A Sweet Surprise in Amish Country
In the quiet countryside of Middlebury, Indiana, a little bakery with humble beginnings has grown into a full-blown local sensation. Rise’n Roll Bakery may have started as a tiny Amish-run operation in a converted shed, but today, it’s known throughout the state for its fresh-baked goods, legendary donuts, and daily lines of eager customers stretching out the door.
Despite its growing fame, the bakery hasn’t lost the charm that made it special in the first place. Visitors still find a simple building surrounded by farmland, filled with the smells of cinnamon, warm dough, and fresh coffee. Whether you’re a local picking up breakfast or a tourist passing through Amish Country, Rise’n Roll offers a down-to-earth experience packed with flavor and old-fashioned hospitality.
How It All Began
Rise’n Roll Bakery was founded by an Amish family in the early 2000s. Without electricity or modern appliances, they relied on traditional methods and recipes passed down through generations. Their baked goods — especially their cinnamon caramel donuts — gained attention through word of mouth, farmers markets, and roadside stands. By 2004, they had opened a permanent storefront just outside Middlebury, and business quickly flourished.
The bakery was eventually sold to non-Amish owners who helped expand the brand while keeping the original recipes and values intact. Today, Rise’n Roll has multiple locations, but the Middlebury store remains the flagship — and it’s still the one with the most charm, heart, and community connection.
The Famous Cinnamon Caramel Donut
Ask anyone who’s been to Rise’n Roll what to try first, and the answer is always the same: the cinnamon caramel donut. Soft, buttery dough is fried fresh each morning, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and topped with a sticky caramel glaze that melts perfectly on the tongue. These donuts are often compared to cake and yeast hybrids, combining the best of both worlds in a single bite.
The popularity of this donut can’t be overstated. It’s not unusual for the bakery to sell out before noon, and loyal fans will drive hours to pick up a dozen. Other pastries, including apple fritters, long johns, and maple-glazed twists, also have strong followings — but it’s the cinnamon caramel donut that keeps people coming back for more.
More Than Just Donuts
While the donuts bring the crowds, Rise’n Roll is much more than a donut shop. The bakery offers a full range of breakfast and lunch options, including muffins, sticky buns, fresh bread, homemade granola, soups, and deli sandwiches made to order. Many of the ingredients come from local farms, and the kitchen still uses Amish-style preparation methods wherever possible.
The Middlebury location also features a small market area where guests can purchase jams, salsas, cheeses, chocolates, and other specialty foods — many of which are made in-house or sourced from nearby artisans. Gift boxes and samplers are popular with travelers looking to bring a taste of Indiana back home.
The Atmosphere: Simple and Welcoming
Rise’n Roll’s Middlebury location isn’t flashy. It still looks and feels like a family-run business, with wooden shelves, rustic decor, and friendly staff who treat every customer like a neighbor. There’s no loud music, no modern café vibe — just the hum of conversation, the warmth of the ovens, and the sound of a bell above the door as regulars come and go.
Tables near the front offer a place to enjoy a quick breakfast or coffee, and large display cases showcase rows of neatly arranged baked goods. The open kitchen design lets visitors peek at the baking in progress, a reminder that everything is made fresh right there on site. It’s a welcoming environment that puts the focus on food and friendliness.
Lines Worth Waiting In
During peak hours, especially on Saturdays and holidays, the line to get into Rise’n Roll can stretch out the door. But no one seems to mind. The wait becomes part of the experience — a chance to chat with other customers, sample a bite of donut from the tray staff often pass around, and soak in the delicious smells that drift from the kitchen.
Customers often describe it as “organized chaos” — a well-oiled rhythm of baking, restocking, and ringing up orders that somehow never feels rushed. And more often than not, visitors leave with more than they planned to buy — donuts for the office, fresh loaves for dinner, a bottle of hot pepper jelly or maple butter they couldn’t resist.
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Rise’n Roll isn’t just about great food — it’s about experience and connection. It’s a rare example of a local business that has managed to grow without losing its soul. The quality, consistency, and care that go into every product have built a level of trust that’s hard to find in today’s fast-paced food scene.
Locals come weekly, some daily. Travelers detour just to get their fix. Tour buses stop here on their way through Amish Country, and snowbirds stock up before heading south. There’s something about this place — its simplicity, its flavor, its roots — that leaves a lasting impression.
Planning Your Visit
Rise’n Roll Bakery in Middlebury is located just off State Road 13, a short drive from Shipshewana and other popular northern Indiana attractions. It opens early — often by 7 a.m. — and closes mid-afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly. Arriving early is key, especially if you want a full selection of baked goods before they sell out.
Ample parking is available on-site, and the location is wheelchair accessible. The staff is always happy to offer recommendations, and samples are often available. Whether you’re making a special trip or just passing through, Rise’n Roll is worth the stop — and likely to become a favorite you’ll talk about long after the last crumb is gone.
