Road tripping across Ohio for sweet bread sounded like a sugar high dream, so I packed a cooler and a loose waistband. From pan dulce to butter kuchen, every stop promised a story baked fresh that morning. A few shops surprised me with flavors that lingered long after the crumbs disappeared. Ready to find the four worth circling back for and the others you will still want to taste once?
La Plaza Tapatia – Columbus, Ohio
You spot the pastel conchas first, dusted just right and humming with vanilla. The bakery hums too, families debating flavors while trays of orejas slide from the oven. A concha cracks perfectly under your fingers, revealing a soft crumb that tastes like morning comfort and warm hugs.
The guava and cream cheese pastry steals the second bite, tart and silky against buttery dough. Pan de elote is sweet yet corny in the best way, a slice that begs for coffee. Prices are kind, portions generous, and the staff walks you through options without rushing your decisions.
Come early for the fluffiest conchas and the freshest empanadas. This is a dependable Columbus staple.
Panaderia y Pasteleria El sol – Marietta, Georgia
Even far from Ohio, this Marietta stop earns mileage with flaky pastelitos and tres leches that soaks without collapsing. The custard layers feel balanced, sweet but not cloying, with strawberries that actually taste like fruit. Conchas lean denser, making them perfect with a strong café con leche.
The staff smiles when you ask questions and suggests a pineapple turnover that shatters delightfully. Decor is simple, all focus on the pastry cases that stretch longer than expected. Prices are slightly higher, but sizes match.
Grab the tres leches for celebrations and the guava pastry for the car ride. Not a second stop on this trip, yet absolutely worth a detour when passing through.
Guaterriqueña Bakery – Cleveland, Ohio
Here the air smells like butter and spice, with polvorones that crumble softly and leave citrus whispers. You discover quesadillas Salvadoreñas style cake, dense and cheesy sweet, perfect with coffee. The Puerto Rican influence pops in the mallorcas, light spirals kissed with sugar.
Service feels like home, with proud explanations of regional specialties. The cases rotate often, so every visit brings new finds and still hits the favorites. Prices feel fair and the portions travel well.
This spot becomes one of the four worth a second stop because the flavors feel personal and distinctive. Do not miss the quesadilla slice or the mallorca. Cleveland baked joy, pure and honest.
La Plaza Tapatia – Columbus, Ohio
Returning to confirm the hype, the selection shifts slightly but the vibe stays warm. Today the star is a cajeta empanada, caramel deep and sticky without overpowering the buttery pocket. A pink concha tastes like the first time you loved sweet bread.
Lines move fast and trays refill constantly, a sign of steady demand. You will appreciate the cinnamon notes in the churro sticks, not greasy, just crisp. Coffee is basic but strong enough for dunking.
Consistency matters on a road trip, and this place delivers it. While not the most experimental, reliability earns a smile and a repeat purchase. It is a comfort anchor in Columbus.
Panaderia Mi Pueblo – Columbus, Ohio
Mi Pueblo greets you with a wall of color, sugar glinting from orejas and puerquitos. The pineapple empanada carries bright jam tucked into a pastry that stays flaky to the last bite. A cinnamon twist offers crunch and softness in a single pull.
Staff keeps things casual and quick, helping you navigate Spanish labels if needed. Tres leches here runs lighter and airy, ideal for those who dislike heavy cream. Prices are wallet friendly for variety sampling.
While not one of the four repeats, it fills a box beautifully and travels well. Stop for empanadas and a mix of cookies. Columbus has quiet gems, and this is one.
La Mexicana – Toledo, Ohio
In Toledo, La Mexicana brings sturdy classics that feel road trip ready. Conchas run soft, not overly sweet, and the orejas give a caramelized crunch you will chase. The churros arrive warm, tossed in cinnamon sugar that sticks to fingertips happily.
The counter team recommends a chocolate-filled pastry that tastes nostalgic without being heavy. Seating is minimal, but you will not mind because everything begs to go. Prices make it easy to grab an extra bag for friends.
Not a second-stop winner, yet a dependable city favorite that respects tradition. Swing by early to catch fresh bakes. Toledo mornings taste better after this visit.
Kiedrowski’s Simply Delicious Bakery – Amherst, Ohio
This is where Ohio nostalgia meets sweet innovation. The Snoogle, a house specialty, balances cream filling and crisp pastry in a way that feels playful and refined. Paczki are pillowy, generously filled, and never oily.
Butter kuchen delivers buttery edges that crunch like caramel, with a tender center that melts slowly. Staff offers samples and stories, making the visit feel like a celebration. Prices are fair for the craftsmanship and portion size.
Absolutely one of the four worth a second stop. The Snoogle alone demands a return, and the paczki seal the deal. Save room in the cooler, because leftovers taste amazing the next morning.
Red Rican – Campbell, Ohio
At Red Rican, quesitos sparkle with lacquered sugar, shattering into creamy cheese filling. Mallorcas dust your shirt with sweet snow and make coffee taste brighter. A coconut pastry surprises with deep toasty notes instead of just sweetness.
The cafe side adds savory temptations, but stick to the sweet plan and you will leave thrilled. Staff greets you like family and nudges you toward fresh batches. Prices are solid for the quality and freshness.
Mark this as a second-stop contender because the quesitos sing. The textures stay perfect even after a short drive. Campbell shows up big with island comfort baked into every bite.
Panaderia La Favorita – Florida City, Florida
Warm air and palm light make the guava pastries taste even sunnier. Here the pastelitos balance flaky layers and thick jam, not just sugar rush. Tres leches comes in generous squares that soak the fork with milky goodness.
Staff moves quickly, offering a nod and helpful recommendations in Spanish and English. Seating is minimal, so expect a grab and go rhythm. Prices run modest, making variety sampling easy.
As a road break, it hits the spot, though not a top four repeat. Pick guava and cheese and a slice of flan for later. Florida City knows how to sweeten a long drive.
La Estrella Bakery – Tucson, Arizona
Desert mornings meet sugar shells the size of your hand at La Estrella. Conchas are airy, with cracking tops that perfume the room. Coyotas, thin cookies with piloncillo filling, offer caramel smoke and crunch in every bite.
The bakery buzzes from open to close, locals grabbing dozens without hesitation. You will appreciate the spice balance, never overwhelming. Coffee is strong, with a touch of chocolate if you want sweetness.
This stop becomes a second-stop pick for coyotas alone. Their texture travels beautifully and still snaps on day two. Tucson brings sun, warmth, and pastries that taste like both.
El Buen Gusto Bakery – Kernersville, North Carolina
This Kernersville find leans friendly and straightforward. Conchas are reliable, with a vanilla shell that holds well. A coconut macaroon style cookie surprises, chewy inside with toasted edges that make you nod happily.
The tres leches slice offers plenty of soak without drowning the cake. Staff is patient and explains unfamiliar names with a smile. Prices keep you under budget while filling a bakery box generously.
Good stop, not a second-stop finalist. Still, the consistency and kindness make it worth recommending when nearby. Grab a mixed dozen for road snacks and share the coconut cookies with friends.
Torte & Iron Cafe – Springfield, Ohio
Springfield brings a modern twist with laminated beauties that flake like confetti. The honey cream brioche doughnut makes you close your eyes for a second. A seasonal fruit tart layers tang, crunch, and silk in careful balance.
Baristas dial in coffee well, so pair a pour over with a butter croissant. The space invites lingering, but everything also travels neatly in a box. Prices are premium, matched by technique and ingredients.
This is the fourth second-stop choice, thanks to precision and buttery lamination. It pushes the tour beyond tradition while keeping the comfort of sweet bread. Springfield wins a spot on the return route.