Central PA Bakeries Prepare for Fastnacht Rush on Fat Tuesday

HARRISBURG, Pa. — As Fat Tuesday approaches on March 4, bakeries throughout central Pennsylvania are gearing up for the annual fastnacht production, a revered tradition celebrated on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.

The fastnacht, a German word meaning “night before the fast,” has its origins with the Pennsylvania Dutch, who historically used the day to utilize excess fat in their homes before the fasting season of Lent. These doughnut-like treats vary widely in recipes; some utilize yeast, while others depend on baking soda. Special ingredients like mashed potatoes or potato flour may also be included, enhancing the flavor and texture.

Several bakeries in the Harrisburg area are offering a range of fastnachs in the days leading up to the celebration. Below is a selection of spots where enthusiasts can find these festive treats:

Resetting Bakery – 51 S. Orange St., Carlisle

This family-owned establishment is selling both unfilled and buttercream-filled fastnachts in various styles, including plain, powdered sugar, glazed, and cinnamon sugar. Prices are $7.50 for a half dozen of unfilled and $15 for a dozen; filled fastnachts cost $8.75 for a half dozen and $17.50 for a dozen. Preorders are highly recommended by calling 717-218-5258 by 2 p.m. on March 1. The bakery will operate from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 4.

Loganville Market – 8892 Susquehanna Trail South, York County

The market will sell fastnachts in glazed, plain, and powdered sugar from March 3 to 4, priced at $14.49 for a dozen, $8.99 for a half dozen, and $1.59 for a single. Preorders can be made by calling 717-428-2036 ext. 227, with hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dough n Joe – 33 E. Simpson St. Unit D, Mechanicsburg

This new doughnut shop offers five varieties of fastnachts: powdered sugar, plain, granulated sugar, cinnamon sugar, and glazed. Their recipe includes nutmeg and potato flakes. Prices range from $1.90 for a single doughnut to $20 for a dozen. Reach them at 717-431-4297 for more information.

Hellam Market – 110 Ducktown Road, Hellam

The market is accepting fastnacht orders through March 9 and offers plain, glazed, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar options priced at $6.99 for a half dozen. Orders can be placed by calling 717-252-2540.

Giant and Karns Stores – Multiple Locations

Giant stores have fastnachts available for $1 each, $5 for a half dozen, and $10 per dozen, featuring plain, powdered, granulated sugar, cinnamon sugar, and glazed varieties. Karns’ offerings include similar options made with potato flour for $5.99 per six-pack, with pre-orders accepted.

Maple Donuts – Multiple Locations

Maple Donuts is also taking orders at its four York County bakeries. Their fastnachts—powdered, granulated sugar, plain, and glazed—are priced at $1.59 each, $8.99 for a half dozen, and $14.49 for a dozen. Additionally, they carry paczki, a type of Polish doughnut with assorted fillings.

Former Paulus Orchards – 522 E. Airy Road, Dillsburg

Here, patrons can find fastnachts priced at $5.99 for four or $7.99 for a half dozen, featuring plain, powdered sugar, and glazed options. Call 717-432-2544 to learn more.

Market Outside Mechanicsburg – 846 Fisher Road, Monroe Township

This market is offering plain, glazed, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar fastnachts for $1.50 each, with half dozens priced at $7.99 and dozens at $13.99. Cream-filled fastnachts are available for $10.99 for a half dozen or $1.99 each. The market opens at 6 a.m. Orders can be placed in person or by calling 717-766-2216.

Camp Hill Bakery – 1713 Market St., Camp Hill

The bakery is selling fastnachts for $18.95 per dozen, available in plain, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, granulated sugar, and glazed. Specialty fastnacht cupcakes are also available for $3.50 each, while Mardis Gras cakes are priced at $21.50.

St. Cecilia’s – 120 E. Lehman St., Lebanon

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, St. Cecilia’s fastnacht sale runs for only two days starting February 28. Available for $14 per dozen, with a limit of six dozen, the sale begins at 11 p.m. on February 28 and continues until sold out by March 2. No preorders are accepted.

Weis Grocery – Multiple Locations

Weis is selling glazed, plain, powdered, and granulated sugar fastnachts for $7.99 a dozen or $4.50 for a half dozen. The grocery will also offer paczki in four-packs for $6.50, with assorted fillings.

As Fat Tuesday approaches, those in central Pennsylvania have a unique opportunity to partake in this time-honored culinary tradition, with many bakeries eager to provide locals with their favorite fastnachts.