Unearth The Voyage
Wisconsin’s bakery scene continues to flourish with family-owned shops that have been serving communities for generations. From handcrafted donuts to traditional Danish kringles, these beloved establishments have earned loyal followings through quality ingredients and time-tested recipes. Many have recently received recognition in state polls and industry awards, proving their enduring appeal in today’s competitive market.
1. Roeck’s Bakery – Kiel
Four generations of the Roeck family have perfected the art of creating Wisconsin’s most coveted crullers and apple fritters. This small-town gem earned top honors in a 2025 reader poll, beating out hundreds of competitors across the state.
Their long johns disappear before noon most days, prompting early-bird customers to call ahead for reservations. The secret lies in their original recipes from the 1940s, which use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Beyond their famous fried treats, Roeck’s creates custom wedding cakes that have become legendary in Manitowoc County for their intricate designs and unforgettable flavors.
2. Bendtsen’s Bakery – Racine
Authentic Danish heritage flows through every kringle that emerges from Bendtsen’s ovens, where traditional techniques meet modern demand. The bakery’s inclusion in Wisconsin’s 2025 best bakeries list surprised no one familiar with their buttery, flaky pastries.
Each kringle requires a painstaking 24-hour process, from mixing the delicate dough to the final glazing that creates their signature shine. Popular varieties include cherry, pecan, and their seasonal pumpkin spice that sells out within hours of release.
Local coffee shops throughout southeastern Wisconsin proudly serve Bendtsen’s kringles alongside their morning brews, creating partnerships that have lasted decades.
3. Uncle Mike’s Bake Shoppe – Multiple Locations
Success stories don’t get much sweeter than Uncle Mike’s expansion across northeastern Wisconsin, where four locations now serve communities from De Pere to Appleton. Their 2025 recognition as one of Wisconsin’s best bakeries reflects consistent quality across all sites.
Signature kringles rival those found in Racine, while their custom cake department handles everything from children’s birthday parties to corporate events. Each location maintains the same high standards through centralized recipe development and rigorous training programs.
Weekend mornings bring lines of regulars who know exactly which cookies and pastries will brighten their family gatherings and office meetings.
4. Simma’s Bakery – Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s southeast side treasure has transformed countless celebrations since 1982, earning recognition as the region’s premier destination for show-stopping cakes and rich cheesecakes. Wedding planners throughout the area consider Simma’s their secret weapon for memorable desserts.
Their cheesecake selection spans classic New York style to innovative seasonal flavors like maple bourbon and strawberry basil. Custom orders often book weeks in advance, particularly during graduation and wedding seasons.
Beyond special occasions, daily visitors flock here for coffee and a slice of their rotating cake selection, making Simma’s both a neighborhood staple and destination bakery.
5. Greenbush Bakery – Madison
Madison’s only certified kosher dairy bakery has anchored the university community for decades, serving students, faculty, and longtime residents with unwavering consistency. Early morning joggers often detour past Greenbush just to catch the aroma of fresh donuts and pastries.
Their old-fashioned cake donuts have achieved cult status among University of Wisconsin alumni, who regularly request care packages shipped across the country. The bakery’s commitment to kosher standards never compromises flavor or creativity.
Seasonal specialties like Hamantaschen during Purim and sufganiyot for Hanukkah celebrate Jewish traditions while welcoming customers from all backgrounds to experience authentic flavors.
6. National Bakery & Deli – Multiple Locations
The Wisconsin Bakers Association’s 2025 Bakery of the Year award caps off nearly a century of excellence for National Bakery, which has served Milwaukee-area families since 1925. Three locations in Milwaukee, Brookfield, and Greendale ensure accessibility for loyal customers.
Handmade breads emerge from their ovens daily using recipes that predate World War II, while their festive cookie decorating has become synonymous with holiday celebrations. Custom cake orders require advance booking due to overwhelming demand.
Professional bakers train for months to master National’s exacting standards, ensuring that a kringle purchased today tastes identical to one from decades past.
7. Batch Bakehouse – Madison
Artisan craftsmanship defines every small-batch creation at this Madison hidden gem, recently featured in specialty food guides for their innovative approach to traditional baking. Limited daily production means items sell out quickly, creating an almost exclusive experience for early customers.
Sourdough starters cultivated over years produce bread with complex flavors that pair perfectly with locally sourced ingredients. Their rotating selection of pastries reflects seasonal availability and the baker’s creative inspiration.
Food enthusiasts travel from across southern Wisconsin specifically to experience Batch Bakehouse’s unique offerings, often leaving with multiple loaves and promises to return soon.
8. Cranky Al’s – Wauwatosa
Since 2001, Cranky Al’s has perfected a meticulous 7-step donut-making process that transforms simple ingredients into morning magic throughout the Milwaukee area. Their apple fritters have achieved legendary status, often selling out before many customers finish their first cup of coffee.
Hand-cutting each donut ensures consistent quality and the slightly irregular shapes that distinguish artisan work from mass production. Regular customers develop personal relationships with staff who remember their favorite varieties and preferred pickup times.
The bakery’s reputation for having pastries vanish by mid-morning has created an enthusiastic community of early risers who consider arriving before 9 AM essential for the best selection.
9. Simple Bakery & Market – Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva’s resort atmosphere finds perfect complement in Simple Bakery’s fresh pastries that disappear almost as quickly as they emerge from the oven each morning. Tourists and locals alike have learned that arriving early ensures the best selection.
Their market component offers locally produced goods alongside bakery items, creating a one-stop destination for quality food lovers. Weekend visitors often stock up on pastries for lake house gatherings and family reunions.
The bakery’s location in Wisconsin’s premier vacation destination means seasonal fluctuations in demand, but year-round residents depend on Simple Bakery’s consistent quality through every season.
10. Main Grain Bakery & Eatery – Stevens Point
Grain milling on-site sets Main Grain apart from virtually every other Wisconsin bakery, where the journey from wheat to bread happens under one roof. This commitment to controlling every step of production results in artisan breads with exceptional flavor and texture.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point students have adopted Main Grain as their unofficial study spot, drawn by the aroma of fresh bread and the comfortable atmosphere. Faculty meetings often feature their catering services.
The eatery component serves sandwiches made with their own bread, creating a farm-to-table experience that highlights the difference fresh milling makes in taste and nutrition.
11. Racine Danish Kringles – Racine
Wholesale and retail operations allow Racine Danish Kringles to share their authentic Danish pastries far beyond southeastern Wisconsin, while maintaining the quality that made them a local institution. Their specialization in kringles means perfecting one pastry rather than diversifying across many items.
Traditional Danish techniques passed down through generations create the distinctive oval shape and flaky layers that define authentic kringle. Seasonal flavors like apple cinnamon and cherry cheese attract customers who plan their visits around limited-time offerings.
Food service professionals throughout the Midwest recognize Racine Danish Kringles as the gold standard, often featuring them in hotels, restaurants, and corporate catering menus.
