Ohio holds some amazing secrets when it comes to delicious cream puffs that most people never discover. From family-owned shops that have been perfecting their recipes for decades to charming neighborhood bakeries tucked away on quiet streets, the Buckeye State offers incredible treats for those willing to explore. Many of these special places create their cream puffs fresh daily using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Get ready to discover seven wonderful bakeries where cream puff dreams come true.
1. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
Famous for authentic German cuisine, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in Columbus surprises visitors with their incredible cream puffs that rival any European pastry shop. Their chefs use traditional techniques learned from German baking masters.
Each cream puff gets filled with rich vanilla custard made fresh every morning using real cream and Madagascar vanilla beans. The pastry shells are perfectly golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.
Located in the historic German Village neighborhood, this restaurant combines Old World charm with modern quality standards that keep customers coming back for more sweet treats.
2. Kennedy’s Bakery
Since 1922, Kennedy’s Bakery in Cleveland has been creating mouthwatering cream puffs that locals consider the best-kept secret in the city. Four generations of the Kennedy family have perfected their special recipe.
What makes their cream puffs unique is the light chocolate dusting on top and the choice between vanilla or chocolate cream filling. The pastry dough contains a secret ingredient that makes it extra fluffy and delicate.
Regular customers often pre-order dozens for special occasions because these treats sell out quickly, especially on weekends when word spreads about their exceptional quality and reasonable prices.
3. Resch’s Bakery
Tucked away in a cozy corner of Toledo, Resch’s Bakery creates cream puffs so good that people drive from neighboring states just to taste them. The owner learned his craft in France before returning to Ohio.
Their signature cream puffs feature choux pastry made with European butter and filled with silky pastisserie cream flavored with real vanilla extract. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
The bakery only makes fifty cream puffs each day, and they usually disappear by noon, so smart customers call ahead to reserve their favorites before making the trip to this delightful hidden gem.
4. Golden Delight Bakery
Golden Delight Bakery in Dayton transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary cream puffs that taste like childhood memories wrapped in pastry. The baker starts work at 4 AM to ensure everything is perfectly fresh.
Their cream puffs come in three sizes, from bite-sized mini versions perfect for parties to jumbo ones that make a complete dessert. The filling options include classic vanilla, rich chocolate, and seasonal flavors like strawberry.
What sets this bakery apart is their commitment to using only natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives, making their cream puffs taste pure and wholesome while maintaining incredible flavor depth.
5. Michael Angelo’s Bakery
Michael Angelo’s Bakery in Cincinnati brings Italian flair to traditional cream puffs, creating unique versions filled with mascarpone cream and topped with powdered sugar. The recipes come from the owner’s grandmother in Sicily.
Each cream puff gets assembled to order, ensuring the pastry stays crisp while the creamy filling remains cool and fresh. They also offer seasonal variations with lemon zest or espresso-flavored cream.
The bakery’s vintage Italian atmosphere, complete with checkered floors and opera music, makes eating their cream puffs feel like a mini vacation to Italy without leaving Ohio’s Queen City.
6. Belle’s Bread
Belle’s Bread in Akron started as a simple bread shop but gained fame when customers discovered their amazing cream puffs made with organic ingredients. The owner believes good food should be both delicious and healthy.
Their cream puffs use organic flour, free-range eggs, and cream from local dairy farms, creating treats that taste incredibly fresh and pure. The filling never feels too heavy or overly sweet.
What makes Belle’s special is their willingness to customize orders for dietary needs, offering gluten-free versions and sugar-free fillings that still taste amazing, proving that healthy can also mean incredibly delicious and satisfying.
7. Holtkamp Patisserie
Holtkamp Patisserie in Columbus elevates cream puffs to an art form, creating elegant pastries that look like jewelry and taste even better. Their pastry chef trained at prestigious culinary schools in Paris.
Each cream puff features perfectly smooth choux pastry filled with French pastry cream and finished with delicate glazes or artistic decorations. The attention to detail makes every piece a small masterpiece.
While slightly more expensive than other options, the quality and presentation justify the price, making Holtkamp perfect for special celebrations or when you want to treat yourself to something truly exceptional and memorable.