People Are Going Wild Over The Handmade Kolaches At This Small Iowa Cafe
Raymond Goldfield
Author
Have you ever had a Kolache? These small Czech pastries have built a cult following around Iowa, thanks to their delicious components – a light, glazed yeast dough topped or filled with an assortment of jams or custards. You can usually find no shortage of them on sale in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village – but to find the best Kolaches in Iowa, you’ll want to head to the small town of Urbandale, on the outskirts of Des Moines and about two hours from Cedar Rapids. That’s where you’ll find Coaches Kolaches, a tiny cafe that takes the classic dessert and gives it an over-the-top modern twist. Made fresh daily, this cafe is always experimenting with new flavors of Kolache that not only pay tribute to the original but fuse it with a distinctly American sensibility that has the locals coming back time and time again. You’ll want to get there early – Iowans are going wild over these inventive Kolaches, and they frequently sell out!
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Have you tried the new creations at Coaches Kolaches in Urbandale? Let us know what you think, and tell us where you find the best Kolaches in Iowa in the comments section! You can find out about the latest creations on the official Coaches Kolaches Facebook page. And while you’re in Urbandale, make sure to drop by the unique Living History Farms, one of the best rural attractions in Iowa.
Looking for a place to stay the night while you sleep off all those Kolaches? Check out the local Hotel Renovo, the only four-star hotel in the Des Moines metro area.
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More to Explore
Best Bakeries In Iowa
Where Can I Find The Best Bakeries In Iowa?
Kolaches are some of Iowa's signature treats, but the entire state has some unique baked goods that are not to be missed.
- La Mie in Des Moines is probably Iowa's premiere French bakery, serving up a combination of sweet and savory treats each morning. It's a wildly popular breakfast spot that frequently has regulars lined up for their morning fuel. You'll find sweet breakfast specialties like French Toast, light sandwiches and omelets, and a massive selection of croissants, danishes, macarons, and coffee each day.
- Amana Colonies Bakery & Cafe is found in Amana's main shopping district, only feet away from the town's beloved General Store. Like all of Amana, it's about old-school German roots from top to bottom. The bakery is known for time-honored recipes for such classics as coffee cake, apple strudel, and a traditional seeded rye bread. The bakery does a brisk business in catering orders, as these delicate treats are popular for weddings and other events.
- Pedretti's Bakery in Elkader is located in an old-school brick building that gives it the impression of a bakery that's been standing for decades, but this is a thoroughly modern bakery known for one thing - donuts! They have the best glazed donuts in Iowa, but things get kicked up to another level with indulgent frostings and toppings. Don't miss out on the bakery's other specialties, including seasonal cookies and cake pops.
- Sunrise Bakery might be the most rural bakery in Iowa, located on a country road in the tiny town of Bonaparte. This is an Amish bakery, so the goods are all homemade and the selection and quantity are usually limited. Get there early and indulge in fresh-baked bread, glazed donuts, and some of the best pies in Iowa. If you're lucky, you'll be there when the family-owned business is hosting an occasional buffet of country eats served in the residence.