- Attraction: Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen
- Location: 115 W Hanover St, New Baden, IL 62265
- Industry: Bakery
- Website: https://oneshotonekill66.wixsite.com/berkmanns-bakery
Step inside this unassuming storefront and you’ll immediately understand why locals have been making pilgrimages here for over two decades.
Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen has been serving New Baden for more than 20 years, creating everything by hand using traditional methods that have become increasingly rare in our fast-food world.
No factory machines are involved.
Just the skill of people who love to bake.
The aroma hits you first – that perfect blend of yeast, sugar, and butter that can only come from everything made fresh every day.
Related
More in Illinois
Climb Bluffs, Watch Eagles, And Catch Sunsets Over The Mighty Mississippi At This Illinois State Park
Keep Exploring →This spot is rated 4.9 out of 5 with 491 reviews, and once you taste their legendary donuts, you’ll understand why this tiny bakery has earned such devoted followers who drive from neighboring towns just to get their fix.
Signature Donuts & Pastries
The Famous Paul’s Delights: These are what dreams are made of. These devil’s food cakes with cream-filled wells in the center are essentially what all those chocolate Hostess or Dolly Madison cream-filled chocolate cakes are supposed to be like but aren’t really.
One bite and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.
Jenny Lind Donuts: These glazed beauties have great texture, light and crispy on the outside, not too dry or too airy or too dense.
They represent donut perfection – the kind that makes you close your eyes on the first bite.
More in Illinois
Built For A Two-Story General Store, This Oddball Outhouse Is Now A Must-See Roadside Stop
Discover MoreBismark Donuts: The freshly baked, glazed, custard-filled Bismarks are stuffed with so much filling that any more filling would cause them to burst wide open.
They come with a variety of fillings, each one generously overstuffed in the best possible way.
Seasonal Apple Spice: These incredibly soft cake donuts are topped with maple icing and appear seasonally, creating a buzz among regulars who know to grab them quickly before they sell out.
Sugar-Free Options: They have a good variety of sugar-free donuts, ensuring everyone can enjoy their handcrafted treats regardless of dietary needs.
Beyond Donuts: The Full Bakery Experience
Peanut Coffee Cake: They have the same peanut coffee cake that customers remember from their childhood, creating powerful nostalgic connections for those lucky enough to rediscover this classic recipe.
Related
More in Illinois
This Little Red Popcorn Shack In Sycamore Has The Best Caramel Corn In Illinois
Keep Exploring →Cookies Galore: Oatmeal cookies cost just 26 cents, representing incredible value for homemade quality.
Cookies are considered the best around by longtime customers.
Cream Horns: These cream-filled pastry horns are customer favorites, delicate and perfectly piped with fresh cream that doesn’t overpower the buttery pastry.
Custom Cakes: The cake squares covered in icing and peanuts have been family favorites since childhood for many locals.
They create custom cakes for special occasions with the same attention to detail as their daily offerings.
More in Illinois
This Chicago Museum Is Weird In All The Best Ways By Combining Science, Art, And Insects
Discover MoreFresh Breads: The fresh wheat bread makes the best French toast, while onion buns are perfect with grilled burgers.
Their bread selection includes everything from crusty artisan loaves to soft sandwich breads.
Atmosphere & Character
Old-School Charm: This cool old bakery usually stays busy but they get to you fast.
The interior maintains that authentic small-town bakery feel with display cases full of colorful treats and the constant bustle of bakers working behind the scenes.
Family-Style Service: This is a very cute, family-style bakery in the small town of New Baden.
Related
More in Illinois
Go Where Summer Tastes Sweeter Inside Lemont’s Beloved Ice Cream Shop On State Street
Keep Exploring →One customer mentioned getting donuts for 20 children and having orders put in separate bags with names on them – service above and beyond.
Sensory Experience: Even the smell when you walk in the bakery brings customers back to their youth.
There’s something magical about watching bakers work with hand cranks that cut 4 cookies at a time, pushing pans all the way through by hand.
Authentic Atmosphere: The staff is friendly and helps first-time visitors decide what to order, creating a welcoming environment where you feel like a regular even on your first visit.
Practical Considerations
Unbeatable Pricing: You can get a dozen donuts for $7.19, making this an incredibly affordable treat. Prices are low according to guests’ opinions, especially considering the handmade quality.
Cash Only Operations: This is a cash-only establishment, but they have an ATM available for convenience.
This old-school approach keeps prices low and operations simple.
Early Bird Benefits: It’s an extra-special treat when you can get donuts while they’re still warm.
They start early making all their donuts, so morning visits offer the freshest selection.
Parking Made Easy: The very small shop sits along the main drive in New Baden with its own small parking lot and street parking available.
The shop is located 1.5 miles off the highway, making it an easy detour for travelers.
Holiday Specialties: The bakery celebrates every holiday with themed baked goods, from German, anise-flavored Christmas cookies known as Springerles to custom holiday cakes and seasonal treats.
Berkemann’s Baker’s Dozen
📍 115 W Hanover St, New Baden, IL 62265
