20 Popular Types Of Donuts, Explained

There's something universally delightful about starting the day with a freshly baked donut. For many of us, the allure of local bakeries, with a tempting array of extravagant pastries and toppings, is irresistible. The world of donuts is vast and varied, with establishments constantly innovating, crafting extraordinary flavors, and elevating the humble donut into an art form. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of creativity, sometimes all we crave is the comforting simplicity of a classic donut.

Understanding the foundations of this beloved pastry is key. Not every donut shop offers a guidebook to its range; many assume a baseline knowledge of what each type brings to the table. So, whether you're an aficionado seeking to refine your palate or simply aiming to make selecting next weekend's baker's dozen a breeze, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with the basic varieties that are popular, interesting, and delightfully unique in their own tasty ways.

Historically, apple fritters have deep roots in European culinary traditions, often making their anticipated appearance in Christmas markets across countries like Germany and Italy. Yet, there's a notable difference between the continents: In America, apple fritters are renowned for their grandiose size and slightly irregular shape. They are massive in diameter as well as height. In Europe, apple fritters often adopt a more classic donut appearance, sometimes even featuring a central hole.

The term fritter traces its origins in Latin, signifying something fried. Fritters can be both sweet and savory, but apple fritters are unapologetically sweet, combining the comforting allure of spiced apples with soft, fried dough. We think these are basically the perfect fall donuts and go perfectly with a steaming cup of cider.

The Boston Cream donut is the perfect name for this special pastry, as it is a geographical nod to its birthplace but also deliciously alludes to the luscious custard that nestles within. The story of the Boston Cream donut finds its roots in the historic Parker House Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. Packed with a velvety vanilla custard, this donut became an instant classic.

While Dunkin' certainly played a pivotal role in catapulting the Boston Cream to incredible fame, it's important to note that the donut world boasts a variety of renditions of this classic. However, the quintessential Boston Cream must possess two key features: the creamy custard heart and a glossy chocolate crown. It's a harmonious blend that offers the best of both sweet realms, making it a perennial favorite for many.

Among the myriad of donuts hailing from around the world, a contribution from Denmark Americans know as the bear claw is actually a kamime in Denmark. It's distinctive in both taste and appearance.

Layer upon layer of airy dough creates a flaky, buttery foundation for this pastry. Each bite offers a delightful juxtaposition: The rich, buttery texture of the dough melds seamlessly with a subtly sweet topping. The Bear Claw's distinctive look mirrors its name, carved into sections that mimic the segmented digits of a bear's claw.

For the adventurous home baker keen to recreate this Danish delight, there are shortcuts available. Using ready-made puff pastries or even a can of Pillsbury dough can emulate the Bear Claw's characteristic texture. Still, no matter the method, the filling remains a focal point. Many gravitate towards the almond filling, whose nutty richness complements the delicate sweetness of the pastry.

The cruller, regardless of whether it's spelled with a c or a k, represents a unique facet of the vast donut universe. What sets it apart is its textural duality: The outer layer offers an almost temptingly crunchy embrace, only to reveal a soft, rich interior that seems to burst with flavor upon the first bite.

This intriguing pastry doesn't belong to just one culture; it boasts a diverse heritage. The Dutch, German, and Polish culinary traditions have all staked a claim in their origins. This widespread presence speaks volumes about its universal appeal.

While the methods of preparation and flavor nuances might differ across cultures, the foundational concept remains consistent: A deep-fried pastry with a distinctive texture. Its twisted or braided design not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its unique texture.

At first glance, discerning between a Boston cream and a Bavarian cream donut can pose quite a challenge. Their exterior similarities make them look like twins in the world of pastries. However, like many things, the difference lies beneath the surface, in the heart of the donut — the filling.

On the other hand, the Bavarian cream donut takes a lighter approach to its filling. Unlike the dense custard of its Boston counterpart, Bavarian cream is more akin to a mousse, owed to the whipped cream and gelatin blend. This results in a fluffier, airy texture that's delightfully creamy. Aesthetically, Bavarian cream donuts are often sprinkled with a light dusting of powdered sugar, offering a subtle sweetness that complements its delicate filling. Thankfully, bakeries tend to label donuts clearly, so you won't need to dig into the donut to determine its actual flavor.

Beignets, often associated with the vibrant streets of New Orleans, are more than just pastries; they are cultural icons. These deep-fried square treats are deceptively simple yet irresistibly delightful. Made from dough that's expertly fried until golden brown, beignets are then generously dusted with powdered sugar, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Walking through the French Quarter of New Orleans, the aroma of freshly fried beignets is almost omnipresent, guiding visitors to famous spots like Café du Monde. It's not just a treat; for many, savoring a beignet is a rite of passage when visiting the Crescent City.

Beyond the bayous of Louisiana, the magic of beignets has found its way to the enchanting realms of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Here, the traditional beignet undergoes a delightful transformation, taking on the shape of the iconic Mickey Mouse. These Mickey-shaped beignets are more than just a whimsical play on the original.

In the broad spectrum of pastries and donuts worldwide, the German pastries, called Fasnachts, stand out with their distinctive shape and taste, since these can be both square and round. A subtle sweetness characterizes the Fasnacht, a departure from the overt sugary profiles of many contemporary donuts. This nuanced flavor can be traced back to its traditional ingredients: A mix of yeast and mashed potatoes, lending it a unique texture and taste.

But the Fasnacht is more than just its form and flavor; it's steeped in history. Its origins can be traced as far back as the 13th century, making it one of the older pastry traditions still alive and relished today. Rooted in pre-Lenten festivities, Fasnachts are traditionally prepared and consumed on Fat Tuesday, the day before the Lenten season commences. This custom is a nod to the idea of indulgence before the period of fasting and reflection.

A soft, fluffy donut, the malasada stands out with its golden-brown exterior, fried to perfection and generously coated in sugar. But beyond its delightful taste and texture, the malasada boasts an intriguing history that spans continents and centuries.

While malasadas are now synonymous with Hawaiian culture and cuisine, their origins date back further than that when, in 1427, the Portuguese settled on Sao Miguel, where the donut was popular. Fast forward to 1878, when Portuguese plantation workers made their way to Hawaii, bringing with them their customs, traditions, and, importantly, their delicious malasadas. As with many dishes that migrate, the malasada underwent a bit of a transformation in Hawaii. Still enjoyed simply, the islands' rich bounty of flavors, like coconut, also became popular fillings and tasty accompaniments to the traditional malasada.

Among the world of elongated donuts, the maple bar has carved a delectable niche for itself. Essentially, this treat is a variant of the traditional Long John, but it's the luscious maple glaze that sets it apart and gives it its moniker.

Hailing from Portland, a city known for its unique culinary creations, the maple bar rose to fame, particularly due to the innovative efforts of Voodoo Doughnut. While the maple bar can be found in bakeries across the United States but is certainly more popular in some places than others, Voodoo Doughnut, with its quirky approach and array of exciting offerings, helped cement its iconic status, making it almost synonymous with the city's vibrant food scene. This tasty creation is essentially an oblong donut with a maple glaze over the top.

In 2012, as the New York Giants geared up for a Super Bowl triumph, their taste buds were tingling for a very specific treat. They placed a special order for dozens of blueberry donuts from a quaint bakery located in Canfield, Ohio: the White House Fruit Farm.

This cake donut comes glazed, iced, and plain, and while the exact reason behind its immense popularity is somewhat elusive, the visually captivating light purple icing that gracefully drapes over the blueberry donut certainly helps add to the appeal. And while blueberry donuts are a popular pastry nationwide, there are certainly some bakeries that really knock it out of the park, like White House Fruit Farm. However, most often, when you find a blueberry donut in a bakery, it is a donut with a glaze rather than frosting, like the iconic offering at this farm.