Fluffy donuts, sugary pastries, freshly baked breads, and perfectly-designed cakes—that’s what you can find in just about every town in Michigan. No, we’re not talking about chain bakeries you can find anywhere throughout the U.S.
Michigan is home to an innumerable amount of family-owned bakeries, each with their own success story about what makes their donut, cake, pie, or muffin unique. There are, however, a few that stand out among the bunch.
Sweetwater’s Donut Mill
The family-owned bakery started in Kalamazoo in 1983, and eventually expanded to two more locations with another in Kalamazoo and one in Battle Creek. It’s been recognized as one of the “Best Donuts in America” by MSN City Guide and AOL. This past year, Sweetwater’s Donut Mill was recognized again and again for its delicious donuts. It was named among the best of 33 donut shops in America by Thrillist. Again in March 2015, Sweetwater’s won second place for “Michigan’s Best Donut,” a part of the ongoing “Michigan’s Best” series. In October 2015, Thrillist analyzed donuts once again, but this time in every state, naming Sweetwater’s the best in Michigan. Sweetwater’s has also appeared on the Cooking Channel’s “Donut Showdown.”
If you’re looking for traditional and unique donuts, this is the place to stop. Pull through the drive-thru to get a quick coffee and half a dozen donuts, but we recommend walking inside so you can see (and smell) the endless options on the back donut case or “The Fancies” displayed in the front case. The best thing of all? They’re open 24/7 year round so you can get your donut fix anytime you want.
Sweetwater’s is truly a treat. Kids may be bouncing off the walls after biting into a traditional powdered cake donut, but so will their parents after eating a rich German chocolate donut coated with a caramel and coconut topping.
Groovy Donuts
A popular place in Lansing and Williamston is this sugary sensation. Groovy Donuts has been a hit ever since it opened and is always supplying delicious desserts. Here you will find a wide selection of donuts ranging from the classics to ‘far out’ donuts.
Besides donuts, Groovy Donuts also offers delicious coffee and other treats. Recently, they started providing vegan and gluten-free options which is great, because many people with dietary restrictions often have a hard time finding a donut they can enjoy. Groovy Donuts also makes a giant donut cake for special occasions and it is truly amazing. This has become a Lansing and Williamston favorite because of the shops welcoming atmosphere, affordable donuts, and friendly service. If you are ever in the area, you need to try the ‘groovy donut’ the frosting is out of this world.
Sweetie-licious
Not a fan of donuts? Well Sweetie-licious Bakery Café makes fresh pies—national award-winning pies. Choose from a variety of fillings and types—Key Lime, Raspberry Cream, Coconut Cream, Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream, and many more, all surrounded by a sweet, flaky handmade crust that will melt in your mouth. In addition to these savory pies, Sweetie-licious serves sandwiches, salads, soups, and a variety of other baked goods including fresh cookies, creamy cupcakes, and rich brownies.
Linda Hundt, the owner of Sweetie-licious, always wanted to start her own pie shop. As a home-business originally, her pies grew in popularity at farm markets and restaurants and she eventually expanded her business. Her slogan “Eat pie, love life!” is carried throughout the three locations, one in DeWitt and two in Grand Rapids. Sweetie-licious has won countless awards, including “Best of Show” at the Crisco National Pie Championships, “Best in Show” at The Food Network’s “Amazing Pie Challenge,” and many other first place awards.
Sweetie-licious has grown in popularity through the years. During the 2012 Presidential campaign, Republican runner Mitt Romney made a stop at Sweet-licious Bakery Café in DeWitt to meet with Linda and try a taste of the famous baked goods. Just last year, Linda also appeared on the “Steve Harvey Show” to compete for Best Apple Pie in America.
Cops & Doughnuts
Clare’s Cops & Doughnuts has won many awards, including Michigan Municipal League’s 2011 “Community Excellence Award” for its success story of how a group of police officers joined together to revive a community gathering place.
A pastry chef and the lead baker at Cops & Doughnuts also appeared on The Cooking Channel’s “Donut Showdown” and took home the win. Their “driftwood doughnut,” a long john filled with coconut cream and topped with a sweet chocolate ganache with toasted coconut, was the deciding factor among the judges.
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