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Flaky, Fruity, And Dusted In Powdered Sugar: These Polish Pastries Are Worth The Road Trip

Welcome to the legendary world of New Palace Bakery.

Earning the nickname “Pączki Headquarters,” this family-owned Polish bakery has been a cornerstone of Hamtramck since 1908, serving authentic European pastries that have made it a true Detroit-area institution.

When Pączki Day arrives each Fat Tuesday, this unassuming bakery transforms into the epicenter of a citywide celebration, with devoted customers lining up for hours starting at 3 AM.

But beyond the famous pączki, you’ll discover a treasure trove of traditional Polish pastries, from delicate angel wings to buttery kolaczki, all crafted with the same time-honored recipes that have delighted generations of families.

Signature Pączki & Polish Pastries

The Famous Pączki: You’ll find the bakery’s crown jewel in raspberry flavor – the most popular choice that keeps customers coming back year after year. These aren’t your typical jelly donuts; each pączki features enriched, eggy dough that’s generously filled and creates the perfect balance of pillowy texture and rich flavor.

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Traditional flavors like custard and buttercream are available year-round, while seasonal specialties like “Cookie Crunch” and the patriotic “Red, White and Blue” (filled with creamy custard, strawberries, and blueberries) make special appearances.

Chrusciki Angel Wings: These delicate, powdered sugar-dusted pastries are so beloved that customers regularly ship them across the country. The light, crispy fried dough creates an almost ethereal texture that melts in your mouth, making them perfect for taking home as gifts or enjoying with coffee.

Kolaczki Cookies: You’ll discover these cream cheese-based pastries filled with fruit preserves to be absolutely irresistible. Similar to rugelach, they offer the perfect combination of buttery, flaky dough and sweet fruit centers that make them ideal for both everyday treats and special occasions.

Seven Sisters Cake: This beautiful layered creation showcases the bakery’s cake artistry and remains a customer favorite for celebrations and special events.

European Breads: Don’t overlook their enormous loaves of fresh-baked rye bread, which rivals the pastries in popularity. The dense texture and robust flavor make it a perfect representation of traditional Polish baking techniques.

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Seasonal Specialties & Holiday Magic

Easter Celebrations: During Easter season, you’ll find stunning lamb-shaped butter sculptures and beautifully decorated Easter pastries featuring frosted eggs and bunnies that are almost too pretty to eat.

Christmas Traditions: The holiday season brings special treats like gingerbread cookies and stollen, transforming the bakery into a bustling hub of festive activity.

Pączki Day Extravaganza: The Tuesday before Lent becomes a legendary event where the bakery opens at 3 AM and lines can stretch for hours. The atmosphere during this celebration captures the true spirit of Hamtramck’s Polish heritage.

Atmosphere & Experience

Old-World Charm: You’ll step into a cozy space that feels like traveling back in time, with cases upon cases of beautiful pastries creating a visual feast that’s almost overwhelming in the best possible way. The intoxicating aroma of fresh-baked goods fills the air, making every visit feel like a special occasion.

No-Seating Takeaway: This is a true bakery experience where you’ll spend time browsing the impressive displays before taking your treasures home. Plan for at least 30 minutes to properly survey all the options, as the sheer variety can make decision-making delightfully difficult.

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Community Gathering Place: You’ll witness a true neighborhood institution where families bring children to pick out treats, continuing traditions that span multiple generations. The multilingual conversations and familiar faces create an authentic cultural experience.

Practical Considerations

Affordable Pricing: You’ll find the prices refreshingly reasonable, especially considering the quality and generous portions. Most pastries are budget-friendly, making it easy to try multiple items without breaking the bank.

Limited Hours: Remember that like most traditional Hamtramck bakeries, they’re closed Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit for Tuesday through Saturday. Weekend mornings tend to be busiest, while weekday afternoons offer a more relaxed browsing experience.

Freshness Factor: You’ll get the best experience by asking what’s come out of the oven recently, as the high turnover ensures freshness but some items may sit longer than others.

Parking: Street parking is available along Joseph Campau Avenue, though it can get crowded during peak times like Pączki Day or weekend mornings.

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Family-Friendly: This is absolutely a place where multiple generations can enjoy treats together, with plenty of options for both adventurous and traditional palates.


New Palace Bakery
📍 9833 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI 48212

Writer: Kathy Bayton
Click to read bio

I have been writing since college, after college I moved to Michigan for good. Nothing beats the Great Lakes in the summer or a cider mill in the fall. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me browsing indie bookstores or hanging out with friends. Michigan has the best sunsets and I will die on that hill.