Paczki (pronounced “Poonch-kee”) Day is celebrated Thursday in the week before Ash Wednesday. Paczki Day in Detroit is almost here and it’s time to pig out a bit for this delicious sugary Polish pastry that communities have widely come to appreciate. Paczki Day 2024 this year takes place on February 13th. Find fresh Paczki and pastries all over metro Detroit. Hamtramck is always a great starting point, but there are other traditional Donut shops too.
Paczki may be a Polish tradition, but the special offerings and fillings have expanded. Fat Tuesday in the Midwest is an anticipated day for all of the local bakeries and donut shops. You can even get a limited edition “Paczki Day Vodka” from Detroit City Distillery and a Paczki Day twist on the classic Coney dog.
Explore the classic and modern flavors that have blossomed from the traditional baking. Detroitisit rounded up a celebratory list for Paczki Day in Detroit 2024, so you know exactly what it is and where to buy the best Paczki in Detroit.
WHAT IS PACZKI?
Is it a donut? It technically is. However, this doughnut has more pillowy density to it than your average American yeast-made doughnut, hence the name “Fat Tuesday”. Originating from Poland, Paczki Day is always before the fast of Lent leading up to Easter (some celebrations are the Thursday before Ash Wednesday). Traditional paczki contain a splash of Polish vodka called Spiritus in addition to the flour, eggs, milk, sugar, yeast, and sometimes butter that make up the dough.
It’s common to hear the buzz about “Fat Tuesday” A.K.A Paczki Day in Detroit because of the 19th century Emigration of Polish and Lithuanian people to America. Some of the earliest settlements were in Michigan, Texas, and Wisconsin. Urban cities now have large Polish-Catholic populations like Buffalo, Detroit, and Chicago.
NEW ORANGE CREAM VODKA FOR PACZKI DAY, PHOTO @DETROITCITYDISTILLERY ON INSTAGRAM
PACZKI DAY VODKA-DETROIT CITY DISTILLERY
Treat yourself to this orange cream Packzi Day Vodka flavor. The highly anticipated, once-a-year offering Paczki Day Vodka from is back. Detroit City Distillery is currently offering its Paczki Day Vodka, an annual favorite. Enjoy the smooth taste of fresh raspberry pączki from Hamtrack’s legendary New Palace Bakery. This popular spirit-infused bottle is now available nationally. Try their new Orange Cream Vodka! Click HERE to view the Detroit City Distillery website.
Location: 2462 Riopelle, Historic Eastern Market Detroit, MI
THE FAMILY DONUT SHOP
Paczki Day in Detroit 2024 brings the family together to support other local businesses that have family at the heart. There isn’t a wide selection of donuts, but you can expect a delicious assortment of Paczki. Check out this little Hamtramck doughnut shop for classic flavors like custard, cherry, and chocolate cream. The pastries are also halal and made with vegetable shortening. Since it is a small joint, the spot will be packed on Paczki Day. You can place a preorder (recommended) by phone. (313) 368-9214
Location: 1130 Conant, Hamtramck, MI
PACZKI ASSORTMENT, PHOTO @NEWPALACEBAKERY ON INSTAGRAM
NEW PALACE BAKERY-PACZKI HEADQUARTERS
Have you been to New Palace Bakery before? Paczki Day in Detroit 2024 is here for the heartwarming family-owned businesses. This list of where to find the best Paczki in Detroit and Metro Detroit wouldn’t be complete without the top-rated “Pączki Headquarters”. Located in Hamtramck, this sweet shop has been a staple for locals since 190. Let your taste buds explore their specialty variations like Honey Cream Dream, Triple Chocolate, PB & J, and more. Traditional flavors include: Raspberry, Strawberry, Blueberry, Custard, Lemon, and Apple. This cash-only bakery is one to visit again and again for scrumptious baked treats. Click HERE to view their website.
THE CONEY PACZKI, PHOTO AMERICAN CONEY ISLAND FACEBOOK PAGE
AMERICAN CONEY ISLAND
Leave it to American Coney Island on Lafayette Blvd. to combine Detroit’s famous Coney dog with paczki. You’ll have to try it for yourself! Celebrate Fat Tuesday/Paczki Day 2024 in Detroit with a unique pairing. Back for another year, take a good bite of traditional toppings nestled in the familiar glazed (unfilled) paczki. See if the sugary sweetness matches up well enough with the classic mix of chili, onion, and mustard. Don’t bother watching your calories with this heavy combo! Click HERE to view their website.
Location: 114 W Lafayette Blvd., Detroit
CHENE MODERN BAKERY
Paczki Day in Detroit 2024 displays the delicious modern local Detroit bakeries and metro Detroit donut shops as well the delectably rich history of the Polish donut. Did you know that Chene Modern Bakery is one of the oldest Polish bakeries in metro Detroit. There are a dozen flavors available at this bakery, so bring your family and friends along for each one’s taste.
Location: 17041 W Warren Ave., Detroit
100 DOZEN PACZKI FOR FAT TUESDAY ’24, PHOTO @PIEROGI_QUEEN_ ON INSTAGRAM
PIETRZYK PIEROGI
Paczki Day in Detroit 2024 may not be here yet, but the ordering has begun! Pietrzyk Pierogi is a hotspot for the greater Detroit Polish community during the holiday season, but it continues for a special Fat Tuesday treat. You can place your online pre-order for Pieterzyk Pierogi’s 100 dozen paczki batches. Choose from the baked goodness of classic flavors like raspberry, blueberry, lemon curd, and vanilla custard in single to four flavors for mixed dozens. Bring their signature strawberry jalapeño home and everyone will know where you’ve been! Click HERE to view their website.
Location: 1429 Gratiot Ave., Detroit
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