When tourists think about the best baked goods in Lancaster County, they may think about whoopie pies and shoofly pie, but for me and many locals, it’s the Long Johns at Achenbach’s Pastries. 

Everything at Achenbach’s is made from scratch, and the Long Johns are no exception. Unlike the squared-off versions you’ll find elsewhere, these are rounded at the ends, like a hot dog bun, and light and airy inside. Once they’re ready, they’re lined up side by side on a large pan, and each row is topped with a generous layer of icing. When it’s time to eat, the individual Long Johns are pulled apart, and the frosting hangs over the sides like a comforter on a well-made bed. The most popular flavors are chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter, but they also have specials like maple.

Leon and Anna Achenbach opened the bakery in 1954, so this local business has been serving Long Johns and other baked goods for over 70 years. 

Their claim to fame is the Long John, as evidenced by the Long John Eating Contest held at the New Holland Farmers Fair and ‘Johnny’ the store mascot. Yet they have plenty of other delicious baked goods.

“Our name is ‘Home of the Long John’, but we’re so much more than that,” said Dave Burkholder of Achenbach’s Pastries told WGAL’s Anne Shannon.

If you don’t live close to Leola, the Long Johns are resold at a few other locations including Marley’s Country Goods in Lancaster Central Market.