything tastes amazing.
It’s the Switzerland of bakeries – neutral territory where everyone can indulge without fear.
The aroma wafting through the air is a siren song of buttery, sugary goodness that would make even the most devout gluten-lover forget their wheaty ways.
It’s as if the bakers have some sort of magical flour that defies the laws of gluten-free physics.
You half expect to see unicorns prancing around the kitchen, sprinkling fairy dust on the pastries.
But no, it’s just good old-fashioned baking wizardry at work here, proving that with enough butter and determination, anything is possible.
6. Dough Mama (Columbus)
Dough Mama in Columbus is like that cool aunt who always brings the best desserts to family gatherings – but now she’s opened her own bakery.
This hip little spot in Clintonville is where comfort food gets a modern makeover.
The bakery’s facade, with its retro-inspired logo and inviting storefront, looks like it could be the setting for an indie rom-com about a quirky baker finding love.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to quit your day job and pursue your passion for pie-making.
Dough Mama is known for its pies and comfort food classics with a twist.
It’s the kind of place where you might find yourself saying, “I never knew meatloaf could be trendy.”
And yes, that’s a compliment.
7. Bake Me Happy (Columbus)
Bake Me Happy in Columbus is like a gluten-free Willy Wonka factory, where the magic of baking meets the challenge of being gluten-free.
This cheerful spot proves that living gluten-free doesn’t mean living joy-free.
The bakery’s exterior, with its bright orange awnings and welcoming vibe, looks like it could cure even the gloomiest of days.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to break into spontaneous dance – sugar high optional.
Bake Me Happy is famous for its gluten-free twists on classic treats.
It’s the kind of place where you might find yourself saying, “I can’t believe it’s not gluten!”
And trust me, that’s music to a baker’s ears.
8. Sweet Mary’s Bakery (Akron)
Sweet Mary’s Bakery in Akron is like that friend who always knows exactly what you need – usually in the form of something buttery and delicious.
This cozy downtown spot is where nostalgia meets innovation in the sweetest way possible.
The bakery’s storefront, with its classic black and white design accented by cheerful daisies, looks like it could be the setting for a feel-good movie about a small-town baker making it big.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger over coffee and pastries while solving all the world’s problems.
Sweet Mary’s is known for its mix of classic and creative baked goods.
It’s the kind of place where you might find yourself saying, “I never knew I needed a maple bacon donut in my life.”
And now you do.
So there you have it, folks – eight reasons to loosen your belt and embark on a sugar-fueled adventure across Ohio.
Your taste buds will thank you, even if your waistline doesn’t!