Ohio’s Best Donuts: Buckeye Bakery

I remember visiting Buckeye Bakery as a small child with my grandmother. I didn’t spend much time with her, but when I did, she made it a practice to spoil me with food. A trip to the restaurant at now closed Lazarus, meant a special Mickey Mouse Sundae for me, and a shopping trip to Montgomery Wards meant we’d pop in to Buckeye Bakery for a cookie.

Buckeye Bakery has changed locations over the years. Today the location I visit is located in downtown Mansfield, within site of the carrousel (not a misspelling- this is how we spell carousel around here), but there is also a location on Ashland Road and another in nearby Shelby.

My husband and I often stop in early Saturday mornings when we’re in town. We buy a two or three donuts, or a full dozen, depending on whether the kids are home or not.

We stop early because if we wait until late morning, we run the risk of the crème filled (not custard) Long John’s being gone.

The Long Johns are slightly crusty on the edges, which I love, with an almost melt-in-your-mouth consistency when fresh. You’ll find they don’t skimp on the crème filling which begins to lightly ooze from the end of your donut with each bite.

My husband is hooked on the chocolate covered Long Johns, while I prefer the donuts dusted with powdered sugar. But in a pinch, we’ll pick up those with maple icing, and you won’t hear a complaint roll off our tongues.

Just looking at the photos are making my mouth water. If you’d like to try the donuts I crave, you’ll find Buckeye Bakery at 21 E. 4th Street in Mansfield. Other locations are located at 866 Ashland Road in Mansfield and 90 West Main St. in Shelby. And I may love the donuts, but they also sell cakes, cookies, breads and other donuts and pastries.

So tell me, what are your favorite donuts?