I don't know what it is about donuts, but one bite and I'm grinning from ear to ear. They're just impossible to resist.
Today I'm rounding up 19 of my favorite unique donut flavors that take the classic treat to a whole new level of fun. Come see which ones you'll want to bake first.
1. Powdered Sugar Old Fashioned Donuts
They may be old fashioned, but they're anything but dated. Sticky fingers and a dusting of sugar on your nose will instantly transport you back to childhood. Mix the dough with a light hand to keep the crumb tender, and absolutely pile on the powdered sugar.
2. Lemon Baked Donuts with Lemon Glaze
I love that I can enjoy a baked donut for breakfast and feel zero guilt. Since they're baked instead of fried, they almost count as health food, right?
Okay, maybe not an everyday thing, but they're just right for a midweek treat. If you want the boldest lemony punch, swap out the lemon juice for lemon extract.
3. Donuts with Chocolate Frosting
I'm obsessed with the dramatic contrast of a pale vanilla donut against a deep, dark chocolate glaze. Add a shower of colorful sprinkles and you've got a truly incredible snack. The frosting is basically a chocolate ganache, so it's intensely rich, with a little butter thrown in for that gorgeous glossy shine.
4. Maple Bacon Glazed Donuts
After a few years living in Canada, I can personally vouch for how incredible maple and bacon are together. One bite and you'll be hooked.
Make sure you reach for real maple syrup to get that pure, deep flavor. And here's a tip: save the bacon drippings after frying because they make an amazing glaze.
5. Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts
The batter here mimics a really good chocolate cake, with sour cream to deliver incredible moisture. Every bite tastes like a slice of decadent chocolate cake, but in donut form. Baking them as donuts gives them a sturdy crumb that travels beautifully, making them a perfect stand in for a full sized cake.
6. Orange Olive Oil Sticky Baked Donuts
I'm a big fan of the fruity depth that olive oil brings to a cake, especially paired with bright, fragrant orange. Just be gentle and avoid overmixing the batter.
No olive oil on hand? A neutral oil works beautifully too. For a simple, colorful finish, scatter some fresh orange zest over the top.
7. Carrot Cake Baked Donuts
I'd take a baked donut over a cupcake any day. They're just as tender, without that mountain of frosting.
I love frosting, don't get me wrong, but a lighter glaze means I can happily go back for seconds (or thirds). These carrot cake donuts have the ideal texture for a baked ring: sturdy enough to keep their shape and wonderfully moist inside.
8. Chocolate Mint Donuts
The cooling zing of mint and deep, rich chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven; they balance each other perfectly. For an extra minty kick, add a few drops of mint oil or stir some melted mint chocolate right into the glaze.
9. Coconut Key Lime Donuts
I fell for key lime years ago down in Key West, and that love has only gotten bigger. The combo of lime and coconut here is pure tropical refreshment; you'll be glad you made a double batch.
The one upgrade that would take these over the top? A generous filling of homemade key lime curd.
10. Red Velvet Cake Donuts
These only come out once a year for me, on Valentine's Day. They're the sweetest little something for loved ones, friends, and even coworkers. Topped with a swoop of cream cheese frosting, these vivid red donuts are an absolute must.
11. Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts
These cozy little rings are so irresistible, you'll be reaching for one before they even have a chance to cool. They come together quickly and land on your table in under an hour. Roll them in cinnamon sugar while they're still warm to get that perfect sugary crust, and a drizzle of caramel never hurts.
12. Boston Cream Filled Donuts
A soft, pillowy donut stuffed with pastry cream is simply unbeatable. This is, no contest, my favorite donut on the planet.
Short on time? Sneak in a little shortcut and use vanilla pudding in place of the homemade pastry cream. You'll slash the prep time and still get that same dreamy creaminess.
13. Chocolate Donuts with Peanut Butter Glaze
Okay, chocolate and mint are lovely together, but peanut butter and chocolate? That's the ultimate champion. The peanut butter glaze here is thick and luxurious, and I'm pretty sure a final drizzle of salted caramel would send it straight into legendary territory.
14. Funfetti Baked Donuts
These donuts are classic and cute, with just enough funk to steal the spotlight at any party. A platter of glazed donuts showered in rainbow sprinkles is basically impossible to walk past. I adore how the bright pops of color look against the white glaze, but feel free to use a colorful glaze for even more flair.
15. Baked Blueberry Donuts
Much like a blueberry muffin, these donuts are a brilliant choice for brunch or afternoon tea. They're loaded with sweet berries and go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee. They're lovely plain, but for a touch more sweetness, whisk a bit of blueberry juice into powdered sugar and drizzle it over the top.
16. Jelly Baked Donuts
You know that moment when you bite into a jelly donut and the filling squishes out the opposite side? It's gloriously messy and completely worth it. A yeasted dough gives these baked beauties a fluffy, almost fried texture.
17. Strawberry Cake Baked Donuts
For me, donuts and a pink glaze just belong together. It's unbearably cute and so hard to say no to. The strawberries bring a delicate, sweet note to the donut, and when you add that glossy strawberry glaze, this one might just become your new favorite.
18. Pineapple Upside Down Donut Rings
These donuts are almost too adorable. Placing a slice of pineapple right on top is pure brilliance because every single bite explodes with tropical flavor. If you want a quick glaze, just whisk a little of the pineapple juice with powdered sugar.
19. Banana Bread Donuts with Brown Butter Caramel Glaze
With every word of that name, my eyes got wider. Banana bread donuts?
A brown butter caramel glaze? I'm pretty sure I've landed in dessert paradise. If you've never browned butter, no stress; it's easy as long as you give it a little patience.