Iowa is, oddly enough, the most Dutch place in the world outside of the Netherlands itself. During Tulip Time, Pella transforms into a little slice of Holland, and throughout the state you’ll find dutch bakeries, windmills, and nods to Dutch culture. This quirky characteristic of the Hawkeye State is something many people don’t expect when they visit, but for those of us who call this state home, it means that we have access to delicious Dutch bakeries, like Van Hemert’s Dutch Oven Bakery in Boone or Ames, Iowa.
Van Hemert’s Dutch Oven Bakery has been an iconic family-owned and operated Iowa bakeshop since 1983, and people travel from all over to pick up a sweet treat here.
Google Local / Kent Reed
As soon as you walk in, the smell from all of the fresh baked breads and pastries will hit you, and you’ll fall in love.
Google Local / Christian Barrett
Van Hemert’s is famous for baking perfect Dutch Letters, their mouthwatering Dutch Apple Bread, and their award-winning wedding cakes.
Google Local / Michael Standfest
In fact, this bakery is so popular that they had to open a second location, in Ames!
Google Local / Doug Zehr
You’ll find a great variety of baked goods, donuts, cakes, cupcakes, and cookies here along with Dutch treats.
Google Local / Berrett Rice
From butter cookies to classic chocolate chip, it’ll be hard to find a better cookie than the ones coming out of the oven at Van Hemert.
Google Local / Van Hemert’s Dutch Bakery
The head baker, Danny, makes famously tasty pecan pies, so don’t forget about Van Hemert for your Thanksgiving celebration!
Facebook / Van Hemert’s Dutch Oven Bakery
Donuts are fresh baked every morning, and you can even order an oversized donut cake to share with friends.
Google Local / Alex B.
It’s true, though, that their Dutch treats are what brings people here from all over Iowa.
Google Local / Pachwick Slardibarfast
Everything here is made from scratch using old fashioned recipes, so it’s as authentic as you’ll get without crossing the Atlantic.
Google Local / Jan Noble
Grab a Dutch Letter and a cup of coffee and enjoy this incredible bakery that shows off the heart of Iowa.
Google Local / Van Hemert’s Dutch Oven Bakery
Van Hemert’s Dutch Oven Bakery is located in Boone (605 Story St., Boone, IA 50036) and Ames (219 Duff Ave., Ames, IA 50010).
Google Local / Kent Reed
Google Local / Christian Barrett
Google Local / Michael Standfest
Google Local / Doug Zehr
Google Local / Berrett Rice
Google Local / Van Hemert’s Dutch Bakery
Facebook / Van Hemert’s Dutch Oven Bakery
Google Local / Alex B.
Google Local / Pachwick Slardibarfast
Google Local / Jan Noble
Google Local / Van Hemert’s Dutch Oven Bakery
Of course, Van Hemert’s isn’t the only Dutch Bakery in Iowa – though it may be the best. To find out, you’ve got to compare their Dutch Letters to the more famous ones from Pella’s Famous Dutch Bakery – Jaarsma!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
