A & R Bakery

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Delaware seeking truly authentic, scratch-made baked goods, A & R Bakery offers a warm, inviting destination right in the heart of Middletown. Located within the bustling Dutch Country Farmers Market, this Amish-owned establishment is a cornerstone of the local community, renowned for the quality, variety, and freshness of its extensive menu. A visit here is not just a trip to a bakery; it is an experience rooted in traditional baking methods and exceptional customer service.

A & R Bakery masterfully combines the best of a traditional bakery, a dedicated donut shop, and a cozy coffee spot. The tantalizing scent of warm cinnamon and fresh dough guides customers right to their stand, where they are met with a colorful display of handcrafted sweets. The commitment to freshness is evident in their most famous offering—donuts made from scratch hourly—which keeps the line moving, but the experience worthwhile, as many happy Delaware customers attest.

What truly distinguishes A & R Bakery in the competitive Middletown market is the sheer breadth of its products, reflecting the rich tradition of Amish baking. From elaborate layer cakes for birthdays to classic homemade fruit pies and their iconic whoopie pies, the bakery serves both everyday cravings and major celebration needs. Furthermore, the bakery is highly attentive to modern dietary requirements, providing a wide selection of gluten-free and sugar-free options. This careful balance of tradition, quality, and inclusivity makes A & R Bakery a must-stop local favorite for Delaware dessert lovers and coffee aficionados alike.

Location and Accessibility

A & R Bakery enjoys a highly accessible and convenient location within a major hub of local commerce: the Dutch Country Farmers Market. Their address is 701 N Broad St, Middletown, DE 19709, USA. This placement makes the bakery a primary destination for those already visiting the market for other fresh goods, allowing customers to easily pick up their weekly bread, special occasion desserts, and a fresh cup of coffee all in one place.

Accessibility is well-addressed, ensuring that all members of the Delaware community can enjoy the products and service. The location features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This thoughtful design, combined with the general facilities of the larger market, ensures a comfortable experience for patrons with varying mobility needs. Parking is never an issue for this popular spot, with plenty of free parking available in a dedicated lot, as well as options for free street parking nearby. This ease of access contributes significantly to the bakery's appeal as a quick, efficient, and essential stop for high-quality baked goods in Middletown.

It is worth noting that since A & R Bakery is a merchant within the Farmers Market, customers should check the market’s operating hours. Generally, the market is open Thursday through Saturday, though specific hours should always be verified, particularly when planning a special trip. Patrons should also know that the market and the bakery are typically closed on Sundays, allowing the Amish owners and staff time off.

Services Offered

A & R Bakery operates as a full-service, traditional-style bakery and donut shop, offering an extensive menu that caters to both daily indulgences and custom celebratory needs. Their services are centered around freshness and variety, including:

• Daily Fresh Donuts: Famous for donuts made from scratch hourly, ensuring peak freshness. Varieties include Boston Creme, Glazed, Chocolate Iced, White Cream Glazed, Apple Caramel, Peanut Butter Cup, Oreo Creme, and numerous seasonal flavors.
• Traditional Amish Breads: Baking fresh loaves of bread, sticky buns, and cinnamon rolls daily. These fresh-baked breads are a customer favorite for elevating simple home meals or sandwiches.
• Custom Decoration and Orders: Offering custom decorating services for cookies, cupcakes, and non-tiered cakes, with the unique opportunity to watch the decorating process live at their market stand. This includes excellent pricing for large event orders.
• Homemade Pies and Crème Pies: A vast selection of fresh fruit pies, including Apple, Cherry, Blueberry, and Pecan, alongside classic Homemade Crème Pies like Lemon Meringue, Banana Cream, and Boston Creme. Both full pies and individual slices are available.
• Amish Specialty Treats: Featuring authentic Pennsylvania Dutch treats such as the famous Whoopie Pies (Chocolate, Red Velvet, Pumpkin, and more), Amish Apple Dumplings (available as a dessert or meal), and various Dutch Crumb Cakes and Tea Biscuits.
• Specialty and Allergen-Friendly Items: A commitment to variety includes numerous sugar-free and gluten-free options across their menu, including pies, breads, whoopie pies, and various dessert bars.
• Coffee Service: Offering freshly brewed coffee to pair perfectly with their wide selection of sweet and savory baked goods, ideal for a morning stop.
• Takeout Service: Facilitating quick and efficient transactions for customers who are shopping at the market or simply stopping by for a rapid sweet fix.

Features / Highlights

The experience at A & R Bakery is defined by several key highlights that make it a favorite for Middletown residents and visitors to the Dutch Country Farmers Market:

• Authentic Amish Ownership and Baking: The bakery is Amish owned, meaning their products are rooted in traditional, quality-focused methods. This heritage ensures an authentic, wholesome taste that is highly sought after by local Delaware customers.
• Hourly Scratch-Made Donuts: The commitment to making their famous donuts fresh from scratch hourly is a major highlight, guaranteeing customers receive a warm, soft, and delicious treat, as evidenced by the high praise for items like their homemade donut holes.
• Exceptional Variety of Products: A & R Bakery is not limited to a single specialty. They offer an astonishing range of goods, from classic cakes and whoopie pies to over a dozen fruit and crème pie flavors, satisfying virtually every possible sweet tooth.
• Customization and Event Service: They provide the convenience of in-house custom decorating for cakes and cupcakes, making them a one-stop-shop for event needs. The staff is often visible at their decorating station, providing an engaging, open-kitchen experience.
• Dietary Inclusivity: The extensive selection of sugar-free and gluten-free products, across multiple categories like pies and whoopie pies, demonstrates a commendable effort to serve the entire community, including those with specific dietary needs.
• Efficient and Friendly Service: Despite the lines often being long due to their popularity, the service is consistently noted by customers as being "great" and moving "quickly," a testament to their professional and organized staff.

Contact Information

For Delaware residents wishing to contact A & R Bakery for large orders, general inquiries, or to confirm seasonal availability, please use the information below:

Address:

701 N Broad St, Middletown, DE 19709, USA

Location Note:

Inside the Dutch Country Farmers Market

Phone:

(302) 285-0863

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing A & R Bakery is choosing a taste of genuine, quality, and tradition-rich baking in the heart of Middletown, Delaware. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that resonate with local users.

Firstly, the freshness is unmatched. The hourly production of their donuts means every visit holds the possibility of enjoying a donut that is literally still warm—a sensory experience that transforms a simple treat into a moment of true indulgence. Their homemade donut holes are specifically highlighted as "amazing," making them a non-negotiable item for a quick visit.

Secondly, their suitability for celebrations is exceptional. Customers have praised the bakery’s ability to execute custom orders perfectly, delivering birthday cakes and cupcakes that match the theme and taste "great," all at a "reasonable price." This combination of high-quality baking and professional customization makes A & R Bakery the reliable choice for any family or corporate event in the region.

Finally, the variety caters to everyone. Whether you are craving a traditional fruit pie, a decadent peanut butter brownie, or need a sugar-free or gluten-free alternative, A & R Bakery has a scratch-made solution. This dedication to variety, coupled with the warm, efficient service provided by the Amish owners and staff, ensures that A & R Bakery at the Dutch Country Farmers Market is a rewarding and delicious stop for any Delaware resident.

A & R Bakery

701 N Broad St, Middletown, DE 19709, USA