If you haven't tried the lemon cake YOU MUST! It was super moist, very lemony and beautiful. We…read morehad 12 guests who were blown away by the flavor. The staff is very accommodating and friendly. You won't be disappointed by anything at the "lovin' oven"

We were heading to visit family in the area for dinner and were asked to bring dessert. While…read moredriving through Stayton, my wife remembered The Lovin Oven from years ago. We also recalled that there was some connection to Gerry Frank's Konditorei in Salem, which immediately caught our interest. After doing a little research, we discovered there's a deep and fascinating history linking the two businesses. The Lovin Oven began in 1983, when founder Doreen Helmemn operated the bakery out of her home. In 1993, the business expanded into a small storefront in downtown Stayton after being purchased by Mike and Valerie Schultz. Mike, who was formerly a logger, was personally taught cake decorating by the original founder, an origin story that adds to the bakery's charm and authenticity. One of the most interesting details we learned is that The Lovin Oven is the primary baker for Gerry Frank's Konditorei in Salem, a partnership that dates back to the 1980s. That relationship grew even stronger in 2017, when the Schultzes became co-owners of the Konditorei. Many people enjoying desserts at high-end restaurants throughout the region may not realize that their cakes were baked in Stayton. The Lovin Oven is especially well known for its Champagne Raspberry cake, Marionberry cheesecake, and an impressive variety of gourmet bars and cookies. Their menu also includes cakes, cheesecakes, cinnamon rolls, brownies, cupcakes, and more, something for just about every dessert preference. The bakery itself is housed in an industrial-style building that includes the production bakery, a storefront, and a small seating area where you can enjoy your treats on site. The outside is a unique with a black painted brick exterior. The customer facing area of the inside is industrial. We picked up a selection of cupcakes to take to dinner and were quickly back on the road. The cupcakes were a hit, everyone loved them, and they disappeared fast. It felt great to share something local with such a rich backstory. Overall, this was a fantastic experience, and we're glad we stopped. If you find yourself passing through Stayton or looking for high-quality desserts in the Willamette Valley, The Lovin Oven is absolutely worth checking out.