Zingerman's Bakehouse celebrates Paczki Day with flavor-packed pastries

The Michigan bakery prepares thousands of the traditional Polish treats for the annual pre-Lenten celebration.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 5:55pm

Zingerman's Bakehouse, a renowned bakery in Ann Arbor, Michigan, goes all-out each year to craft thousands of paczki, the traditional Polish pastry, for the annual Paczki Day celebration on the day before Lent. The bakery is known for its creative flavor offerings and dedication to the pre-Lenten tradition.

Why it matters

Paczki Day is a beloved annual tradition in Michigan, particularly in communities with strong Polish heritage. Zingerman's Bakehouse has become a destination for paczki lovers, showcasing the bakery's commitment to high-quality, flavor-packed baked goods and its role in preserving cultural food traditions.

The details

Zingerman's Bakehouse spends weeks preparing for Paczki Day, crafting thousands of the puffy, fried Polish pastries in a variety of creative flavors like raspberry, lemon, and chocolate. The bakery is known for its dedication to using only the finest, freshest ingredients to create its paczki, which are then fried to perfection.

  • Paczki Day is celebrated annually on the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent.
  • Zingerman's Bakehouse begins preparing for Paczki Day weeks in advance.

The players

Zingerman's Bakehouse

A renowned bakery in Ann Arbor, Michigan, known for its high-quality baked goods and commitment to preserving cultural food traditions.

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The takeaway

Zingerman's Bakehouse's dedication to Paczki Day showcases the bakery's commitment to quality, creativity, and preserving cultural food traditions, making it a beloved destination for paczki lovers in Michigan and beyond.