Fastnachts are a Berks County tradition, enjoyed each year on Fat Tuesday – known locally as Fastnacht Day (or Fasnacht Day). The specialty donuts have already started arriving at bakeries across the county, and many local organizations will once again be hosting fastnacht fundraisers in time for Fastnacht Day on Tuesday, February 21. Here is our list of confirmed places to find fastnachts in Berks County in 2023:
Restaurants, Bakeries & Farm Markets
ACEC Farm & Market
Shoemakersville
ACEC is adding homemade fastnachts to its offerings. Available in plain or sugared, the fastnachts can be pre-ordered for pickup on February 4, 11 or 18. Limited quantities may be available in the store, but pre-orders are guaranteed. More on Facebook
Brooks Cafe
Douglassville
Every year, Brooks Cafe in Douglassville incorporates fastnachts into their February specials. This year, that has included fastnacht French toast. Watch their Facebook page for daily specials.
Dietrich’s Meats & Country Store
Lenhartsville
Each year, Dietrich’s Meats add fastnachts to its expansive array of Pennsylvania Dutch offerings. Calling in for pre-orders is recommended. Visit Website
Dutch-Maid Bakery
Temple
The Dutch Maid Bakery has fastnachts available at both of its locations – along Kutztown Road in Temple and at the Fairgrounds Farmers Market. The cost is $1.50 a piece, $8.00 per half-dozen and $13.50 for a dozen. More on Facebook
Echo Hill Country Store
Fleetwood
Echo Hill is another country store that is known for carrying on the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition with fastnachts every year. Visit Website
Fox’s Country Tea House
Stouchsburg
Fox’s Country Tea House is hosting its second annual Fastnacht Par-TEA on Saturday, March 4. The traditional four-course tea includes scones, German bean soup, Black Forest ham and swiss on rye, and fastnachts for dessert – all paired with your choice of tea (apple juice for the kids). The cost is $29.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids. More on Facebook
Frecon Farms
Boyertown
Homemade fastnachts will once again be available at Frecon Farms in Boyertown starting February 11 through February 25. Pre-order a half-dozen for $8.99 or a dozen for $15.99 and pickup in-store. Official Website
Hershey Harvest
Laureldale
Each year, Hershey Harvest brings back homemade fastnachts which they advertise are made with real mashed potatoes. Visit Website
Kirbyville Farm Market
Kirbyville
The Kirbyville Farm Market (Route 222 south of Kutztown) is once again offering fastnachts, homemade from the market’s bakery. Fastnachts are available powdered or plain. More on Facebook
Nitro Bar
West Reading
The Nitro Bar has added house-made fastnachts to the menu in advance of Fat Tuesday. Quantities are limited to check in advance for availability. Facebook Post
Other Farm Brewing Company
Boyertown
Boyertown’s Other Farm Brewing Company has added a range of fastnacht specials to the menu, including fastnacht bacon cheeseburgers, fastnacht chicken sandwich and fastnacht apple and sweet custard. Facebook Post
PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing
Wyomissing
Becca’s Gourmet Coffee and Donuts at the Farmers Market of Wyomissing has fastnachts available – glazed, powdered or plain – for $1.25 each, $6.95 for a half-dozen, or $12.95 for a full dozen. More on Facebook
Plum Creek Farm Market
Bernville
Plum Creek is offering four packs of fastnachts for pre-order with limited in-store availability on February 21. At $4.99 for four fastnachts, guests can choose from sugar, powdered sugar, glazed or plain – or a combination of all four. More on Facebook
Shady Mountain Market
Fleetwood
Among the many baked goods available at Shady Mountain Market are fastnachts, which you can find in store every January and February. Visit Website
Weaver’s Orchard
Morgantown
Fastnachts are back at Weaver’s Orchard and available in five varieties: plain, glazed, powdered, sugared, or cinnamon sugar. Facebook Post
Fastnacht Fundraisers & Events
Berks History Center
Reading
The Berks History Center is hosting a Fastnacht Day program on February 21. The drop-in tasting event is $5 for members and $8 for non-members. Each guest will receive a half-dozen fastnachts to take home. More on Facebook
Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles
Boyertown
For the first time since 2020, the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles is bringing back its Fastnacht Day event. On Tuesday, February 21, museum-goers are invited to sit down in the historic Reading Diner, now part of the museum’s collection, for fastnachts and coffee. Fastnachts will be just 25 cents and coffee is available for just 5 cents with paid admission to the museum. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event Page
Historic Joanna Furnace
Plowville
The Hay Creek Valley Historical Association is once again hosting a fastnacht fundraiser. Pickup is February 21 at historic Joanna Furnace. Preorder by February 14. Cost is $10 per dozen and $6 per half-dozen. Event Page
Kutztown Fire Company
Kutztown
One of several local fire companies hosting a fastnacht sale this year. Orders are due by Friday, February 17 and can be picked up during a drive-through pickup on Sunday, February 19. Fastnachts will also be at the Community Table at Renninger’s on Saturday, February 18. Event Page
Mt. Penn Fire Company
Mt. Penn
For the 55th time, the Mt. Penn Fire Company is hosting its annual fastnacht sale. Fastnachts will be available for order for pickup on February 18-19. Event Page
Dice’s creative cakes. they have the old fashioned potatoe fastnachts
Good to know that someone still makes the potato version. IMHO the best!
Great article, thanks!