Tucked away on East Broadway Street in Winona, Minnesota, Bloedow Bakery has been making people smile since 1924. This family-owned gem is the kind of place locals drive 40 minutes for and visitors never forget.
With a 4.8-star rating and over 1,300 glowing reviews, it’s clear that something truly special is happening inside those walls. Get ready to find out why this tiny bakery has earned a legendary reputation for donuts that people call the best they’ve ever tasted.
A Century of Sweet Tradition
Some places earn their reputation over decades, and Bloedow Bakery has had over a century to perfect theirs. Founded in 1924, this family-owned landmark in Winona, Minnesota has been feeding generations of loyal customers with the same love and care it started with.
Walking through the door feels like stepping back in time. The shop is small, cozy, and full of the kind of charm that big chain bakeries can never replicate.
Customers who grew up eating Bloedow’s donuts now bring their own kids and grandkids to share the experience.
That kind of multigenerational loyalty doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built on consistent quality, genuine warmth, and a deep connection to the community.
Bloedow Bakery isn’t just a place to grab a donut — it’s a living piece of Winona’s history that keeps getting sweeter with every passing year.
Glazed Donuts That Redefine Simple Perfection
Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to get right. At Bloedow Bakery, the classic glazed donut has won the hearts of customers who describe it as light, fluffy, airy, and just plain perfect — words that keep showing up in review after review.
There’s no secret ingredient or fancy technique being advertised here. What makes these glazed donuts stand out is the care baked into every single batch.
The dough is tender, the glaze is smooth, and the whole thing practically melts the moment it hits your tongue.
One reviewer called it their favorite out of everything on the menu, and that says a lot when you’re surrounded by so many incredible options. If you’ve ever thought a glazed donut was boring, one bite of Bloedow’s version will completely change your mind.
Simplicity, done right, is its own kind of magic.
Maple Long Johns — The Undisputed Fan Favorite
Ask any regular at Bloedow Bakery what to order and you’ll almost always hear the same answer: the maple Long John. This elongated, maple-glazed masterpiece has become the unofficial mascot of the bakery, and for very good reason.
The combination of pillowy-soft dough and rich, sweet maple glaze hits differently here than anywhere else. Customers who have traveled across the country still come back to Winona just to get their hands on one.
It’s the kind of donut that ruins all other maple donuts for you — in the best possible way.
One loyal fan wrote that they’ve loved Bloedow’s donuts since childhood and the maple Long John has always been the top pick. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, ordering a maple Long John is basically non-negotiable.
Go ahead and grab two — you’ll thank yourself later.
Bavarian Cream — A Filled Donut Worth Every Calorie
Filled donuts are a true test of a bakery’s skill, and Bloedow Bakery passes with flying colors. The Bavarian Cream donut is one of the most celebrated options in the case, drawing devotees who will happily wait in a line that stretches out the door just to get one.
What sets it apart is the balance. The dough is light enough that it doesn’t overwhelm the filling, and the cream itself is smooth, rich, and generously portioned.
Every bite delivers that perfect ratio of pastry to filling that donut lovers dream about.
One reviewer specifically named the Bavarian Cream as their personal favorite, placing it above even the legendary maple Long John. That’s high praise in a shop where everything is outstanding.
Filled donuts at Bloedow’s rotate and vary by day, so arriving early gives you the best shot at snagging this crowd-pleaser before it sells out.
Maple Bacon Donut — Sweet, Salty, and Absolutely Unforgettable
If you’ve never tried a maple bacon donut, Bloedow Bakery is exactly where you should start. This sweet-and-savory combo sounds like it shouldn’t work, but one bite is all it takes to become a true believer.
Reviewers have described it as a recipe for perfection and a flavor experience like no other.
The maple glaze brings the sweetness while the bacon adds a satisfying salty crunch that cuts right through. Together, they create something that feels indulgent in the most joyful way.
One customer joked they could feel the heart attack coming — and loved every second of it.
It’s the kind of donut that people post about on social media and recommend to every friend visiting Winona. Bold, unapologetic, and wildly satisfying, the maple bacon donut proves that Bloedow Bakery isn’t afraid to take a classic in an exciting new direction.
Order one before they’re gone.
The Cronut — A Flaky, Buttery Game-Changer
Not every bakery can pull off a cronut, but Bloedow Bakery makes it look effortless. This croissant-donut hybrid has developed its own passionate fan base among the regulars, with one reviewer calling it a chef’s kiss and urging everyone to try it at least once.
The appeal is in the texture. Layers of buttery, flaky pastry meet the satisfying chew of a fried donut, creating something that feels both elegant and totally indulgent.
It’s the kind of pastry that makes you stop mid-bite just to appreciate what’s happening.
Even customers who came in with mixed feelings about the service have admitted that the cronut alone makes the visit worth it. That says a lot.
Cronuts tend to go fast, so arriving earlier in the day gives you the best chance of grabbing one. Once you try it, you’ll be planning your next trip back before you’ve even finished eating.
Apple-Filled Donuts — Fruit-Forward and Fantastic
Apple filling in a donut might sound straightforward, but at Bloedow Bakery, it’s something worth getting genuinely excited about. Multiple reviewers have shouted out the apple-filled options as some of their absolute favorites, with one person recommending apple-filled anything as a must-try on every visit.
The filling strikes a balance between tart and sweet, with a texture that complements the soft, pillowy dough without turning soggy or overpowering. It’s the kind of flavor combination that feels cozy and familiar, like a handheld version of apple pie you can eat on the go.
Bloedow’s changes up its fillings by day, which means the apple-filled donut isn’t always guaranteed. That seasonal, rotating quality actually makes finding it feel like a small victory.
Regulars have learned to check what’s fresh when they arrive and jump on the apple filling whenever it’s available. You really don’t want to miss it.
Sprinkle Donuts — Fun, Colorful, and Crowd-Pleasing
Few things in life are as cheerful as a donut covered in rainbow sprinkles, and Bloedow Bakery’s version delivers pure happiness in every bite. Reviewers have specifically called out the sprinkle donut as a top recommendation, with one person saying to order anything with sprinkles because it’s just that good.
The sprinkles here aren’t just for looks — the whole donut is crafted with the same care and quality that goes into every item in the case. The base is soft and fresh, the glaze is just sweet enough, and the sprinkles add a satisfying little crunch with every bite.
Kids absolutely love them, but honestly, adults aren’t far behind. There’s something wonderfully carefree about a sprinkle donut that makes it impossible to eat without smiling.
Next time you’re at Bloedow’s, grab one for the child in you — and maybe a second one just to be safe.
Date-Filled Cookies — A Hidden Gem You Need to Try
Most people come to Bloedow Bakery for the donuts, but insiders know to keep an eye out for the date-filled cookies. One seasoned reviewer specifically highlighted these as a must-try, warning that they sell out fast and advising everyone to arrive early if they want a shot at grabbing some.
Date-filled cookies have a wonderfully old-fashioned quality to them. The filling is rich, chewy, and naturally sweet, tucked inside a tender pastry shell that gives just the right amount of resistance.
It’s a combination that feels like something your grandmother might have made on a Sunday afternoon.
Finding this kind of traditional baked good at a modern bakery is increasingly rare, which makes Bloedow’s commitment to classic recipes even more special. These cookies are a quiet reminder that the bakery’s hundred-year-old heritage runs through everything they make.
Grab a few extra — they disappear quickly and you’ll wish you had more.
Chocolate Cake Donuts — Old-School Frosting Done Right
Chocolate cake donuts are a bakery staple, but not every shop gets the frosting right. At Bloedow Bakery, they absolutely nail it.
One reviewer praised the chocolate cake donuts specifically, saying the frosting is exactly what every chocolate cake donut should have — and that’s high praise from someone who clearly takes their donuts seriously.
The texture of a cake donut is denser and more substantial than a yeast donut, making it a satisfying choice when you want something a little more filling. Paired with Bloedow’s signature frosting, it becomes something genuinely memorable rather than just another chocolate donut.
This is the kind of old-school treat that reminds you why small, independent bakeries will always outshine the big chains. No shortcuts, no artificial flavors — just real ingredients and real craft.
If you’ve been sleeping on cake donuts, Bloedow’s chocolate version is the perfect reason to wake up and pay attention.
Sugar Donut Holes — Small Bites, Big Joy
Sometimes you want a little taste of everything, and that’s exactly what Bloedow’s sugar donut holes are perfect for. These bite-sized treats pack all the flavor of a full donut into a tiny, sugar-dusted package that’s easy to pop in your mouth and impossible to stop eating.
One reviewer mentioned picking up sprinkle donuts, a glazed donut, and sugar donut holes for just $6.50 — and walking away feeling like they’d hit the jackpot. That kind of value is practically unheard of, especially when the quality is this high.
Donut holes are also a great way to sample Bloedow’s craft without committing to a full donut, though fair warning: once you start, stopping is not easy. They’re perfect for sharing on a road trip, enjoying with a cup of coffee, or just sneaking a few extra bites when no one’s looking.
Absolutely worth every sugary moment.
Early Bird Wins — Why Arriving Early Matters
Here’s a tip that every Bloedow Bakery regular will tell you for free: get there early. The bakery opens at 6 AM on weekdays, and by late morning the most popular items are already gone.
The maple Long Johns, date-filled cookies, and specialty filled donuts tend to disappear fast once the crowd picks up.
Arriving early also means you get the freshest donuts straight from the kitchen, still warm and at their absolute best. One reviewer specifically mentioned eating a glazed donut right away and taking bread home for later — a strategy that makes a lot of sense when everything is this good.
The shop is small, the line can stretch out the door, but customers consistently say the wait moves quickly. Think of it as part of the experience.
Saturday hours are slightly shorter, running from 7:30 AM to 2 PM, and the bakery is closed Sunday and Monday. Plan accordingly and you’ll leave very happy.
Unbeatable Prices That Make Every Visit Feel Like a Win
Great food at fair prices is a combination that never gets old, and Bloedow Bakery delivers on both counts without breaking a sweat. Reviewers have repeatedly pointed out that four donuts cost around $7, and a full haul of donuts and donut holes might run you just over $6.
For the quality you’re getting, that’s genuinely remarkable.
In a world where a single specialty coffee can cost more than a half-dozen donuts, Bloedow’s pricing feels almost nostalgic. It’s a reflection of the bakery’s roots — a neighborhood shop that has always prioritized feeding people well over maximizing profit margins.
That combination of outstanding taste and honest pricing is a big part of why customers drive from Wisconsin, Saint Paul, and beyond just to stop in. Value like this is rare.
Whether you’re grabbing a single donut or loading up a dozen to share with friends and family, your wallet will feel just as good as your taste buds do.
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