I almost drove right past it, a low building along a busy Ohio road with a few cars out front. Then the smell hit me, sugar and warm dough drifting across the parking lot, and my stomach made the decision for me.
Inside, trays of donuts, fritters, and pies were disappearing about as fast as they appeared. Some stops in Ohio look plain from the road and turn out to be the whole reason for the trip.
A Roadside Bakery Worth Slowing Down For
Along US-62 in Holmes County, a bakery sits across the street from a well-known cheese shop, and that handy location is how many travelers first spot it. Kauffman’s Country Bakery has an address in Millersburg, though plenty of visitors connect it with the Berlin area and its Amish country charm.
The shop is categorized as a bakery, but that label undersells it. Visitors describe a little shop packed with donuts, breads, cookies, pies, jams, candy, and ice cream.
One regular compared it to a scaled-down Cracker Barrel with baked goods, which gets the feel across nicely.
For Ohioans who love a drivable surprise, this is the kind of stop that makes a day trip feel complete. You can park, walk in, and be surrounded by sweets within seconds.
Fry Pies and the Amish Country Sweet Tooth
Fry pies are the headline act in the title for a reason. These hand-sized pastries are folded around fruit filling, fried until golden, and best eaten while they still hold some warmth.
Guests mention fry pies about as often as fritters in their comments, and pies in general get plenty of praise. One visitor called the pie selection nice, and another said the pies are great.
If you want the full experience, arrive when the cases are freshly stocked. Ask what is coming out next, because timing can turn a good snack into a memorable one.
Bring a napkin, because glaze tends to travel.
Donuts Rule the Display Cases
Count the mentions and one treat clearly wins: donuts are the most talked-about item here, by a wide margin. Visitors say the staff is always busy filling the cases with fresh ones, which keeps the selection lively all day.
The flavors range from simple glazed to pumpkin with icing, chocolate with icing, cinnamon glazed, and even maple bacon. One happy customer called them the best they had ever tasted.
My advice is to pick a mix instead of a dozen of the same. A glazed donut shows off the dough, while a topped one is pure fun.
Splitting them with a friend lets you taste more without regret.
The Apple Fritter Pilgrimage
Some people plan whole drives around a single fritter. One visitor said they stop in several times a year just for apple fritters unlike any others, even when it means going out of their way.
Apple fritters rank near the top of the popular topics, right behind donuts. Another guest tried a fritter alongside molasses cookies and cinnamon rolls and found all three delicious.
A good fritter has crisp edges, soft middle, and pockets of apple. Eat it fresh if you can, because the glaze softens and the whole thing becomes even more tender.
It is a hefty treat, so plan to share or save half for later.
Cookies With a Nostalgic Streak
The cookie case has the kind of old-fashioned treats that bring back memories of Grandma’s kitchen. Frosted buttermilk cookies are a standout, with their soft texture and sweet icing offering a taste of homemade baking.
You can even call ahead to place an order.
Peanut butter cookies are another favorite, while the molasses cookies bring a rich, traditional flavor to the selection. The orange cookies are worth a look, too, especially since this old-school treat can be surprisingly hard to find in modern bakeries.
Cookies make easy gifts and road snacks. Grab a pack for the ride home, though they may not last until the next county line.
Fresh Bread, Cinnamon Rolls, and Focaccia
There is plenty to explore beyond the sweets, especially when it comes to freshly baked bread. The shelves offer everything from raisin and wheat bread to pumpernickel, sourdough, and Sun Dried Marble loaves.
Each brings something different to the table, whether you need bread for breakfast, sandwiches, or dinner.
The round focaccia is a great option for homemade pizza, offering a flavorful base for your favorite toppings. Around Thanksgiving, the loaves can also be cubed and dried for homemade stuffing, adding a fresh bakery touch to a traditional holiday dish.
Cinnamon rolls and cream sticks also appear in the popular topics. If you buy raisin bread, look for the icing cups beside it.
A shopper noted the icing should be used soon after purchase, so plan to enjoy it quickly.
Jams, Jellies, and Shelves of Take-Home Treats
Plenty of visitors leave with more than a bag of pastries. The shop carries jams, jellies, sauces, spices, candy, and local gift ideas, so the browsing is half the fun.
The bakery’s selection goes beyond fresh bread and sweet treats, with a variety of jams, jellies, and store-brand preserves lining the shelves. These fruity spreads make a perfect addition to a warm slice of bread or a breakfast pastry.
It’s also an easy place to stock up on a few pantry favorites while picking out something freshly baked to enjoy at home.
Think of it as a pantry stop. A jar of jam and a loaf of bread make a simple gift, and they let a little of Holmes County follow you home.
Snacks, Sandwiches, and Ice Cream
Hungry for something savory? Past reviewers mention a cheeseburger and seasoned fries, along with panini sandwiches and a grilled cheese that the owners invited feedback on.
Drinks and unusual snacks add to the fun. One guest recalled about twenty kinds of cream soda, vanilla-butterscotch covered peanuts, bacon covered donuts, and free samples.
Hershey’s ice cream is available too, and a fan urged getting a big cone. Menus change over time, so check what is on offer when you visit.
Either way, you can eat lunch, then dessert, then buy dessert for later.
Watching the Dough Swirl
Part of the show happens behind glass. A past visitor noted that you can see the dough swirling in the baking area through a partition, a small touch that makes the pastries feel even fresher.
Guests describe the staff as friendly and helpful, and one called the place hardworking Amish staff at a nice family outing. Another noted that many of the ladies working there are Mennonite.
Even when the shop is crowded, the workers keep moving, filling cases and helping customers. Take a minute to watch before you order.
It makes the first bite taste like a reward.
Busy Counters and Small Tables
Expect company. Visitors regularly call the shop busy, and one suggested going early.
Another reported a line first thing in the morning, which shows how popular it is even before the day gets going.
A friendly tip from that experience: the cafe counter and the pastry counter can look alike, so ask staff which line fits your order. Workers were described as kind and quick under pressure.
Small tables inside let you eat on the spot, and some guests take sweets outside to enjoy. A bit of patience pays off, and the aroma makes waiting easier.
Hours, Contact, and Planning Your Stop
Hours are friendly to early birds. Monday through Friday the shop is open 7 AM to 4 PM.
Saturday runs 8:30 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday is 10 AM to 4 PM.
You will find it at 4357 US-62 in Millersburg, right across from Heini’s Cheese Chalet, so pairing the two is easy. The phone number is 330-893-2129, handy for call-in orders, and the website is kauffmanscountrybakery.com.
One past visitor estimated that a family could have a great time for roughly 25 to 50 dollars, though prices may differ now. Going early gives you the best selection and a shorter line.
A Sweet Verdict for Ohio Day Trippers
Few stops reward a short detour like this one. Most visitors leave happy, praising the donuts, fritters, pies, and breads, and some drive long distances to come back.
Not everyone loves everything. One visitor was disappointed by the ingredients in a cookie, and another had a frustrating moment in line.
Those notes are worth knowing, but they are outnumbered by compliments.
For an Ohio day trip through Amish country, this bakery makes a delicious anchor. Go hungry, bring a friend, and buy one more thing than you planned.
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