8 Indiana Bakeries That Will Totally Change How You Think About Pastries

I have eaten my way through more bakeries in Indiana than I care to admit, and I can tell you with complete certainty that our state is hiding some of the most incredible pastry treasures you will ever taste. Most people think about cornfields and basketball when they hear Indiana, but the bakery scene here is absolutely mind-blowing.

From flaky croissants that transport you straight to Paris to cinnamon rolls the size of your head, these eight bakeries are rewriting the rules on what pastries can be.

What makes these spots so special is not just the quality of their baked goods but the stories and passion behind them.

Each bakery on this list brings something unique to the table, whether that is old-world techniques passed down through generations or innovative flavor combinations that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.

1. Rene’s Bakery

Walking into Rene’s Bakery feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen if she happened to be a professionally trained pastry chef with decades of experience. Located at 6524 N Cornell Ave in Indianapolis, this beloved neighborhood spot has been turning out exceptional pastries since 1998.

The aroma of butter and sugar hits you the moment you open the door, and the display cases are packed with gorgeous treats that look almost too beautiful to eat.

Their French-inspired pastries are the real stars here, with croissants so flaky and buttery that they practically dissolve on your tongue. The almond croissants are particularly legendary, filled with sweet almond cream and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.

But do not sleep on their fruit tarts either, which feature perfectly crisp pastry shells filled with silky vanilla cream and topped with fresh seasonal fruit arranged like edible artwork.

What sets Rene’s apart is the attention to detail in every single item. The owners use traditional French techniques combined with high-quality local ingredients whenever possible.

Their fruit danishes are made with real fruit compotes rather than canned fillings, and you can absolutely taste the difference.

If you visit on a Saturday morning, expect a line out the door, but trust me when I say it moves quickly and is absolutely worth the wait. The Broad Ripple neighborhood where Rene’s is located offers plenty to explore before or after your bakery visit, including the nearby Monon Trail for a post-pastry walk.

2. Leviathan Bakehouse

Leviathan Bakehouse at 1101 N College Ave in Indianapolis represents everything exciting about the modern bakery movement. This is not your traditional bakery with neat rows of predictable pastries.

Instead, you will find creative, boundary-pushing baked goods that challenge what you think pastries should be. The space itself has an industrial-chic vibe with exposed brick and minimalist design that lets the food do all the talking.

Their laminated doughs are absolutely next-level, with layers so precise and delicate that they shatter perfectly with each bite. The everything bagel croissant has become something of a cult favorite, combining the buttery richness of a French croissant with the savory punch of an everything bagel seasoning.

It sounds wild, but it works brilliantly, especially when paired with their house-made cream cheese.

Beyond croissants, Leviathan also excels at naturally leavened breads using sourdough starters that give their loaves complex flavor and perfect texture. Their seasonal pastries rotate regularly, so there is always something new to try.

One visit might feature a miso caramel Danish, while another might showcase a cardamom pistachio morning bun.

The bakery is located in the trendy Massachusetts Avenue Arts District, making it easy to combine your pastry run with exploring local galleries and shops. Nearby, you can check out the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields at 4000 Michigan Road or grab lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants lining Mass Ave after you have worked up an appetite again.

3. Amelia’s Bread

Amelia’s Bread at 653 Virginia Ave in Indianapolis takes a European approach to baking that focuses on simplicity, quality ingredients, and time-honored techniques. This bakery specializes in rustic, hearth-baked breads and pastries that taste like they came straight from a village bakery in the French countryside.

The philosophy here is that great baking does not need to be complicated, it just needs to be done right with patience and care.

Their morning buns are an absolute revelation, featuring layers of buttery dough rolled with cinnamon and orange zest, then baked until caramelized and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and pillowy inside. These are not your average cinnamon rolls.

They have a sophisticated flavor profile that balances sweetness with bright citrus notes. The scones here are equally impressive, with a tender crumb that is never dry or crumbly like so many other versions.

What really makes Amelia’s special is their commitment to using organic flour and supporting local farmers whenever possible. You can taste the quality in every bite, from the nutty complexity of their whole grain breads to the pure butter flavor in their croissants.

The bakers arrive before dawn each day to start the baking process, ensuring everything is fresh when customers arrive.

The Fountain Square neighborhood where Amelia’s is located has become one of Indianapolis’s hippest areas, filled with vintage shops, music venues, and great restaurants. After grabbing pastries, you can explore the nearby Murphy Art Center at 1043 Virginia Ave or catch a show at the historic Fountain Square Theatre Building.

4. Rise ‘n Roll Bakery

Rise ‘n Roll Bakery at 1065 N 1150 W in Middlebury has achieved legendary status throughout Indiana and beyond for their absolutely insane cinnamon caramel rolls. People drive hours just to get their hands on these massive, gooey creations that weigh about a pound each and are absolutely loaded with cinnamon, caramel, and pecans.

Fair warning though, one roll could easily feed two or three people, or one very determined person with no regrets.

What started as an Amish bakery has grown into a small chain with multiple locations, but the Middlebury original location still draws huge crowds, especially on weekends. Beyond the famous caramel rolls, they also make excellent fruit pies, cookies, and donuts that showcase traditional Amish baking techniques.

Their apple fritters are enormous and packed with real apple chunks and cinnamon, while their cream-filled donuts have a light, airy texture that is hard to find elsewhere.

The bakery operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and popular items can sell out quickly, especially the cinnamon caramel rolls. Many locals recommend calling ahead to reserve your order if you are making a special trip.

The prices are incredibly reasonable considering the size and quality of everything they make.

Middlebury is located in the heart of Amish country, so a trip to Rise ‘n Roll can easily be combined with exploring the beautiful rural landscape, visiting local craft shops, and experiencing a slower pace of life. The nearby Das Dutchman Essenhaus at 240 US-20 offers a full restaurant experience if you want to make a day of it and explore more Amish cuisine.

5. Pots & Pans Pie Co.

Pots & Pans Pie Co. at 4915 N College Ave in Indianapolis proves that sometimes focusing on doing one thing exceptionally well is the path to greatness. While they are primarily known for their incredible pies, their pastry game extends to hand pies, biscuits, and other baked goods that showcase their serious pastry skills.

The crust alone is worth the visit, with a perfect balance of flakiness and tenderness that holds up beautifully to both sweet and savory fillings.

Their sweet pies rotate seasonally, taking advantage of fresh Indiana produce whenever possible. Summer brings berry pies bursting with fruit flavor, while fall showcases pumpkin and apple varieties that taste like the essence of autumn.

The salted caramel apple pie has become a year-round favorite, combining tender spiced apples with rich caramel and a hint of sea salt that makes the flavors pop.

But do not overlook their savory hand pies, which make perfect grab-and-go lunches. The chicken pot pie version is loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce all wrapped in that fantastic flaky crust.

They also offer vegan and gluten-free options that actually taste good, not like sad substitutes.

The shop itself is cozy and welcoming, with a small seating area if you want to enjoy your pie on the spot with a cup of coffee. The surrounding area along College Avenue has tons of other interesting shops and restaurants to explore.

Nearby Broad Ripple Park at 1550 Broad Ripple Ave offers a nice spot to enjoy a slice of pie outdoors when the weather cooperates.

6. Long’s Bakery

Long’s Bakery at 1453 N Tremont St in Indianapolis has been a local institution since 1955, and their donuts have achieved near-mythical status among Indianapolis residents. This is old-school bakery excellence at its finest, with recipes that have remained largely unchanged for decades because when something is perfect, you do not mess with it.

The glazed yeast donuts are what dreams are made of, light and airy with a delicate sweetness that never feels heavy or greasy.

What makes Long’s special is their dedication to doing things the traditional way, making everything fresh daily using time-tested methods. The donuts have a distinctive texture that comes from proper proofing and frying techniques that many modern bakeries have abandoned in favor of speed.

Their cake donuts are equally impressive, with a tender crumb and flavors ranging from classic chocolate to seasonal pumpkin.

The bakery opens early and closes when they sell out, which often happens well before the posted closing time on weekends. Serious Long’s fans know to arrive by mid-morning at the latest to ensure they get their favorites.

The prices are refreshingly reasonable, making it easy to grab a dozen to share, though you might find yourself reluctant to part with any.

The no-frills atmosphere is part of the charm here. This is not an Instagram-worthy trendy spot with fancy decor.

It is a real working bakery focused entirely on making exceptional donuts. The surrounding neighborhood has a authentic, working-class character that feels genuinely Indianapolis.

After your donut run, you can explore nearby Riverside Park at 2420 E Riverside Dr for a pleasant walk along the White River.

7. Le Croissant French Bakery

Le Croissant French Bakery at 916 E Main St in Greenwood brings authentic French baking to the Indianapolis suburbs, and the quality would make any Parisian proud. The owners are actually from France, and they brought their family recipes and techniques with them when they opened this charming bakery.

Every pastry reflects generations of French baking knowledge and a commitment to doing things properly, even if it takes more time and effort.

Their croissants are textbook perfect, with dozens of paper-thin layers that shatter when you bite into them, releasing the incredible butter aroma that defines a great croissant. The pain au chocolat features the same excellent laminated dough wrapped around dark chocolate batons that melt slightly during baking.

But you should also try their fruit tarts, eclairs, and macarons, which showcase classic French pastry techniques executed with precision.

Beyond pastries, they also make excellent quiches and savory items perfect for lunch, all featuring the same attention to quality and technique. Their baguettes are properly crusty on the outside and tender inside, perfect for making sandwiches at home.

The coffee program is also solid, with proper espresso drinks to accompany your pastries.

The bakery has a charming European cafe atmosphere with a few tables where you can sit and enjoy your treats. The staff is friendly and happy to explain the different pastries if you are unfamiliar with French baking.

Greenwood has grown into a bustling suburb with plenty of shopping and dining options nearby. Old City Park at 11 Park Dr offers a nice green space if you want to enjoy your pastries outdoors.

8. Heidelberg Haus

Heidelberg Haus at 7625 Pendleton Pike in Indianapolis offers a completely different pastry experience, focusing on German and European baking traditions that are harder to find in the United States. This combination German restaurant, deli, and bakery has been serving the Indianapolis community since 1968, and their European-style pastries provide a delicious education in German baking traditions.

The Black Forest cake alone is worth the trip, with layers of chocolate sponge cake, cherries, and whipped cream that stay true to the authentic German recipe.

Their strudels are another highlight, made with paper-thin dough stretched by hand and filled with everything from apples and cinnamon to sweet cheese. The apple strudel has just the right balance of fruit, spice, and pastry, never too sweet or heavy.

They also make excellent German butter cookies, springerle, and other traditional treats that are especially popular during the holidays but available year-round.

What makes Heidelberg Haus unique is the opportunity to experience a whole range of German food culture in one place. You can grab pastries from the bakery case, pick up imported German groceries from the deli section, or sit down for a full German meal in the restaurant.

The staff is knowledgeable about the different items and can guide you toward new discoveries.

The authentic German atmosphere transports you straight to Bavaria, complete with imported German products lining the shelves and German music playing in the background. The location on the east side of Indianapolis makes it easy to combine your visit with other errands or exploration of the area.

Fort Harrison State Park at 5753 Glenn Rd is just a short drive away and offers beautiful trails and picnic areas.